QWERTYUIOP BY VIVIAN ALCOCK

SYNOPSIS

‘QWERTYUIOP’ by Vivien Alcock is about a young graduate named Lucy Beck who has just finished her ‘O’ levels at Belmont Secretarial College. Being a slow learner herself, she has no confidence that she will find a job. Fortunately, she is offered a job by Mr. Ross, the Manager of Ross and Bannister’s. During her first day, she encounters many peculiar incidents. Later, she finds out that there is a spirit lingering around the office who is adamant in holding on to her position as the company’s secretary. Towards the end of the story, Lucy tries to get rid of the spirit that has been haunting that place for many years by putting the spirit at peace.

CHARACTERS:

Lucy Beck :

·     seventeen years old·     lives with her mother and Uncle Bert

·     fresh out of secretarial college·     wants to improve her life – she is tired of being poor

 

Ghost of Ms. Broome :

She was the previous employee of Ross and Bannister’s. She is unwilling to let go of her position and continues to defend her post, even after her demise.

Lucy’s mother :

A housewife who lives a hard life. She has to support her brother.

4) Uncle Bert :

Depends on his sister for support. He is also a drunkard.

5) Harry Darke :

Ross and Bannister’s handyman. He is an old man who has been working with the company for years.

6) Mr. Ross : The younger partner of the company.

THEMES:

1) DETERMINATION:Despite the supernatural nature by which Ms. Broome badgers and demoralises Lucy, sheshows no signs of giving in to her demand. Instead, she is steadfast in defending her position asthe secretary.

2) POSSESSIVENESS:Not even death could part Ms. Broome from what she feels is rightfully hers. She continues tohaunt the office through her electronic typewriter.

3) LOYALTY:As with her possesiveness towards her job, Ms. Broome was also extremely loyal towards Mr.Bannister. Even after she passed on, her spirit continued in its endeavour to serve her employer.

4) LONELINESS:Loneliness can be a strong influence in a person’s life. Ms. Broome had no life outside of heroffice. That made her more possesive of her position in the company; a possessiveness thatwent beyond the grave.

5) COMMITMENT:This attribute can be clearly seen in both Lucy and Ms. Broome. Both are extremely committedto their profession.

6) THE SUPERNATURAL:It is interesting that such an integral character in the story happens to be an ethereal entity. Yet this theme is rather prominent in the story.

7) COMPASSION:This theme holds water especially in the final confrontation between Lucy and Ms. Broome. It isnot through hatred nor coercion that Lucy manages to outsmart Ms. Broome, rather, it wasthrough compassion and understanding of Ms. Broome’s intentions.

PLOT EXPOSITION – Lucy starts working in Ross and Bannister’s. Harry Darke gives her hints of

the haunting of the typewriter by Miss Broome. CONFLICT – Lucy types her letter but she is bewildered that her letter has extraordinary

words that are not typed by her. CLIMAX – Lucy retypes her letter but is challenged by Miss Broome who asks her to leave

and even threatens her. Lucy battles woth it by using correcting liquid to clean off words typed by Miss Broome.

FALLING ACTION – Lucy learns about Miss Broome and her haunting of the typewriter. RESOLUTION – Lucy types and talks to Miss Broome and convinces her to leave this world

peacefully and go to other world. Lucy keeps her job in Ross and Bannister’s.

SETTING:The story revolves around two main settings: -Lucy’s house which she shares with her motherand her Uncle Bert.-The office of Ross and Bannister’s where Lucy works as a secretary.

Be kind to others especially to those less fortunate : Lucy is both kind and sympathetic towards the ghost of Miss Broome and her Uncle Bert. She realizes that both these people feel rejected and lonely. Lucy shows her kindness by showing the ghost of Miss Broome that the reason why the company gave her a retirement is because they worry about her health. She also gives assurance to Uncle Bert that she and her mother want him to live with them as part of their family.

Work hard to gain success : Lucy is determine to be successful in her new job. Even though the ghost of Miss Broome interrupts her typing, she continues to type the letters although she has to stop regularly to correct the mistakes. In the end Lucy manages to complete a small number of letters which she leaves on Mr. Ross’s table.

Be strong when faced by problems : Even though Lucy faces problems from the ghost of Miss Broome, she still remains strong. Even after realizing that she was fighting a ghost she decided to continue fighting and not let the ghost scares her away.