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Date ____________
"Two Friends" by Guy de Maupassant (text page 96)
"Damon and Pythias" retold by William F. Russell (text page l02)
Literary Focus: Climax
In many stories, you are introduced to characters and a central conflict that drive the story
forward. The series of events related to the introduction, development, and resolution of this
conflict is the plot, and the climax of a story is the moment in the plot at which the story's tension
is the greatest. Writers build toward climaxes in different ways-some with a great deal of
suspense, some with a more subtle style-but at the climax of any story. the reader knows that
something important is about to happen and that the outcome of the story is near.
DIRECTIONS: Below are passages from "Two Friends" and "Damon and Pythias." Identuy the sentences
in the passages that express each story's climax.
1. "Two Friends"
Then he rose suddenly, approached the two Frenchmen. took MorIssot by the arm, dragged
him aside. whispered to him. "Quick. the password? Your friend won't know. I'll pretend to relent."
MorIssot answered not a word.
The Prussian drew M. Sauvage aside and put the same question.
M. Sauvage did not answer.
They stood side by side again.
And the officer began to give commands. The soldiers raised their rifles.
2. "Damon and Pythias"
Great excitement stirred the crowd that had gathered to witness the execution, for all the
people had heard of the bargain that had been struck between the two friends. There was
much sobbing and cries of sympathy were heard all around as the captive was brought out,
though he himself somehow retained complete composure even at this moment of darkest danger.
Presently the excitement grew more intense still as a swift runner could be seen approaching
the palace courtyard at an astonishing speed....
© Prentice-Hall, Inc. Two Friends/Damon and Pythias 29