Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket

Jack Finney includes details about Tom Benecke’s clothing, job, and home throughout “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” These details help readers picture Tom and better understand his personality. Write a character sketch of Tom, using specific details from the story. Then share your sketch with the class. Discuss the sketches with your classmates. What different things about Tom did the class find? Did most students imagine Tom in a similar way, or did people differ in their conclusions about him?