In this story, a group’s diction bizarrely elevates as they ask about a “fundamental datum” defined as “the means by which the taken-for-granted mundanity of the everyday may be transcended.” George Saunders gives maxims like “A Story is Made of Things that Fling Our Little Car Forward” in an essay that uses this story as a perfect example of “rising action.” The narrator begins this story with a fumbling sentence about “you know, the root systems…and also the sense of responsibility.” When asked to demonstrate (*) love-making, (10[1])the narrator of this story tentatively embraces his assistant Helen. The room cheers wildly at the end of this story as the new gerbil (-5[1])walks through the door. (10[1])For 10 points, orange trees, a dog, and an orphan all perish in what Donald Barthelme short story about escalating death in a classroom? ■END■ (10[1]0[1])