American Lit. Exam 2 - Van Horn correct answers 2024
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American Lit. Exa
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American Lit. Exa
Name one of the texts you consider "great literature" and explain how it fits the criteria noted in Wright's article from the beginning of class. correct answers "How it Feels to be Colored Me" by Zora Hurston is a good example of great literature since it helps us see the world through different ...
Name one of the texts you consider "great literature" and explain how it fits the criteria
noted in Wright's article from the beginning of class. correct answers "How it Feels to
be Colored Me" by Zora Hurston is a good example of great literature since it helps us
see the world through different lenses, transports us into another age, it fosters
reflection, and it probably promoted change during that time.
What is symbolism and why is it significant in literature? Give 3 examples of significant
symbols we've discussed. For each example, name and explain the symbol and provide
the title and author of the text in which it appears. correct answers A symbol is
something that represents an abstract idea or belief. It's significant since it adds depth
to the story and helps the author better communicate the story's theme. In "Trifle" by
Susan Glaspell, one symbol is the birdcage since it represents how the wife is trapped
in her marriage. In "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the scissors represent
gender roles and strength. In "Hills like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway, the
depiction of the landscape (dry vs. lush) represents fertility vs. abortion.
Describe the key characteristics of Modernism in American Literature. Give a specific
example of these characteristics from one of our works. correct answers Modernism
focuses more on psychological elements, shows distrust in institutions, it's a revolt
against conservative values, and it revolves around individualism. One example is
"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell since it shows mistrust in institutions and the women are
essentially revolting against the men.
What was the Harlem Renaissance? Name 3 significant contributors to the movement.
correct answers The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural revival of African American
literature and art. Significant contributors are Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, and
Langston Hughes.
Describe Hemingway's iceberg principle and provide an example of the principle
reflected in one of the texts. correct answers The iceberg principle says only a small
portion of the story is visible, while a large portion of the underlying meaning is not
directly stated. One example is Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" since the
reader has to infer alot of what is going on in the story. For example, it's never directly
stated that the couple is discussing an abortion.
Name 3 significant facts about Ernest Hemingway's life correct answers Part of the
ambulance corps, committed suicide, and he was a reporter for a time
How was Hemingway perceived by the public? How did this perception affect public
response to him and his work? correct answers He was very popular and seen as
, having an adventurous and masculine persona. It covered his true struggles such as
alcoholism. The public admired him and always had a positive response to his work.
Describe the relationship of the characters in "Hills Like White Elephants." How are they
portrayed? correct answers The man and woman apparently have a romantic
relationship. This relationship is flawed since it seems the woman feels pressured to
have an abortion. While the man seems more controlling and pushes for the abortion,
the girl seems more timid and hopeful she won't have to get an abortion. In the end, it
sounds like the girl wants to make the man happy and decides to go through with the
abortion.
Why do you think the character in "Hills Like White Elephants" are unnamed? what
effect does this have on the story? correct answers One reason could be we don't get
as attached to the characters. Furthermore, since the characters don't have names, this
situation could be applied to many different couples.
Name three significant facts about John Steinbeck's life correct answers He won a
Nobel Prize, his works focused on labor, dropped out of Stanford
Describe the key themes and symbols in "The Chrysanthemum" correct answers
Themes: gender roles, oppression, farm life, isolation, rejection
Symbols: scissors: strength and gender roles - wine: life she wants vs. what she has -
chrysanthemums: Elisa and her situation
Describe Elisa's character in Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums." What kind of person
is she? correct answers She is free spirited, nurturing, strong, talented gardener, and
passionate. She's not content with her life and she longs for more freedom - she feels
trapped. She wished she could be like the traveling tinkerer.
Describe the setting in "The Chrysanthemums." How does the setting foreshadow the
ending of the story? What other instances of foreshadowing can you identify in the
story? correct answers The setting is Salinas Valley CA when it is bleak and foggy.
This foreshadows how Elisa was essentially betrayed - causing her to feel rejected and
depressed. Another instance of foreshadowing is the tinker's reaction to the flowers -
such as when he notes their bad smell. This shows how he will later abandon the
flowers.
Explain the end of "The Chrysanthemums." Why does Elisa cry? What does she mean
when she says "it will be enough if we can have wine. It will be plenty? correct answers
In the end, while Elisa and her husband are on their way to town, she spots where the
tinker dumped out the contents of the flower pot she gave to him. She cries since she
feels betrayed by the tinker. Since she realizes she can't have the amount of freedom
she hoped for, she thinks wine is probably the most excitement she's allowed to have in
her situation. She's settling for what she can have, since she realizes she can't have
what she wants.
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