Parts of Speech
Identify the noun in this sentence: “The whale swam swiftly.”
whale
Define simile and give an example.
His mind wanders like a ferris wheel.
What is the role of the narrator in The Whale Rider?
The narrator in The Whale Rider provides insight into Maori culture and Kahu’s story.
Analyze the effect of the quote from A Doll’s House: “I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me.”
This quote reveals Nora’s growing self-awareness and determination to assert her independence, highlighting the theme of selfhood and the struggle against societal expectations.
What is imagery and why is it important in descriptive writing?
Imagery is descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create vivid pictures. It helps readers visualize scenes and emotions. (appealing to five senses)
What part of speech describes an action?
verb
Discuss the effect of personification in a line such as “The wind whispered secrets through the trees.” How does this device contribute to mood and theme?
Personification creates an eerie, intimate atmosphere, suggesting nature’s involvement in the narrative and reinforcing themes of mystery or fate.
How many acts does 'A Doll's House' have?
three
In The Whale Rider, what is the significance of the line: “She was the first female descendant who could speak the language of the whales”?
This line emphasizes Kahu’s unique connection to her heritage and destiny, symbolizing hope and the breaking of gender barriers within her community.
Identify an example of nature imagery in The Whale Rider.
Nature imagery example: descriptions of the ocean and whales symbolize strength and connection to heritage.
Find the adjective in this sentence: “The old house creaked loudly.”
old
Analyze the metaphor “Her voice was a cracked bell, echoing through the empty hall” and explain how it conveys character and mood.
The metaphor suggests fragility and resonance, implying the character’s vulnerability and isolation. The “cracked bell” evokes a haunting, imperfect sound that reflects emotional pain and loneliness, deepening the mood and reader’s empathy.
In The Whale Rider, how does the use of flashbacks to Paikea’s story contribute to Kahu’s character development?
The flashbacks to Paikea’s story establish a cultural and spiritual legacy that Kahu strives to live up to, deepening her connection to her heritage and emphasizing her role as a leader and bridge between tradition and modernity.
Analyze the use of symbolism in A Doll’s House.
The dollhouse itself symbolizes Nora’s confined and controlled existence, reflecting themes of oppression and the facade of a perfect family life.
What motif recurs in A Doll’s House and what does it represent?
The recurring motif of the dollhouse symbolizes control and confinement in A Doll’s House.
Explain the difference between a preposition and a conjunction.
preposition: provides information on the positional and temporal (time) aspect of a noun
conjunction: connecting words (FANBOYS)
Analyze the figurative language in the line: “The sea was a silver ribbon under the moonlight.” What effect does this metaphor create?
The metaphor compares the sea to a “silver ribbon,” emphasizing its beauty and calmness, creating a serene and magical atmosphere that reflects the connection between nature and the characters. It also suggests delicacy and continuity, reinforcing themes of heritage and belonging.
Discuss the significance of the climax in A Doll’s House.
The climax is Nora’s decision to leave, marking her assertion of independence and challenging societal norms.
Analyze the quote from A Doll’s House: “But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves. Nora: It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.” How does this exchange reveal gender roles and societal expectations?
This quote highlights the double standard in gender roles: men prioritize honor over love, while women are expected to sacrifice themselves for others. Nora’s response challenges this norm, exposing the play’s critique of patriarchal values and the oppression of women.
How is water imagery used symbolically in The Whale Rider?
Water imagery symbolizes life, renewal, and transformation in The Whale Rider.
Identify the adverb(s) in the sentence below and explain what question each adverb answers:
“She spoke very softly during the meeting yesterday.”
very (answers “to what extent?” — it modifies the adverb “softly”)
softly (answers “how?” — it modifies the verb “spoke”)
yesterday (answers “when?” — it modifies the verb “spoke”)
Examine the metaphor in the line from A Doll’s House: “I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was Papa’s doll-child.” How does this metaphor deepen our understanding of Nora’s situation?
This metaphor reveals Nora’s lack of agency and control, comparing herself to a doll controlled by others. It highlights her infantilization and objectification within both her family and marriage, underscoring the theme of oppression and her struggle for selfhood and independence.
Compare how the narrative perspectives in A Doll’s House and The Whale Rider influence the reader’s understanding of the protagonists’ struggles.
A Doll’s House uses a third-person dramatic perspective focused on dialogue and stage directions, which exposes Nora’s internal conflict through her interactions, while The Whale Rider employs a first-person narrative that gives intimate access to Kahu’s thoughts and cultural context, allowing readers to empathize deeply with her personal and communal challenges.
Discuss the significance of Nora’s statement: “I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are.” How does this line encapsulate the play’s themes of selfhood and emancipation?
Nora asserts her individuality and equality, rejecting the limited role imposed by society. This line is pivotal in expressing her awakening and desire for independence, embodying the play’s feminist message and critique of societal constraints on women.
How does the simile “the door, gleaming with yellow varnish, was like a little slab of toffee” enhance the reader’s understanding of the door?
The simile compares the door to a sweet, inviting object, emphasizing its bright, attractive appearance and evoking a childlike fascination. The yellow color elicits feelings of joy perhaps hinting at what lies behind it.