Story of an Hour
What literary device is used when the “blue sky” is described after her husband’s death?
imagery
What thesis is supported by Chopin’s use of nature imagery as Mrs. Mallard looks out of the window?
Mrs. Mallard’s emotional transformation/
Mrs. Mallard welcomes newfound freedom
Define elixir.
A magical potion or cure-all; symbolizes life and renewal.
What are the characteristics of iambic pentameter?
-Each line has 10 syllables
- 2 couplets that rhyme
-one more line that does not rhyme
Identify the two devices in the following line:
“The rain hammered against the windows like angry fists.”
Personification and simile
What is the setting of the story, and how does it connect to Mrs. Mallard’s emotions?
A: The house and spring scene outside her window; it reflects her emotional rebirth and freedom.
Which thesis is best supported by the ironic ending (her sudden death)?
The ending critiques society’s cruel view of women through irony.
Define forestall.
To prevent or delay something from happening.
Would this be an example of a line written in iambic pentameter?
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
yes
Which thesis does the above example support?
“The rain hammered against the windows like angry fists.”
A. Personification shows how nature can describe human emotion.
B. Simile shows how heavy rain can be.
C. Personification shows how the rain is angry.
A. Personification shows how nature can describe human emotion.
Which moment in the story is an example of dramatic irony?
The doctors say she died of “joy that kills,” when in fact she died from despair at losing her freedom.
Which thesis is supported by Mrs. Mallard’s excitement for independence?
Freedom and marriage — she longs for independence after her husband’s death.
Define tumultuously.
Wildly, with great emotional disturbance.
What is the name of two rhyming lines, back to back polished and witty?
neoclassical couplet
Identify the device: “She smiled while her hands trembled; though she spoke of joy, her eyes betrayed sorrow.” (not imagery)
irony
Identify an example of foreshadowing in the story.
Mrs. Mallard’s weak heart is mentioned at the start, hinting at her death at the end.
Give one quote that supports the idea that freedom is central to Mrs. Mallard’s emotions.
“Free, free, free!” OR “There would be no one to live for her during those coming years.”
Identify whether this tone is subjective or objective:
“The experiment produced 12 distinct reactions, each within 30 seconds.”
subjective
What were the Puritans known for emphasizing in New England?
Strict religious devotion and moral codes
Which thesis does this line support? “She smiled while her hands trembled; though she spoke of joy, her eyes betrayed sorrow.”
a. Irony highlights the gap between appearance and reality.
b. Irony highlights the beauty of the child.
c. Irony shows the child is happy.
Irony highlights the gap between appearance and reality.
What does Mrs. Mallard’s repeated whisper of “free, free, free” reveal about her character?
Characterization — it reveals her longing for independence and suppressed emotions.
How does Chopin use both irony and imagery to critique society’s view of women?
Imagery of spring shows freedom; irony of her death shows society’s repression of women.
Identify whether this is subjective, objective, or detached:
“The child cried for several minutes. The mother did not respond.”
Detached tone.
In Young Goodman Brown, what biblical allusion is symbolized by the man’s serpent-shaped staff?
The serpent in the Garden of Eden (temptation, Satan).
How does symbolism in "The Story of an Hour" critique society’s restrictions? Give an example.
The window symbolizes Mrs. Mallard's desire to be free.