Prose Fiction Analysis
In The Great Gatsby, what does the green light symbolize?
Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire for Daisy.
What are the three essential components of a strong thesis for FRQ 3?
A defensible claim, reference to literary elements or themes, and alignment with the prompt.
In Robert Frost’s “After Apple-Picking,” what symbolizes the speaker’s weariness?
The ladder pointing “toward heaven” and the speaker’s drowsiness symbolize existential fatigue and approaching death.
What is the difference between tone and mood?
Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience, while mood is the emotional atmosphere felt by the reader.
When am I going to Beyonce's concert?
May 24, 2024
What narrative point of view is used in The Catcher in the Rye, and how does it affect the reader’s understanding of Holden?
First-person unreliable narrator; it provides a subjective, emotionally charged perspective.
Why is it important to select a literary work you know well for FRQ 3?
So you can provide detailed evidence and analysis that supports your argument confidently and coherently.
How does the use of iambic pentameter affect Shakespeare’s sonnets?
It creates a natural, rhythmic flow that mimics speech and elevates the poetic form.
What is juxtaposition and how is it used in literature?
The placement of two contrasting ideas or images close together to highlight their differences.
What is my favorite flower?
How is irony used in Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour”?
The protagonist feels free upon hearing of her husband's death, but dies when she discovers he is alive—an ironic twist on freedom and fate.
What should you avoid in your evidence for FRQ 3?
Plot summary without analysis.
How does the structure of a villanelle enhance the theme in Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”?
The repetitive structure reinforces the emotional urgency and insistence of resisting death.
Define paradox and provide a literary example.
A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth. Example: “I must be cruel to be kind” (Hamlet).
Other than English or teaching, what do I have a degree in?
Communications, concentrating in public relations
How does unreliable narration function in The Yellow Wallpaper?
It mirrors the narrator’s descent into mental illness and critiques patriarchal control over women’s health.
How can you demonstrate sophistication in your FRQ 3 response?
Through nuanced insights, clear line of reasoning, and effective use of language and transitions.
What is the effect of repetition in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”?
It emphasizes the narrator’s descent into madness and obsession.
How does diction contribute to tone in a literary work?
Word choice (diction) creates the emotional quality or attitude (tone) of the text, affecting how readers interpret characters and themes.
Which of my daughters is the oldest?
Skyler by 18 months
How does setting enhance the Gothic elements in Frankenstein?
The bleak, isolated settings reflect the novel’s mood of despair and monstrosity.
What does a successful line of reasoning look like in a literary argument?
Each piece of evidence directly supports your thesis and is followed by thoughtful commentary that explains its relevance.
How does persona function in dramatic monologues like Browning’s “My Last Duchess”?
The persona reveals character indirectly through speech, often exposing flaws the speaker is unaware of.
What is a frame narrative, and name a text that uses it.
A story within a story. Example: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
What are 3 of the 4 schools I went to?
CAU, SNHU, NYU, Purdue