Connotations
What connotations does the word 'crushed' bring in the phrase 'crushed by the endless rain,' and how do they contribute to the tone?
The word 'crushed' connotes oppression and despair, enhancing the tone of hopelessness.
What are the names of the 2 main characters?
Jim and Della
Define the word in bold, and describe what context clues helped you understand the meaning of the word:
You must not be indiscriminate when you are shopping for shoes. Carefully consider which shoes will be best for you before making your purchase.
Done without care or seemingly at random; not making a reasoned judgment
The person telling the story is called the ____.
NOTE: Triple points if you can explain what it's called when this person lies to the reader or leaves out important details in the story.
Narrator (Bonus points: unreliable narrator)
Describe what happens when someone wins the lottery in "The Lottery". NOTE: You must be VERY specific!
The townspeople throw rocks at them until they die.
Identify at least 3 different connotations for the color green.
1. Nature
2. Health
3. Envy/Jealousy
4. Wealth/Prosperity/Money
5. Danger (Radiation/Toxic)
What is the character's main concern at the beginning of the story?
She is worried about not having enough money to buy her husband a proper Christmas gift.
Define the word in bold, and describe what context clues helped you understand the meaning of the word:
Though Kathy and I are both technically store clerks, Kathy is always trying to tell me what to do because of her imperious nature.
Taking a role of authority without justification; bossy
What is the term for a moment in the story where the tension reaches its highest point?
The climax
Identify the types of irony.
1. Verbal
2. Situational
3. Dramatic
In the description 'they turned on her and surged toward her,' how do the connotations of 'surged' affect the tone?
'Surged' connotes an overwhelming, uncontrollable force, contributing to a tone of aggression or chaos.
What are the 2 main characters' most prized possessions?
Della: Her long hair
Jim: His gold pocketwatch
Define the word in bold, and describe what context clues helped you understand the meaning of the word:
Julia had a difficult time trudging up the snowy hill with her textbook laden book bag.
Loaded down or heavily burdened by something
Which narrative technique uses detailed descriptions to help readers visualize the story?
Sensory language or imagery
Identify at least four different ways in which informal writing is different from formal writing.
1. Formal writing typically doesn't include 1st person
2. Vocabulary: Informal writing can use slang or colloquialisms
3. Language: Informal language can use contractions
4. Tone: Conversational and relaxed vs. objective and respectful
5. Audience: Friends and family vs. academic/business/strangers
6. Sentence Structure: Complex vs. simple
What color can symbolize wisdom or age but may also evoke dullness or ambiguity?
Gray
Describe the irony at the end of the story.
The irony is that both Jim and Della sacrifice their most valuable possessions to buy each other gifts that are now useless—Della’s combs can’t be used without her long hair, and Jim’s chain is useless without his pocket watch.
Define the word in bold, and describe what context clues helped you understand the meaning of the word:
Ms. Witherspoon was shocked that the snickering bill collector was brazen enough to rest his feet on the antique grand piano, with his shoes on of all things, while she ran to get her checkbook.
Shamelessly shocking and offensive
How does the choice of an objective versus omniscient narrative point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the characters and events in a story?
An objective point of view presents events without delving into characters’ thoughts or feelings, requiring readers to infer motivations and emotions from actions and dialogue, which can create ambiguity, realism, or mystery. An omniscient point of view provides direct insight into multiple characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, offering a comprehensive understanding of events and relationships but potentially reducing narrative tension or mystery.
Identify the name of the military officer getting a shave in "Just Lather, That's All".
Captain Torres
In the line 'it was a nest of weeds and dead flowers,' what connotations do 'weeds' and 'dead' bring, and how do they shape the tone?
'Weeds' connotes neglect and worthlessness, while 'dead' connotes lifelessness, together creating a tone of decay and desolation.
How does the setting (time and place) of the story contribute to its theme?
The story is set in a modest apartment during Christmas in New York, emphasizing the couple’s financial struggle and making their sacrifices even more meaningful, as they give up what little they have to express their love.
Define the word in bold, and describe what context clues helped you understand the meaning of the word:
Janice loved the exuberant feeling of the market during the holiday season.
High-spirited, energetic, positive/hopeful/optimistic
What's the difference between editing and revising?
Editing polishes the writing for correctness and readability (grammar, spelling, punctuation).
Revising enhances the overall content, focusing on meaning, structure, and impact (strong narrative, removing irrelevant details, adding clarity).
Identify the year or decade in which Albert Camus died.
1960