Plot & Setting
Characterization & Point of View
Theme & Conflict
Mood & Tone
Symbolism
100
Define plot and setting.
Plot:
100
Define characterization and point of view.
Characterization - the process by which the author reveals the personality of a character
Point of View - the perspective from which the story is told
100
Define theme and conflict.
Theme - central idea or underlying meaning of a story
Conflict - the problem in the story that triggers the action
100
Define mood and tone - what is the difference?
Mood refers to the feeling that the reader gets from the writing
Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the characters, situations, etc.
100
Define symbolism.
Symbolism - refers to the use of objects, events, characters, etc. to represent abstract ideas or concepts; not the literal meaning but the figurative or symbolic meaning!
200
What season is depicted in the story?
How does the setting influence the mood?
Season: late summer
The setting is vibrant and lush, filled with blooming flowers and the warmth of the sun. This idyllic backdrop creates an initial sense of innocence and beauty.
However, as the narrative progresses, the mood shifts dramatically as the summer setting, which initially symbolizes life and vitality, becomes a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of the world.
200
Describe key traits of the protagonist - direct or indirect?
Innocent, curious, joyful, resilient, naive
Through direct characterization, Walker presents Myop's playful nature and vivid appreciation for her environment.
Indirectly, her journey and the contrast between her initial joy and the grim discovery convey the profound transformation she undergoes, highlighting the complexities of her character as she confronts a harsh reality.
200
How does the internal conflict affect the protagonist?
The internal conflict primarily revolves around Myop’s struggle between her innocent perception of the world and the harsh reality she encounters.
This internal conflict is crucial in shaping Myop's character arc, marking the transition from innocence to a more profound awareness of life's complexities and the inherent dangers that accompany growing up.
200
What is the overall mood of the story?
The mood transitions from joyful and carefree to somber and reflective.
200
What do the flowers symbolize?
Innocence and Childhood, Fragility, Beauty and Joy, Life and Death
300
What event marks the story's climax?
Myop discovers the dead body of a lynched man in the woods.
300
What point of view is used in the story and how does it affect our understanding of the character?
Third-person limited point of view, focusing closely on the protagonist, Myop.
This perspective allows readers to access Myop's thoughts and feelings while maintaining a degree of narrative distance.
300
Describe a moment of external conflict.
A key moment of external conflict in "The Flowers" occurs when Myop discovers the dead body of the lynched man in the woods. This moment represents a dramatic clash between her innocent world and the harsh reality of violence and death.
300
What tone does Walker use to describe nature?
Walker employs a tone that is both lyrical and vivid when describing nature. This tone reflects the beauty and richness of the natural environment, emphasizing its role in Myop's childhood experience.
300
How is nature used as a symbol in the story?
Innocence and Joy: The vibrant and beautiful natural setting at the beginning create an idyllic atmosphere that represents a carefree and untainted view of the world, mirroring Myop's playful spirit.
Cycle of Life and Death: The natural world symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, encompassing both birth and decay. When Myop encounters the dead body, it underscores the inevitability of death and the fragility of innocence, suggesting that life is intertwined with loss.
Emotional Landscape: As the story progresses, nature mirrors Myop's emotional journey.
400
Describe how the setting contributes to the overall theme.
Theme of the loss of innocence:
The story begins in a rural, sun-drenched environment filled with vibrant flowers, representing Myop's innocent exploration of the world, highlighting her joy and connection to nature.
However, as Myop ventures deeper into the woods, the setting shifts from a place of innocence to one of stark reality. The discovery of the dead man's body amidst the flowers contrasts the earlier beauty with the harshness of death and violence. This juxtaposition underscores the theme that innocence can be shattered by the brutal truths of life, particularly in the context of racial violence.
400
How do other characters influence the protagonist?
Myop's Family: though not directly present in the story, Myop’s family, particularly her mother, plays an implicit role in her innocence. Their protective and nurturing environment allows Myop to explore freely, fostering her sense of joy and curiosity.
The Dead Man: the discovery of the lynched man is the most profound external influence on Myop. His presence starkly contrasts with her previously carefree exploration, forcing her to confront the violence and cruelty that exists in society. This encounter is pivotal in shattering her innocence and reshaping her understanding of the world.
400
How are the themes of innocence and loss portrayed?
Characterization of Myop: Myop is depicted as a carefree child who embodies innocence.
Imagery of Nature: The lush, vibrant descriptions of the flowers and the natural setting reflect Myop's innocent view of the world.
The Discovery of the Dead Man: The moment Myop discovers the lynched man marks a critical turning point, representing the loss of innocence.
Emotional Impact: The transition from a carefree child to a young person confronted with the realities of life underscores the theme of how innocence can be easily shattered.
400
How does the mood shift throughout the story?
The mood shifts from joyful and carefree to somber and reflective, mirroring Myop's transformative journey and underscoring the impact of her shocking discovery on her understanding of the world.
400
How does Walker use color imagery in her symbolism?
Vibrant Colors of Nature: rich descriptions of the landscape, filled with vibrant colors such as the bright hues of flowers and the warm sunlight. This imagery evokes feelings of joy, innocence, and beauty, symbolizing Myop’s carefree childhood and her connection to the natural world.
Contrast Between Beauty and Darkness: creates a stark contrast. The bright, cheerful colors associated with Myop's earlier experiences become jarring when juxtaposed with the grim imagery of the dead man. The transition from vivid colors to darker, more muted tones symbolizes the loss of innocence and the harsh realities that disrupt her idyllic world.
500
What is the significance of the protagonist’s journey?
In essence, Myop's journey illustrates the inevitable confrontation with reality that often accompanies the transition to adulthood, emphasizing themes of awareness, loss, and the impact of history on personal identity.
500
How does Alice Walker portray innocence in the protagonist?
Alice Walker portrays Myop's innocence through various elements of characterization and imagery: joyful exploration, naïveté, imagery of nature, symbolic actions, transformation.
Through these portrayals, Walker effectively conveys the theme of innocence, setting up a powerful contrast between Myop's initial joyful exploration and her abrupt confrontation with the realities of violence and death.
500
What message does Walker convey about nature?
Walker's portrayal of nature encapsulates both its nurturing qualities and its capacity to reflect the complexities and contradictions of human experience, ultimately contributing to the story's themes of innocence and loss.
Symbol of Innocence, Contrast with Harsh Realities, Connection to Identity, Cycle of Life and Death
500
Discuss how mood and tone affect the reader's experience.
Together, the mood and tone guide the reader through a journey from innocence to awareness.
They create an emotional landscape that heightens the impact of the narrative, allowing readers to fully engage with Myop’s experience and the larger themes of the story.
The shifts in mood and tone not only evoke strong feelings but also provoke thoughtful reflection on the complexities of life, childhood, and societal violence.
500
What is the implication of the protagonist’s name?
The name "Myop" is derived from "myopia," which refers to nearsightedness. This suggests a literal and metaphorical blindness to the broader realities of life.