The Hobbit
CHR: Bilbo is described as having a "T_____-ish" nature to him. What is that nature, and how does that internal trait function in the story?
Bonus 100 x each additional func analyzed
CHR: Who is both a mother and (oops!) a wife?
Bonus 100 x each func: What are the story functions of her positionality in society?
Queen Jocasta
T: What is an underlying interpretaion of the work as a whole?
Bonus 100 x each additional interpretation you can make
Answers may vary, but possibly include:
--The story argues that every seemingly prosperous society is built on invisible suffering, and that people must decide whether to accept the benefits that come from others’ misery or reject the system entirely.
etc.
CHR: Make an argument: Who is the main protagonist of the story, and the main antagonist, and why? (Must name names!)
Montresor is likely the protagonist despite his wicked behavior simply because he is given the "most screen time," while Fortunado is the antagonist preventing M from accomplishing his goal of revenge.
CHR: Name the author AND title of another book you've read. What is at least ONE function of an element of characterization in that book?
+ 100 for each additional func. analyzed!
Response needs to name at least one of the following vocab terms: Character foils, internal traits, external traits, motives, round or flat, static or dynamic, reader empathy, character progression (growth vs. decline), epiphany, character complexity, impersonal character, character archetype,
NAR: What is a function of the narration POV of the story?
Bonus 100 x each additional func. analyzed
(3rd-person omniscient) + analysis
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!
NAR: What is a function of the story's use of "frame" storytelling?
A frame story, or a story within a story (such as a story about a series of letters or diary entries) highlights how personal each character's progression is, and helps to humanize each character and emphasize their individual feelings.
STR: Explain a set of structural parallels or contrasts in the story and its function.
Bonus 100 x each additional parallel or contrast set.
The Omelas Festival vs. Revelations About the Child, or Collective Voice → Individual Choice, etc.
NAR: What is a function of the narration POV in the short story?
The 1st-person POV highlights the twisted, self-isolating anger harbored by the main character for his victim, and emphasizes the lack of NAR reliability.
NAR: Name the author AND title of another book you've read. What is at least ONE function of an element of narration in that book?
+ 100 for each additional func. analyzed!
Response needs to name at least one of the following vocab terms: Point of view (1st, 2nd, 3rd omniscient, limited, objective), physical or chronological narrative distance, control of details, perspective, narrative bias,
SYMB: Compare and contrast the symbolism of Sting to The Ring in THE HOBBIT (no LOTR lore!)
The Ring: Trickery, deception, power
Sting: Bravery, companionship, power
SYMB: Identify and analyze a key symbolic action that drastically impacts the rest of the plot.
+ 100 x each additional abstract identified AND justified.
Answers may vary. Killing Dracula, Mina not killing herself despite her infection, etc.
SET: How does the suffering of the child expose the hidden moral cost of Omelas’s happiness, and what does this reveal about the values of the society?
The suffering of the child exposes that Omelas’s happiness depends on a hidden act of cruelty. The entire society chooses to maintain its joy rather than free the child, which shows that their values prioritize collective comfort over individual justice. Even though the citizens feel pity, they ultimately accept the arrangement because it protects their own happiness. This reveals that Omelas is not a true utopia, but a society built on moral compromise. The few who walk away demonstrate that some individuals value conscience more than comfort.
SYMB: How would an underlying theme in the story be different if instead of luring his victim to the basement with the promise of alcohol, the narrator instead poisoned his victim's food at dinner?
The alcohol (especially alcoholism symbolizes social isolation and lack of control, which directly feeds into the dark terror associated with murder. Whereas food at dinner often represents communion and companionship, and would contrast the murderous intent of the main character.
SYMB: Name the author AND title of another book you've read. What are at least TWO functions of an element of symbolism in that book?
+ 100 for each additional func. analyzed!
Response needs to name at least one of the following vocab terms: symbolic character, symbolic setting, symbolic action, symbolic object
STR: What is the significance of the escalating conflicts in the story?
They emphasize Bilbo's humble upbringing and serve to drastically increase the tension of the story, as well as contributing to theme, etc.
SET: Explain the significance of the latter part of the book taking place in the highly populated London city.
It illustrates how danger can lurk even when one surrounds themselves with protection, it causes the reader to question whom they can trust, it hightens the contrast of Dracula's lack of humanity with the humans who surround him, etc.
SYMB: What do the child in the locked room and the city of Omelas symbolize? List at least 3 abstract ideas for each.
Moral compromise, the cost ofconvenience, hidden suffering, etc.
SET: Explain the significance of the basement cellar in the story.
The basement wine cellar represents the hidden, dark intentions the main character has for his victim, and also symbolizes alcoholism and "trapping oneself in their own vices."
SET: Name the author AND title of another book you've read. What are at least TWO functions of an element of setting in that book?
+ 100 for each additional func. analyzed!
Response needs to name at least one of the following vocab terms:location, environment, geography, historical time period, season, time of day, change of setting, contrasting settings, social construct, value systems, cultural acceptance, hierarchy, cultural esteem,
CHR: Analyze the function(s) of the collective "the dwarves" character throughout the novel
Bonus 100 x each additional func. analyzed
They represent cultural differences between men, dwarves, and hobbits, and illustrate the power of companionship, etc.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!
Complexity: what are two ironies present in Dracula, with an explanation of why each is considered ironic.
The beauty of the un-death is neither pure nor admirable
Verbal irony when Jonathan Harker first arrives at the Count's castle, and Dracula says, 'You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where the doors are locked, where of course you will not wish to go.
Complexity: What ethical dilemma do the citizens of Omelas face, and how do different characters respond to it? What does this reveal about the nature of morality and personal responsibility?
The citizens of Omelas face the dilemma of whether to accept their city’s happiness at the cost of one child’s suffering. Most citizens choose to stay, rationalizing the child’s misery as necessary for the greater good, which shows how people can prioritize comfort and conformity over moral action. A few individuals, however, walk away, refusing to participate in a system built on injustice. This contrast highlights the tension between societal pressure and personal conscience, suggesting that true morality may require rejecting collective norms when they are unethical.
Complexity: What is ironic about the protagonist's successful murder in this story?
Murder, which normally is associated with loss and terror, represents success and triumph for the main character.
STR: Name the author AND title of another book you've read. What are at least TWO functions of an element of structure in that book?
+ 100 for each additional func. analyzed!
Response needs to name at least one of the following vocab terms: progression, climax, exposition, flashbacks, flashforwards, foreshadowing, conflict types,