Of Mice and Men
What is the dream that George and Lennie share?
Owning a small farm where they can live independently, be their own bosses, and "live off the fatta the lan'"
Who are the two feuding families in the play?
How are the characters lured to the island?
Under false pretenses, each receiving a seemingly legitimate invitation that masks a sinister motive.
What traumatic event does Melinda experience at the party?
She is raped by Andy Evans.
Analyze the significance of the heartbeat in "Tell Tale Heart".
The heartbeat is a powerful symbol representing the narrator's guilt, paranoia, and ultimately, his descent into madness.
Describe the relationship between George and Lennie.
A mix of friendship, responsibility, and dependence.
What event leads to Romeo's banishment?
Killing Tybalt
What is the main premise of the poem "Ten Little Soldiers"?
To foreshadow and mirror the systematic murders of the guests on the island.
How does Melinda's art project reflect her emotional state?
The evolving tree reflects her emotional journey from silence and trauma to healing and self-discovery.
In "Lamb to the Slaughter", how does the author build irony?
He employs both dramatic and situational irony, particularly focusing on Mary's unexpected actions and the audience's awareness of her deception.
How does Lennie's behavior lead to tragic consequences in the story?
Lennie's tragic fate stems from his mental disability, which leads to him unintentionally causing harm due to his strength and lack of understanding of his actions.
How do the motifs of fate and choice interact in the story?
Fate acts as an overarching force while individual choices shape the trajectory of the play.
Who is revealed to be the murderer at the end of the story?
Justice Wargrave
Why did Melinda see David Petrakis as a hero?
He embodies the courage and self-confidence she lacks.
How does alcohol affect the narrator in "The Black Cat"?
Alcohol makes the narrator both violent and angry, forcing him to lash out.
What role does Curley's wife play in the narrative?
She is the only female character directly featured in the novel, often objectified and portrayed as a "temptress," yet she also embodies the loneliness and disillusionment that can result from being confined by societal norms and expectations, particularly for women.
Analyze Juliet's character development throughout the play.
She transitions from a naive and obedient girl to a determined and independent young woman who ultimately makes choices that shape the tragic events of the play.
Discuss the motif of justice in the novel.
Judge Wargrave, the mastermind behind the deaths, operates under his own warped sense of justice, punishing those he deems guilty of murder, even if they were acquitted by the legal system, ultimately leading to a chilling commentary on the nature of morality and accountability.
How do Melinda's relationships with her peers change during the novel?
Melinda's relationships with her peers undergo a significant transformation, initially marked by exclusion and animosity, shifting towards cautious acceptance and eventual healing.
In "The Monkey's Paw", Analyze the symbolism of the paw.
The monkey's paw symbolizes the illusion of control over fate and the consequences of tampering with the natural order.
Discuss the motif of loneliness as depicted in the novel.
This motif is shown through the experiences of various characters, highlighting the isolation and lack of companionship prevalent in the lives of migrant workers in the 1930s.
What is the significance of the balcony scene?
It is a pivotal moment where their love is revealed, and it symbolizes their passionate, yet forbidden, relationship.
How does Agatha Christie build suspense throughout the story?
Through a combination of foreshadowing, isolation, and character psychology. The nursery rhyme, anonymous invitations, and the guests' own feelings of guilt and paranoia all contribute to a palpable sense of impending doom.
Discuss the theme of the importance of finding one's voice in "Speak."
This theme is central to Melinda's journey of healing and reclaiming her identity after a traumatic event.
How does "Flowers for Algernon" address ethics in science?
By raising questions about informed consent, the potential for human exploitation, and the potential consequences of prioritizing scientific advancement over human well-being.