"The Interlopers"
What type of irony is apparent in the end of the story? Explain.
Situational irony - the hunters become the hunted
What does the black box symbolize?
Death, decay, and danger
What point of view is "The Gentle Rain" told from?
First person
What type of irony is present in the following quotation: "'I drink,' [Fortunato] said, 'to the buried that repose around us.' 'And I to your long life'" (Poe 4).
Verbal irony
Who is the author is "Thank You, M'am"?
Langston Hughes
How do both Georg and Ulrich develop over the course of the story?
They undergo a transformation from enemies to friends
Give an example of foreshadowing in the story.
The children collecting stones in the beginning
The men and women acting nervous
Describe the pilot's change in motivation from beginning to end.
Revenge --> Mercy
Give an example of symbolism from this story.
Wine - represents weakness
Nitre - webbing symbolizes entrapment, like the web Montresor is weaving for Fortunato
What do the blue suede shoes symbolize?
Materialism, greed
What is the climax of "The Interlopers" and how do you know?
Georg and Ulrich's reconciliation - the moment where they recon with the main conflict in the story (their hatred for each other)
Describe Old Man Warner's role in the story. What does he represent?
Represents blind adherence and loyalty to tradition
What could the title "The Gentle Rain" represent?
The dropping of bombs and the pilot's perception of his own mercy in choosing where he drops his "rain"
Why is Fortunato's name ironic?
It means "fortunate," and he most certainly is not
Name at least one other example of symbolism in the story.
Open door - freedom, a choice
Roger washing his face - renewal, moral growth
Shared meal - communion, forgiveness
Purse - temptation
Wine flask - communion and friendship
Fallen tree/wolves - the power of nature over human pride
Is Tessie Hutchinson a dynamic or static character? Explain why.
Dynamic - her attitude toward the lottery changes; when she becomes the victim, she realizes the unfair nature of the tradition
What type of irony is present at the end of the story and why?
Situational irony - the pilot believed he was sparing the town, when in reality, he destroyed what was most precious to them (their children)
Give an example of foils in the story and explain why.
Montresor - cold, calm, calculating, manipulative
Fortunato - loud & boastful, trusting, naive
Mrs. Jones shares her ten-cent cake with Roger. How does this moment help develop the reader's understanding of her character?
She is poor, but generous with what she has. She is a forgiving woman and believes people can change with care.
What is the story's resolution, and how does it contribute to the theme of the text?
The men are eaten by wolves (assumed)
Demonstrates that nature is indifferent to human conflicts
What message is Shirley Jackson sending about society?
Blind adherence to tradition is dangerous and asinine. It is normal and healthy for societies to change and evolve overtime.
The ending of the story emphasizes what theme?
The dangers of playing God
Is Montresor a dynamic or static character? Why?
Static - he remains vengeful throughout (although he experiences one brief moment of humanity, he squashes it)
"My heart grew sick--on account of the dampness of the catacombs" (Poe 7).
What could serve as a foil for Mrs. Jones's generosity?
The expectation of punishment after a crime