Vocabulary give the word
Vocabulary give the definition
Literary Devices
Themes
Details
100

Ruminate

To think deeply, slowly, and repeatedly about something

100

Dynamic

Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress

100

"elephant in the room" is this kind of literary device

what is a metaphor

100

This central them is about what Randy Pausch will leave to his children and wife after he dies. He views this lecture as what will live on after he dies.

What is Legacy

100

This childhood dream of Pausch involved experiencing weightlessness, which he later achieved through a special flight.

What is zero gravity?

200

Frugal

Simple and plain; costing little; avoiding waste

200

Intricacies

The complex, detailed, or complicated parts of something.

200

"...but being considered the best speaker in a computer science department is like being known as the tallest of the seven dwarfs" is this kind of literary device?

What is a simile?

200

In Part 1, Pausch reflects on goals like working with Disney Imagineering and experiencing zero gravity to show the importance of pursuing these early life ambitions.

What is Achieving Childhood Dreams?

200

Pausch worked with this company’s Imagineering team, fulfilling one of his childhood dreams related to creativity and design.

What is The Walt Disney Company?

300

Epiphany

a moment of sudden, intuitive, and striking realization that shifts one’s perspective on a situation or reveals a deeper, essential truth.

300

Detriment

Harm or damage that negatively affects someone or something.

300

"Under the ruse of giving an academic lecture, I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children." is this kind of literary device

What is a metaphor?

300

Pausch describes “brick walls” as challenges that exist not to stop us, but to test determination and filter out those who lack commitment.


What is Overcoming Obstacles (“Brick Walls”)?

300

This phrase is used by Pausch to describe obstacles that test how badly someone wants to achieve a goal.

What are brick walls?

400

Vanity 

excessive pride in one’s own appearance, achievements, or abilities, often characterized by conceit

400

Badgering

Repeatedly bothering or pressuring someone with questions or requests.

400

"her casual remark was a reminder about the accidental elements that play into both our arrival into life... and our departure into death" is this kind of literary device

what is juxtaposition?

400

Even while facing terminal illness, Pausch models this mindset by emphasizing honesty, humility, and appreciation for life in his lecture.

What is Optimism and Positive attitude?

400

This university is where Pausch was a professor and delivered his famous “Last Lecture.”

What is Carnegie Mellon University?

500

Cynicism

A belief that people are mostly motivated by self-interest, often leading to distrust or pessimism.

500

Pragmatism

A practical, results-oriented approach to problems or decisions.

500

Randy Pausch feeling great and looking healthy while dying of pancreatic cancer is an example of this literary device.

What is cognitive dissonance?

500

Pausch emphasizes this concept through lessons from his parents and mentors, showing how honest, direct input—sometimes difficult to hear—helps people grow and improve.

What is The Value of Honest Feedback (“Head Fakes”)?

500

In Part 1, Pausch credits this high school football coach with teaching him foundational life lessons about discipline, fundamentals, and perseverance.


Who is Coach Graham?