William Faulkner’s (2019) “A Rose for Emily” (p. 851)

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  1. Week 3 – Written Response
    To wrap up this unit on integrating sources, you will now read an essay from your textbook. You will read two pieces:

    • William Faulkner’s (2019) “A Rose for Emily” (p. 851)
    • and Bailey Basinger’s (2019) “Tension, Contradiction, and Ambiguity: Gender Roles in ‘A Rose for Emily'” (p. 838)
    • While this is not a literature class, literature provides a good opportunity to not only think critically, one of the important goals of this course, but to practice quoting and citing.
      Task:
    • First, read Faulkner (2019). A rose for Emily. In R. Bullock & M.D. Goggin (Eds.), The Norton field guide to writings with readings (5th ed., pp. 851-860). W.W. Norton.
      • You may also choose to listen to the text as you follow along by clicking here.
    • Second, read Basinger’s analysis of Faulkner’s famous story.
    • When you finish, answer Question. 3 on p. 844. As you focus on the question, “What other quotations might she have used,” identify at least three quotes from Faulkner’s story. Explain the quote first. Then, explain how and why you would use each one in revising Basinger’s paper.
      • Please follow this method:
        Response to Question 3.
        100+ words

        “New Quote 1”
        1-2 sentence explanation of the quote itself
        1-2 sentence connection of the quote to Basinger’s argument

        “New Quote 2”
        1-2 sentence explanation of the quote itself
        1-2 sentence connection of the quote to Basinger’s argument

        “New Quote 3”
        1-2 sentence explanation of the quote itself
        1-2 sentence connection of the quote to Basinger’s argument

    • Your response should be 200+ words
    • Be sure to quote, cite, and reference Faulkner’s story and Basinger’s analysis.
    • Additional outside sources are optional.
  2. By submitting this paper, you agree: (1) that you are submitting your paper to be used and stored as part of the SafeAssign™ services in accordance with the Blackboard Privacy Policy; (2) that your institution may use your paper in accordance with your institution’s policies; and (3) that your use of SafeAssign will be without recourse against Blackboard Inc. and its affiliates.

Brief Question Answer About”Mericans” By Sandra Cisneros

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“Mericans” (1991)

By Sandra Cisneros

 

We’re waiting for the awful grandmother who is inside dropping pesos into la ofrenda box before

the alter to La Divina Providencia. Lighting votive candles and genuflecting. Blessing herself

and kissing her thumb. Running a crystal rosary between her fingers. Mumbling, mumbling,

mumbling.

 

There are so many prayers and promises and thanks-be-to-God to be given in the name of the

husband and the sons and the only daughter who never attend mass. It doesn’t matter. Like La

Virgin de Guadalupe, the awful grandmother intercedes on their behalf. For the grandfather who

hasn’t believed in anything since the first PRI elections. For my father, el Periquin, so skinny he

needs his sleep. For Auntie Light-skin, who only a few hours before was breakfasting on brain

and goat tacos after dancing all night in the pink zone. For Uncle Fat-face, the blackest of the

black sheep – Always remember your Uncle Fat-face in your prayers. And Uncle Baby – You go

for me, Mamá – God listens to you.

 

The awful grandmother has been gone a long time. She disappeared behind the heavy leather

outer curtain and the dusty velvet inner. We must stay near the church entrance. We must not

wander over to the balloon and punch-ball vendors. We cannot spend our allowance on fried

cookies or Familia Burron comic books or those clear cone-shaped suckers that make everything

look like a rainbow when you look through them. We cannot run off and have our picture taken

on the wooden ponies. We must not climb the steps up the hill behind the church and chase each

other through the cemetery. We have promised to stay right where the awful grandmother left us

until she returns.

 

There are those walking to church on their knees. Some with fat rags tied around their legs and

others with pillows, one to kneel on, and one to flop ahead. There are women with black shawls

crossing and uncrossing themselves. There are armies of penitents carrying banners and flowered

arches while musicians play tinny trumpets and tinny drums.

 

La Virgen de Guadalupe is waiting inside behind a plate of thick glass. There’s also a gold

crucifix bent crooked as a mesquite tree when someone once threw a bomb. La Virgin de

Guadalupe on the main alter because she’s a big miracle, the crooked crucifix on a side alter

because that’s a little miracle.

 

But we’re outside in the sun. My big brother Junior hunkered against the wall with his eyes shut.

My little brother Keeks running around in circles.

 

Maybe and most probably my little brother is imagining he’s a flying feather dancer, like the

ones we saw swinging high up from a pole on the Virgin’s birthday. I want to be a flying feather

dancer too, but when he circles past me he shouts, “I’m a B-Fifty-two bomber, you’re a German,”

and shoots me with an invisible machine gun. I’d rather play flying feather dancers, but if I tell

my brother this, he might not play with me at all.

 

“Girl. We can’t play with a girl.” Girl. It’s my brothers’ favorite insult now instead of “sissy.”

“You girl,” they’ll yell at each other. “You throw the ball like a girl.”

 

I’ve already made up my mind to be a German when Keeks swoops past again, this time yelling,

“I’m Flash Gordon. You’re Ming the Merciless and the Mud People.” I don’t mind being Ming

 

 

the Merciless, but I don’t like being the Mud People. Something wants to come out of the corners

of my eyes, but I don’t let it. Crying is what girls do.

 

I leave Keeks running around in circles – “I’m the Lone Ranger, you’re Tonto.” I leave Junior

squatting on his ankles and go look for the awful grandmother.

 

Why do churches smell like the inside of an ear? Like incense and the dark and candles in blue

glass? And why does holy water smell of tears? The awful grandmother makes me kneel and fold

my hands. The ceiling is high and everyone’s prayers bumping up there like balloons.

 

If I stare at the eyes of the saints long enough, they move and wink at me, which makes me a sort

of saint too. When I get tired of winking saints, I count the awful grandmother’s mustache hairs

while she prays for Uncle Old, sick from the worm, and Auntie Cuca, suffering from a life of

troubles that left half her face crooked and the other half sad.

 

There must be a long, long list of relatives who haven’t gone to church. The awful grandmother

knits the names of the dead and the living into one long prayer fringed with the grandchildren

born in that barbaric country with its barbaric ways.

 

I put my weight on one knee, then the other, and when they both grow fat as a mattress of pins, I

slap them each awake. Micaela, you may wait outside with Alfredito and Enrique. The awful

grandmother says it all in Spanish, which I understand when I’m paying attention. “What?” I say,

though it’s neither proper nor polite. “What?” which the awful grandmother hears as “¿Güat?”

But she only gives me a look and shoves me toward the door.

 

After all that dust and dark, the light from the plaza makes me squinch my eyes like if I just

came out of the movies. My brother Keeks is drawing squiggly lines on the concrete with a

wedge of glass and the heel of his shoe. My brother Junior squatting against the entrance, talking

to a lady and a man.

 

They’re not from here. Ladies don’t come to church dressed in pants. And everybody knows men

aren’t supposed to wear shorts.

 

“¿Quieres chicle?” the lady asks in a spanish way too big for her mouth. “Gracias,” The lady

gives him a whole handful of gum for free, little cellophane cubes of Chiclets, cinnamon and

aqua and the white ones that don’t taste like anything but are good for pretend buck teeth.

 

“Por favor,” says the lady. “¿Un foto?” pointing to her camera.

 

“Sí.”

 

She’s so busy taking Junior’s picture, she doesn’t notice me and Keeks.

 

“Hey, Michelle, Keeks. You guys want gum?”

 

“But you speak English!”

 

“Yeah,” my brother says, “we’re Mericans.”

 

We’re Mericans, we’re Mericans, and inside the awful grandmother prays.

Victor Frankenstein Recounts The Influences That Lead To His Great Experiment:

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Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, “Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.”

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy’s apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

Read this line from the text:

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention.

Which words from this passage did the author use to develop the theme of ambition?

[removed] New preceptors
[removed] Greatest diligence
[removed] Latter soon
[removed] Obtained my
Question 2 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Which of the following topics could be used to write a narrative using supporting details from this excerpt?

[removed] Victor’s experience studying a new science.
[removed] The reason Victor’s childhood heroes are the cause of his destruction.
[removed] Victor sees himself as all-powerful.
[removed] Victor wishing he had a different relationship with his father.
Question 3 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Read this line from Frankenstein:

If, . . . my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that . . . the powers of [Agrippa] were chimerical, . . . I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside. . .

A chimera is a deception or fantasy of the mind.

Why does the author use the word chimerical here?

[removed] To show that everything in the world seemed imaginary
[removed] To show that the narrator was an old man at the end of life
[removed] To show the principles seemed true when they were not
[removed] To show the narrator has been haunted by his own past for years
Question 4 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, “Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.”

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy’s apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

Which line from the text most clearly indicates the narrator wants to be seen as a victim of circumstance?

[removed] In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy;
[removed] A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father.
[removed] My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, “Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.”
[removed] It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin.
Question 5 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Which sentence uses syntax for emphasis?

[removed] Ask not what your country can do for you. . . John F. Kennedy
[removed] Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. . . George Washington
[removed] One man with courage is a majority. . . Thomas Jefferson
[removed] The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it. . . Abraham Lincoln
Question 6 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, “Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.”

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy’s apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit.

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!

In which line does the narrator suggest that he wants to learn more about the world?

[removed] If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded
[removed] But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents,
[removed] In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies discontented and unsatisfied.
[removed] under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination,
Question 7 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

What would have to change for there to be dialogue in this passage?

[removed] Fewer characters would have to appear.
[removed] The passage would have to be shorter.
[removed] More characters would have to appear.
[removed] The passage would have to be scarier.
Question 8 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

What does the author do for the reader in this passage?

[removed] Tell a story about the future
[removed] Bring in several new characters
[removed] Tell a story about the past
[removed] Create an unexpected twist
Question 9 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Read Article IX of the United States Bill of Rights:

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

What does the word construed suggest the author feels about the Constitution?

[removed] The Constitution has more value than the rights of the individual people it governs.
[removed] The Constitution is an infallible document, regardless of interpretations.
[removed] The Constitution may be interpreted in a variety of ways to benefit the people.
[removed] The Constitution may be interpreted in a way that would harm the people.
Question 10 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

What is the main effect of the narrator mentioning famous philosophers and scientists like Sir Isaac Newton?

[removed] The narrator is able to justify his failures with theirs.
[removed] The narrator is suggesting they are responsible for the state of science.
[removed] The narrator suggests that he is equal to their intellect and accomplishments.
[removed] The narrator wants to suggest he is not as knowledgeable as these experts.
Question 11 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

An accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

What is the main benefit of having the narrator begin the story with events from his childhood?

[removed] It allows the reader to see the early influences on the character.
[removed] It creates a tension between the adult narrator and the child-like curiosity of youth.
[removed] It provides readers with details that, while not relevant, make the narrator real.
[removed] It suggests a fall or devastating loss will soon be described by the narrator.
Question 12 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Read this sentence from the text:

In this mood of mind

What does this line say about the narrator?

[removed] He made up his mind after careful consideration.
[removed] He made up his mind based on his annoyance.
[removed] He made up his mind by getting good advice.
[removed] He made up his mind to quit working altogether.
Question 13 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment:

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.

Which word from the text describes the narrator’s changed feelings?

[removed] Disdain
[removed] Subject
[removed] Occupations
[removed] Science
Question 14 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness.

Considering the use of the word weakness in this line, what is the most likely meaning of the word languor?

[removed] Obsession
[removed] Fear
[removed] Energy
[removed] Tiredness
Question 15 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt
By Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein recounts the influences that lead to his great experiment:

When I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, “Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.”

If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I continued to read with the greatest avidity.

Read this excerpt from the text:

It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin.

What does the author mean by the “fatal impulse” he describes in this line?

[removed] Something happened that set terrible things in motion.
[removed] Someone checked his medical history and found bad news.
[removed] Somewhere in his youth he had a near-death experience.
[removed] Sometime in the future he plans to become famous.
Question 16 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(LC)

Which synonym puts someone who talks too much in the most positive light?

[removed] Conversational: fond of talking
[removed] Blabby: prone to excessive talking or chattering
[removed] Gushing: speaking or saying in an excessive manner
[removed] Wordy: using too many words
Question 17 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein:

But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents. . .

Based on the context, which of the following best explains the word cursory?

[removed] Not complete or sufficient to understanding fully
[removed] Not demonstrating favor appropriate for royalty or wealth
[removed] Not loud enough or forceful enough to register effect
[removed] Not including enough people to participate properly
Question 18 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch.

Which definition of endued is most likely suited for this line?

[removed] 12th Century: led
[removed] 15th Century: initiated
[removed] 20th Century: provided
[removed] 20th Century: dyed
Question 19 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:

Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness.

Which definition of hardly is most likely suited for this line?

[removed] Early 16th Century: With trouble or hardship
[removed] Middle English—Early 19th Century: With energy or force
[removed] Middle 16th Century: Barely, only just; not quite
[removed] Middle 16th Century: Not easily
Question 20 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points)
(MC)

Read these lines from Macbeth:

The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day:
Now spurs the lated traveller apace,
To gain the timely inn; and near approaches
The subject of our watch.

Which of the following is true of the words lated traveller as used here?

[removed] Lated is likely a Shakespearian version of belated.
[removed] Lated is meant to suggest the travelers are important.
[removed] Lated, like knighted, is something bestowed.
[removed] Lated suggests the travelers themselves are not at fault.

Evaluation Comprehensive Graded Exam Frankenstein

/in /by

20 question

 

Question1

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

 

Monster

Answer 2

Demon

Answer 3

Question6

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

 

Robert Walton

Answer 2

The Creature

Answer 3

Elizabeth Lavenza

Answer 4

Justine Moritz

Answer 5

Question12

Incorrect

0.00 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Both Frankenstein and Prometheus physically suffered for their deeds.

Select one:

[removed]True

[removed]False

Question13

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Many of the events in this section take place outdoors in the wilderness or in rustic settings.  What could this kind of setting symbolize?

Select one:

[removed]a. Nothing: things had to happen somewhere.

[removed]b. This setting was just a chance for Shelley to practice her descriptive writing by describing nature.

[removed]c. This setting shows man’s dominance over nature because Frankenstein immediately develops plans for building and taming the area.

[removed]d. This setting shows an innocent, uncorrupted area, a lot like the creature was at first.

Question14

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Which of the following best describes the Frankenstein family?

Select one:

[removed]a. They were wealthy and aloof, setting themselves above the common man.

[removed]b. They were wealthy but generous, helping those less fortunate.

[removed]c. They were a cold, unfeeling family.

[removed]d. Victor never knew his real family.  The Frankensteins took him in as a young boy.

Question15

Incorrect

0.00 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Which character is most like Prometheus in the myth?

Select one:

[removed]a. Henry Clerval

[removed]b. The creature

[removed]c. Victor Frankenstein

[removed]d. Robert Walton

Question16

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

The term “irony” means “an outcome or act opposite or other than what should be expected in a situation.”

Irony is often associated with sarcasm and wit, such as asking the fan of a band how she liked a concert, and the reply being, “Oh, it was horrible.  I loved it!”

Situational irony is often used by authors to point out things in life that are problematic.

Consider the paragraph where Felix is teaching Safie English from Volney’s Ruins of the Empires.  What is an ironic point in this paragraph?

Select one:

[removed]a. Felix states he chose the book because the style is “framed in imitation of eastern authors,” to help Safie who is of Eastern descent, yet it talks about “slothful Asiatics.”

[removed]b. Both the creature and Safie wept over “the hapless fate of [the American hemisphere’s] original inhabitants.”

[removed]c. The book is fiction, yet it gives “insight into manners, governments, and religions of the different nations of earth.”

[removed]d. The creature would not have “understood the purport of this book” without Felix giving “very minute explanations.”

Question17

Incorrect

0.00 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Who is telling the story?

Select one:

[removed]a. Walton is retelling a story he heard from Frankenstein.

[removed]b. Walton is telling it by the fire as a ghost story to amuse his sister.

[removed]c. Frankenstein is writing this story as a memoir.

[removed]d. Shelley is telling the story; the narrator is the same as the author.

Question18

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Henry Clerval insists on joining Frankenstein on his travels.  Why does Shelley include him?

Select one:

[removed]a. He provides comic relief.

[removed]b. He is a link to Frankenstein’s past life, a symbol of what he left behind.

[removed]c. For the irony of including Frankenstein’s rival and enemy.

[removed]d. To make the setting more believable.

Question19

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Walton finds a northern trade route to the Americas.

Select one:

[removed]True

[removed]False

Question20

Correct

7.50 points out of 7.50

[removed]Flag question

Question text

Felix and De Lacey formally tutored the creature.

Select one:

[removed]True

[removed]False