12 AP English Exam 1
In "My Papa's Waltz" and "Those Winter Sundays," the theme of understanding parental love when older is present. Which quotes help to prove this theme? A. "Then waltzed me off to bed still clinging to your shirt" and "no one ever thanked him" B. "everyone stepped you missed" and "then with cracked hands that ached" C. "the whisky on your breath" and "speaking indifferently to him" D. None of the above
A. "Then waltzed me off to bed still clinging to your shirt" and "no one ever thanked him" (In "My Papa's Waltz" the narrator is reminiscent of how he still clung to his father despite their relationship during the rest of the poem. In "Those Winter Sundays" the speaker remembers all the work the father did and how no one ever thanked him, and maybe now, he wishes he had.)
What best describes the way that Curt view Ifemelu? A. A collectable object B. A submissive woman C. A praising girlfriend D. An equal partner E. None of the above
A. A collectable object (Curt "collects" his girlfriends like they are exotic objects that he can show off. He has a bit of a white savior complex that carries through into his romantic relationships)
In "Dulce et Decorum Est," what literary device is found in the following line: "And towards our distant rest began to trudge" ? A. Alliteration to mimic the fatigue of the soldiers B. Simile to emphasize the soldiers' exhaustion C. Rhyme scheme to show the repetitiveness of war D. None of the above E. All of the above
A. Alliteration to mimic the fatigue the fatigue of the soldiers (There is alliteration of the "t" sound, which sounds like the fatigued soldiers marching.)
How does Heart of Darkness act as a world of literary impressionism? A. Conrad doesn't focus on one distinct meaning but rather for the reader to re-live an experience in all of its ambiguity B. The novel's setting is a celebration of nature, beauty, and imagination C. The novel's plot focuses heavily on the cycles of life, making it a work of impressionism D. The work has many instances of hellish imagery used to make the reader uncomfortable E. None of the above
A. Conrad doesn't focus on one distinct meaning but rather for the reader to re-live an experience in all of its ambiguity (The other instances are examples of other literary movements, not impressionism, and the novel is messy and confusing, with the reader unable to get a firm, sharp view on things (element of impressionism.))
What post-colonial element is represented by Mr. Brown in Things Fall Apart? A. Hybridity B. Othering C. Voicelessness D. Reader displacement E. All of the above
A. Hybridity (Mr. Brown made an attempt to connect with people on a real level rather than just forcing his views on them, unlike Mr. Smith)
In Things Fall Apart, Achebe uses African terminology without explaining the meaning to the reader. What is this an example of? A. Reader displacement B. Othering C. Carelessness D. All of the above E. None of the above
A. Reader displacement (by not fully explaining the meaning of Igbo words the reader is in a situation where they don't completely understand what is going on.)
In the poem "Woman Work" by Maya Angelou, the author uses which of the following to suggest that a mother's livelihood can be exhausting and can lead her to seek sanctuary in (mother) nature? A. Shifting rhyme scheme B. Perfect rhyme scheme C. Hyperbole D. Colloquialism E. Assonance
A. Shifting rhyme scheme (The first stanza of the poem is very long and in couplets (ABAB), symbolizing a mother's never-ending to-do list. The shift of the poem comes after the first stanza and no longer follows a set rhyme scheme (it switches from no rhyme, to ABCB, to slant rhyme, etc.), symbolizing a mother's release from responsibility by finding solace in the nature around her)
Fresleven, in Heart of Darkenss, was once described as a gentle man but during his time in the jungle he was stabbed to death after mercilessly hitting a chief over a chicken. Which of the following does he BEST represent? A. The impact of oppressing a group on the oppressor B. The darkness of mankind C. The psychological and physical danger of the jungle D. The irrationality of the term "civilized" E. None of the above
A. The impact of oppressing a group on the oppressor (Fresleven represents how assuming a role (as an oppressor) can be changed to be seemingly civilized. The other answers connect, but A fully explains the thematic idea)
In Things Fall Apart, what is the significance of the quote, "His mother and sisters worked hard enough, but they grew women's crops...Yam, the king of crops, was a man's crop" (Achebe 23)? A. This quote displays the prominent gender roles of the tribe as the men of the village held sole responsibility of growing yams, the important crop, while the women held lesser duties of cooking and growing easier crops B. This quote explains the family dynamic in Okonkwo's compound as he grew the yams and his wife and children grew lesser crops C. This quote shows the high demand of yams in Okonkwo's village, as they are the most important crop to grow D. This quote shows how women in Okonkwo's village did not have the stamina to grow yams E. All of the above
A. This quote displays the prominent gender roles of the tribe as the men of the village held sole responsibility of growing yams, the important crop, while the women held lesser duties of cooking and growing easier crops (this quote demonstrates the prominent gender roles in the village. Yams were the most important crop, and the crop that would provide for the family. moreover, the responsibilities of this crop were reserved for the men as the women could not handle such important responsibilities)
What represents both the harlequin and Heart of Darkness as a whole? A. Ambiguity B. Absurdity C. Ambition D. Alliteration E. None of the above
B. Absurdity (all of the descriptions of the harlequin can also be applied to HOD as a whole. There are many absurdities throughout the novel that make Marlow question his sanity)
In the phrase "I am the farmer, bondman to the soil./I am the worker, sold to the machine," what poetic device is illustrated? A. Personificaiton B. Anaphora C. Assonance D. Synechdoche E. Metaphor
B. Anaphora (anaphora is defined as the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences and is used consistently throughout "Let America be America Again".)
What is the poetic device when two or more words start with different consonant sounds but share the same vowel sounds? A. Alliteration B. Assonance C. Repetition D. Rhyme E. None of the above
B. Assonance (assonance is defined as the repetition of vowels without repetition of consonants used as an alternative to rhyme in verse.)
Which unfortunate experience of the characters in Americanah can best be connected to the horrors faced by the boys in The Central Park Five? A. Ifemelu's experience with Christina Thomas, as Christina speaks slowly just because Ifemelu is an international student B. Dike's experience when the principal believes he hacked the school's computer system with little to no evidence C. Dike's experience when his group leader refuses to give him sunscreen because she thinks he does not need it due to the color of his skin D. Obinze's experience being deported in London E. None of the above
B. Dike's experience when the principal believes he hacked the school's computer system with little to no evidence (Dike's principal has little evidence, yet still blames Dike for the computer hacking incident just because of the color of his skin. Similarly, in CP5, the five boys were blamed for the rape of a white female because of the color of their skin w/ no evidence)
In Heart of Darkness, what does the use of Kurtz and Marlow as foils represent? A. All people are naturally evil B. Everyone has the potential to have a "heart of darkness," but choices define good and evil C. Positions of power will always corrupt the people who hold them D. Europeans colonialism is destructive to the native people who they colonize E. None of the above
B. Everyone has the potential to have a "heart of darkness," but choices define good and evil (Because Kurtz and Marlow are foils, it shows that Marlow could have ended up violent and destructive like Kurtz. However, Marlow's choices ensured that he did not end up like Kurtz.)
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo's relationship with his father and his hyper-masculinity can be explained by which of the following: A. Gothic elements B. Freudian repression C. Abuse D. Traumatic childhood E. All of the above
B. Freudian repression (repression: unconscious mechanism employed by the ego to keep disturbing or threatening thoughts from becoming conscious; Okonkwo loathed his father for his laziness and lack of masculinity, therefore suppressing all his personal feminine aspects and constantly fearing weakness)
When Marlow remarks, "I had stepped into the gloomy circle of some Inferno," where is he referring to? A. Inner Station B. Grove of Death C. His own sickness D. Both B and C
B. Grove of Death (Marlow felt like he was entering an inferno when he entered the Grove of Death and witnessed the death and decay there)
In "Storm Warnings" by Adrienne Rich what is the significance of the weather glass breaking? A. It is to demonstrate the strength of the storm B. It is to show that although humans can predict the future or know what will happen, they are unable to prevent the inevitable. C. It is to demonstrate that no one knows what is in store for the future D. It is to show that we should not pay attention to the signs around us and should instead stay in the present E. None of the above
B. It is to show that although humans can try to predict the future or know what will happen, they are unable to prevent the inevitable. (The weather glass demonstrates the instruments that tell the future. However, they are unable to prevent the storm --and the future. For example, clocks and the weather glass can tell time and what the weather will be, but they do not stop time or change it and cannot prevent a storm from happening.)
When discussing the Harlequin, Conrad writes, "His very existence was improbably, inexplicably, and altogether bewildering" (Conrad 147). How does this statement apply to other elements in the novel? A. Kurtz was similarly an odd, unattainable figure in Marlow's eyes and a fascination of Marlow's B. Marlow's inability to understand his purpose is similar to the confusion he feels regarding other events such as the blowing up of the hillside with seemingly no purpose C. Marlow's confusion regarding the Harlequin gives a look into the madness Marlow faces whilst in Africa D. Just as Marlow cannot understand the Harlequin, the Harlequin cannot understand himself giving way in the loss of identity many experience in the jungle E. Both B and D
B. Marlow's inability to understand his purpose is similar to the confusion he feels regarding other events such as the blowing up of the hillside with seemingly no purpose (This quote is another instance of ambiguity and confusion, a common theme found throughout Heart of Darkness. The reader is meant to feel the confusion that Marlow feels regarding the Harlequin and other similar instances.)
Which of these is present in the lines "And set the wall between us once again./We keep the wall between us as we go" ? A. Interesting diction B. Metaphor C. Royal imagery D. Litotes E. Anaphora
B. Metaphor (In "Mending Wall," the wall is a metaphor which represents divisions which people make between themselves)
In Things Fall Apart, it is said "Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart" (Achebe 137). What does this mean to the overall theme of the novel? A. The missionaries killed all of the tribal men and so the clan no longer exists B. The missionaries converted tribal men and so the clan's culture was lost, causing them to slowly fall apart C. When the missionaries arrived, half the clan fled so the rest of their lives fell apart D. The clan slowly grew apart because of disagreements
B. The missionaries converted tribal men and so the clan's culture was lost, causing them to slowly fall apart (When men --like Okonkwo's son-- converted because of the missionaries, the clan's culture became lost and their history fell apart. What held them together was their past and traditions, so without them, Okonkwo had to watch his people change before his eyes.)
Marlow sees many absurd things as he travels to the continent including men shooting at nothing and random explosions. What do these absurd events BEST reflect thematically? A. Marlow is feverish and hallucinating B. The ridiculousness of European men occupying and oppressing Africa C. The jungle has made the men lose their minds D. Both A and C E. All of the above
B. The ridiculousness of European men occupying and oppressing Africa (it explains the overall theme of the senselessness of imperialism which is reflected by the absurd events Marlow views. He may be feverish at the time, but it does not tie into the theme)
Which of the following is NOT true about the hair salon in Americanah? A. It is the setting of the first scene in the book B. The salon is on the Princeton campus C. It helps weave the theme of hair throughout the book by continually going back to the hair salon D. The ladies at the hair salon tell Ifemelu that her hair is too rough E. All of the above are true
B. The salon is on the Princeton campus (The hair salon is NOT in Princeton. It is in Trenton, a largely African-American community in comparison to Princeton)
In "The Revenant" by Billy Collins, what is the rhyme scheme of the following lines: "I am the dog you put to sleep,/as you like to call the needle of oblivion,/come back to tell you this simple thing:/I never liked you --not one bit" ? A. ABAB B. There is no distinct rhyme scheme C. AABB D. ABCC E. ABCB
B. There is no distinct rhyme scheme (There is no distinguishable rhyme shceme in the lines because sleep, oblivion, thing, and bit do not rhyme.)
Why did Boubacar and Ifemelu have a special connection with each other that Blaine didn't understand? A. They were secretly in love B. They understood being foreign in a strange land and found solidarity in the similarity of their positions C. Ifemelu wanted to make Blaine jealous D. None of the above
B. They understood being foreign in a strange land and found solidarity in the similarity of their positions (Boubacar and Ifemelu understand that they have a different background than all of their peers and found a sort of comfort in finding someone similar to them)
What does the narrator of "Let America Be America Again" truly want? A. To go back to the way America used to be B. To fulfill the original dream that the founding fathers had for America C. To return to an America before the invasion of white colonizers D. To stop immigration into the United States E. None of the above
B. To fulfill the original dream that the founding fathers had for America (the poem describes America as "the land that never has been yet." The idealized version of America hasn't come to fruition yet, but the narrator hopes that one day America will return to the original hope of what it was supposed to be)
In Things Fall Apart, what post-colonial elements are presented in this quote: "The story of this man who had killed a messenger and hanged himself would make an interesting read. One could almost write a whole chapter on him. Perhaps not a whole chapter but a reasonable paragraph at any rate" (Achebe). A. Hybridity B. Voicelessness C. Othering D. Unhomeliness E. Both B and C
B. Voicelessness (Okonkwo's entire story as a powerful and influential leader in the village is condensed into only his death in a mere paragraph. This demonstrates how the British wrote the history of the people and took the voices and stories of the people and condensed them and wrote them to fit what they wanted to show. Making Okonkwo's story into one paragraph about his death shows the British short and narrow-minded perspective and silences the views of Okonkwo and his life from the natives of Umuofia.)
Which post-colonial element is NOT shown throughout Dike's life in America and his trip to Nigeria? A. Othering when he was accused of hacking the school computers B. Voicelessness on his trip to Nigeria C. Voicelessness when Aunty Uju refused to teach him Igbo D. Unhomeliness while growing up in America
B. Voicelessness on his trip to Nigeria (this is NOT an example of post-colonialism because when he is in Nigeria, Dike finally feels at home and around people like himself. He doesn't feel voiceless there, whereas he does in all the other situations.)
Who are the egwugwu in Things Fall Apart? A. Tribal chiefs B. A neighboring clan C. Ancestral spirits D. Warriors E. None of the above
C. Ancestral spirits (The egwugwu are believed to be ancestral spirits who have come back to act as judges for the living)
What is significant about Ifemelu's interaction with Christina Thomas in Americanah? A. Christina tries to touch Ifemelu's hair B. Christina directs her to the tutor directory, assuming she is looking for assistance in school C. Christina others Ifemelu by assuming she cannot speak English and speaks to her slowly D. Christina assumes she is the help rather than a student and asks whom she is looking for E. Both A and C
C. Christina other Ifemelu by assuming she cannot speak English and speaks to her slowly (Christina over pronounces words to seemingly make it easier for Ifemelu to understand even though Ifemelu speaks perfect English.)
What best describes Chinua Achebe's views of Heart of Darkness? A. It is a historic work with flaws that can be attributed to the time period it was written in B. It is a critique on racist European views of non-European peoples C. It wrongly projects Africa as the antithesis of civilization and culture D. Both A and B E. None of the above
C. It wrongly projects Africa as the antithesis of civilization and culture (Chinua Achebe spent his life trying to disprove the idea that Africa isn't what Conrad describes it as and trying to open the rest of the world to the literature and cultures of Africa)
What post-colonial element can be seen in the District Commissioner's novel: The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger? A. Hybridity B. Voicelessness C. Othering D. Unhomeliness E. All of the above
C. Othering (the District Commissioner believes that he can summarize the experience and heartbreak of these "primitive" natives within a book. He portrays them as these animalistic beings who he can write an entertaining book on.)
The title of Wilfred Owen's poem, "Dulce Et Decorum Est," or "it is sweet and honorable," can best be described as: A. Patriotic: the rest of the poem describes the honor that follows men who have fought for their countries in war B. Intellectual: as the title is written in Latin, the reader is led to believe that the poem holds significant intellectual value C. Oxymoronic: the poem describes the lie that is often told to young men, that it is sweet and honorable to fight and die in battle for their country D. Historic: the Latin title leads the reader to believe the poem was written hundreds of years ago E. None of above
C. Oxymoronic: the poem describes the lie that is often told to young men, that it is sweet and honorable to fight and die in battle for their country (The poem uses a bitter tone and nightmarish imagery to show how gruesome war truly is. The last few lines of the poem depict the myth that it is honorable to die for one's country and this myth is marked to young men to entice them to become soldiers.)
Jomo Kenyatta said "When the missionaries came, the Africans had the land and the Christians had the bible. They taught us to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them they had the land and we had the bible." Which character does this quote most relate to in Things Fall Apart? A. Mr. Brown B. Ikemefuna C. The Reverend James Smith D. The District Commissioner
C. The Reverend James Smith (He was the forceful converter)
What is the difference between tone and mood? A. Tone is how the reader feels when reading and mood is the feeling the author sets B. They are interchangable C. Tone is the feeling set by the author and mood is how the reader feels when reading D. Tone is the feeling set by the author and mood is how a character is feeling E. None of the above
C. Tone is the feeling set by the author and mood is how the reader feels when reading (Tone is the attitude of the author towards the subject while mood is how the reader feels reading the subject.)
In Adichie's Americanah, Coney Island is a setting of the story that Ifemelu takes Dike to on a day trip. What does this place represent on a larger scale? A. Ifemelu's feelings of displacement in America B. Hybridity between America and Nigeria C. What America is supposed to be D. Inherent racism in America E. None of the above
C. What America is supposed to be (Coney Island is the "fun America" that everyone dreams of living in. Families visit to ride on roller coasters, eat at street vendors, win fabulous prizes, and have a whole day of fun in New York. But America is not all fun and games, as there are deeper, more serious problems that plague the culture. Advertized America is a perfect place where everyone will be happy if they can "make it" and be successful, but that is not reality)
In Heart of Darkness, the "descent into hell" is referenced. How is this shown? A. Machinery decaying B. The dehumanization of men C. The alluding to Dante's Inferno D. All of the above
D. All of the above (All of these are referenced while Marlow was "descending into hell" on his journey.)
What does hair represent in Americanah? A. Search for Identity B. Self-loathing C. Othering D. All of the above E. None of the above
D. All of the above (Ifemelu's hair represents her search for her African identity while she is in America. She is also othered for her hair, because many people believe that her hair is "unprofessional" which makes it more difficult for her to get a job. This treatment leads her to have some amount of self-loathing about her hair, which makes her use relaxers and chemicals to straighten it)
"We romped until the pans,/Slid from the kitchen shelf;/My mother's countenance/Could not unfrown itself." This stanza from Theodore Rotheke's "My Papa's Waltz contains which poetic devices? A. ABAB rhyme scheme B. Symbolism C. Enjambment D. All of the above
D. All of the above (It follows and ABAB rhyme scheme, the whole concept of the "waltz" is symbolic, and the stanza contains several instances of enjambment)
What is NOT an example of how color and light are used as symbols in Heart of Darkenss? A. The white spaces on the map are perceived as something to be taken B. The ladies knitting with black wool C. The whiteness of the fog representing ambiguity and confusion D. All of the above E. None of the above
D. All of the above (Marlow is fascinated by the empty white spaces on the map, and the Europeans see them as places to be conquered. In addition, the ladies knitting with black wool can be interpreted as the Fates, and the black wool is representative of the Fate of the African people. Lastly, the white fog on the boat represents ambiguity, disguise, and confusion, while Marlow is battling internally between right and wrong.)
What does the wall represent in Robert Frost's "Mending Wall"? A. The wall represents a physical barrier between the people B. The wall represents a social division between the people C. The wall is a symbol for the barriers humans construct between themselves D. All of the above E. None of the above
D. All of the above (The wall in this poem not only signifies the physical barrier that is constructed, but also the metaphorical wall that humans tend to build between themselves and their neighbors. Especially, the metaphorical wall that people build between themselves and people that are different from themselves.)
What poetic device is being used in this stanza of "The Centaur"? "The summer that I was ten-/Can it be there was only one/summer that I was ten? It must/have been a long one then-" A. Irony B. Metaphor C. Assonance D. Aside E. Epithet
D. Aside (an aside can be conversational and casual, and in this poem the narrator is reflecting back on her life. This aside shows that she feels like her childhood lasted forever)
"She had thought the studio would keep itself; no dust upon the furniture of love." This quote from Adrienne Rich's "Living in Sin" represents what? A. Boredom in a relationship B. Fantasy vs reality C. Adult life compared to childhood D. Both A and B
D. Both A and B (it represents boredom and dissatisfaction in a relationship while also explaining the woman's reality vs the fantasies she had about her relationship)
In "Elegy for Jane," what devices are used to show the common and universal topic of the poem? A. The name Jane B. The common birds referenced C. The father not being able to find her D. Both A and B
D. Both A and B (using the name Jane is universal for a girl, given a common idea that it could be anyone. The birds referenced are also all very common birds around the world to further prove this idea of the girl being anyone.)
When Obinze confesses that he has been having an affair, he finds out that Kosi knew all along. Why does Kosi hide the fact that she knows? A. To keep her marriage and family together B. She is too stunned to say anything C. Her vow with Obinze is not about love but appearances in society D. Both A and C E. Both A and B
D. Both A and C (A explains the basic understanding of why she hides her knowledge while C explains how her marriage with Obinze was not one of true love but of expectation and duty for society)
What is the significance of Kurtz and Marlow wrestling in Heart of Darkness? A. It represents Marlow's internal struggle to overcome the darkness and greed B. It shows the importance of Kurtz gaining revenge on Marlow C. It reinforces the idea that Kurtz and Marlow are doppelgangers D. Both A and C E. Both B and C
D. Both A and C (Marlow and Kurtz are described as doppelgangers throughout the book and are shown as similar beings. Then, as we see Marlow travel further into the heart of darkness Africa, we see him slowly tempted by power and greed just as Kurtz was. While Kurtz finally gave in, Marlow is still struggling between the darkness, and with Kurtz representing the power-hungry and darkness, the wrestling shows Marlow's internal struggle. It also reinforces the idea that the two are very similar and are representing two different moral systems and are fighting each other.)
What does Obinze mean when he says, "I realized I could buy America and it lost its shine" (Adichie 535)? A. He realizes that the American Dream is only for those who can afford it and with enough money, one can buy their way into anything B. He wants to buy America C. Obinze's dream of going to America was better than its possible reality D. Both A and C E. All of the above
D. Both A and C (in his youth, Obinze idealized America to the point of refusing to read British literature. He wanted what he could not have, and now that he is successful, the glow has faded away and he sees that the America he wanted is for the wealthy)
In Americanah, the experience Ifemelu had with the tennis coach impacts her in many ways. How is this evident? A. The depression it seems to spiral her into B. Her decision to leave America and go back to Nigeria C. She brings it up to Obinze years later D. Both A and C
D. Both A and C (the encounter with the tennis coach does send Ifemelu into a deep depression, but she also is clearly still affected by it when she shares the story several years later)
How does Blaine feel about Ifemelu's blog? A. He loves it and modeled his own blog after hers B. He sees it as "a hobby" that she needs to put more work into C. He dislikes the casual style in which she discusses race D. Both B and C E. None of the above
D. Both B and C (Blaine constantly criticizes Ifemelu for not being "angry" enough or not taking issues as seriously as he does)
Read the following stanza from "My Papa's Waltz." Which of the following device or devices does this stanza employ? "The whiskey on your breath/Could make a small boy dizzy;/But I hung on like death:/Such waltzing was not easy" A. Anaphora B. Simile C. Slant rhyme D. Both B and C E. None of the above
D. Both B and C (the stanza uses both simile and slant rhyme. There is a simile in the 3rd line and each word at the end of each line is slightly off rhyme)
In Americanah, what is the significance of Emenike asking Obinze to count the borrowed money in front of him? A. Emenike wants to make sure that he gave Obinze enough money B. Emenike wants to have Obinze verbally confirm that he has given him the correct amount, so he does not try to pay him back less than he was given C. Emenike does not ask Obinze to count the money. Obinze just counts it voluntarily. D. Emenike enjoys the feeling of power he gains while watching Obinze come to him for help and financial support. E. None of the above
D. Emenike enjoys the feeling of power he gains while watching Obinze come to him for help and financial support. (Emenike gives Obinze double what he asks for and tells him not to pay him back. Emenike asks Obinze to count the money --at least according to Obinze-- because he enjoys the feeling of power watching him count the money.)
Explain the significance of this quote in Heart of Darkness, "This too is one of the darkest places on earth." A. The weather is always dark and cloudy in England B. There is a history of great violence and despair in England C. England is dirty and in the midst of a depression D. England was once thought of as uncivilized and was "saved" by the Romans E. Both B and D
D. England was once thought of as uncivilized and was "saved" by the Romans (In the novel, the colonizing British think Africa is a dark place, lacking civilization and modern advancement. They want to be salvation-bringers to the "savages." This is ironic because at one time in history, the British were pagan and tribal and the Romans looked at them as people to civilize.)
In the beginning of Heart of Darkness, Marlow is described as sitting like a Buddha. What does this reveal about him? A. He likes Buddhism B. Nothing C. He should not be trusted D. He is enlightened by his experiences E. He is a peaceful being
D. He is enlightened by his experiences (Buddha was a symbol for enlightenment and comparing him to Marlow draws the parallel that Marlow is enlightened.)
Which is NOT an attribute of impressionism? A. Aspects of messiness, confusion, and darkness B. Multiplicity of ideas and meanings C. Highlights the complexities of things D. Portraying the world in a positive light E. Darkness and ambiguity present
D. Portraying the world in a positive light (This is NOT an attribute of impressionism because impressionism is about the complexities, ambiguity, and darkness in literature. Impressionistic authors do not normally portray the world in a positive light, as they rather emphasize the messiness.)
Which is NOT an example of a microaggression in Americanah? A. When Kimberley looks at the magazine and says that every model of color is beautiful B. When Christina Thomas checks Ifemelu in and speaks slowly C. When people assume that Curt and Ifemelu could not be dating D. When Nigel accuses Obinze of stealing a product E. None of the above
D. When Nigel accuses Obinze of stealing a product (This never happened in the book, but the others are all true and examples of microaggressions that happened to Ifemelu in America.)
Which passage is an example that demonstrates the "descent into hell" in Heart of Darkness? A. "The thing looked dead as the carcass of some animal" B. "I could see every rib the joints of their limbs were like knots together with a chain" C. "And outside, the silent wilderness surrounding the cleared speck on the earth struck me as something great and invincible" D. All of the above E. A and B only
E. A and B only (Both of those passages are from Marlow's trip to the Grove of Death. All of the hellish imagery and diction contribute to th eidea of a descent into hell.)
Why did Emenike tell the story of the racist taxi driver two different ways? A. He felt embarrassed to say he was angry about the encounter around his friends B. He believed that he was a higher class than the taxi driver C. He is afraid that his new friends and wife will think of him differently D. His recently gained power was being taken away by the taxi driver E. All of the above
E. All of the above (Emenike tries to fit in with the British upper middle class. Confessing that he was upset about what the taxi driver said to him would be admitting he was different. It would be revoking his status and his "blackness" will always trump his riches or position in life)
"The spartan spirit that made life so grand,/Mating poor daily needs/With high, heroic deeds,/That wrested happiness from Fate's hard hand." This stanza from Louisa May Alcott's "Transfiguration" contains which of the following poetic devices? A. Personification B. Juxtaposition C. Enjambment D. A and B only E. All of the above
E. All of the above (Fate is personified, there is juxtaposition of poor needs and heroic deeds, and the sentence is continued throughout the whole stanza rather than each line being a complete sentence.)
What does Ifemelu gain through her blog? A. A voice B. Hybridity C. Emergence of self D. Success E. All of the above
E. All of the above (Ifemelu's blog gives her a platform that allows her to voice her own ideas and questions and discover more about herself and race issues around the world)
Which of the following quotes demonstrates a "descent into hell" in Heart of Darkness? A. "A lot of people, mostly dark and naked, moved about like ants" B. "The thing looked as dead as the carcass of some animal" C. "dark things seemed to stir feebly" D. "I would be comes acquainted with a flabby, pretending, weak-eyed devil of a rapacious and pitiless folly" E. All of the above
E. All of the above (In A, Conrad depicts dark naked people and also dehumanizes the natives by comparing them to ants. This shows the dark imagery as ants are black and small and cumbersome. B again depicts the dark aspect of this scene and shows animalistic qualities. C dehumanizes the natives again in this quote as well as notes the darkness in the scene. He refers to the natives as "things" and continues the hellish scene. In D, Marlow meets a devil, the devil is described as pretending and mirrors the pilgrims that have pious facades but have actually come for their own financial gain, in this way they are pretending and they are devils as they are gaining at the cost of the natives)
What is the importance of the use of the word "removed" in the context of illegal immigrants? A. It suggests that immigrants are inanimate objects or pests to be removed B. It dehumanizes the immmigrants C. It alienates the immigrants D. None of the above E. All of the above
E. All of the above (Obinze feels like he isn't being treated like a human when he is "removed" from England. The use of the word "removed" lacks intimacy, making it easier for those who are dehumanizing the immigrants to continue their job)
What is the significance of the cannibals on the ship in Heart of Darkness? A. They portray the native Africans as sub-human and animalistic B. They develop the thematic idea of restraint C. They help guide the Europeans deeper into the jungle D. They provide a contrast to Kurtz E. All of the above
E. All of the above (The cannibals help guild Marlow and co. deeper into the African jungle. This depiction of Africans is dehumanizing because it seems to represent all Africans as animalistic cannibals. However, Marlow admires the cannibals' restraint, which is juxtaposed with Kurtz's lack of restraint)
Which of the following contribute to the reader displacement in Things Fall Apart? A. The fact that the novel jumps right into Okonkwo's story B. Unfamiliar words/language C. The presence of legends and fables D. B and C only E. All of the above
E. All of the above (The cultural differences found in Things Fall Apart are foreign to the reader and somewhat confuse them; additionally, the story abrutply starts with Okonkwo's story, with little background information for the reader.)
In this passage of "Let America be America Again," what literary device conveys to the reader that Americans are greedy and hungry for power? "Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!/Of work the men! Of take the pay!/Of owning everything for one's own greed!" A. Fierce and powerful diction B. Symbolism C. Repetition D. Simile E. Both A and C
E. Both A and C (the use of fierce diction coupled with the repetition of the words "of grab" shows drive and need for power)
Read the following stanzas and circle which literary device(s) are present: "Let America be America again./Let it be the dream it used to be/Let it be the pioneer on the plain/Seeking a home where he himself is free." A. Antithesis B. Litotes C. Anaphora D. All of the above E. Both A and C
E. Both A and C (there is antithesis demonstrated by the two conflicting stanzas --the first demonstrating America as idealized and the second claiming this is not the real America. There is also anaphora because lines 1-3 all start with the same beginning sentence structure. No litotes in these stanzas that emphasize the positive by the negation of the negative form of a word.)
In Americanah, what post-colonial element is demonstrated the most through the character of Christina Thomas? A. Microaggression B. Othering C. Voicelessness D. Unhomeliness E. Both B and C
E. Both B and C (Ifemelu's voice is taken away because Christian assumes she does not speak English and she is othered because she is from Nigeria, a foreign country, which is why Christina assumes she doesn't speak English.)
What theme from Things Fall Apart is found here: "Even as a little boy he had resented his father's failure and weakness, and even now he still remembered how he had suffered when a playmate had told him that his father was agbala. That was how Okonkwo first came to know that agbala was not only another name for a woman, it could also mean a man who had taken to title" (Achebe 10). A. Tradition B. Respect C. Masculinity D. Both A and B E. Both B and C
E. Both B and C (This quote describes Okonkwo's need for respect stemming from his father's lack of masculinity.)
In Heart of Darkness, what does the white string around the dying native's neck in the Grove of Death symbolize? A. Light vs Darkness B. The natives being choked by the Europeans C. Nothing, it was just a side detail that has no deeper meaning D. The Europeans' control over Africa E. Both B and D
E. Both B and D (the string represents the suffocating control of the Europeans over Africa and the Africans.)
The structure of the poem "In the Orchard" by Muriel Stuart can best be described as: A. Perfect rhyme B. Slant rhyme C. Free verse D. A conversation E. Both C and D
E. Both C and D (Looking at it, the poem is very difficult to distinguish the respective speakers as they keep going switching in a continuous, free verse structure. This parallels the natural back-and-forth banter of a conversation, particularly one that is about something important and intimate)
In "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost, what poetic device is being used in the line "Something there is that doesn't love a wall" ? A. Elision B. Heroic couplet C. Enjambment D. Idyll E. Inversion
E. Inversion (inversion is switching the typical order of worlds and phrases)
In "My Papa's Waltz," what was the purpose of describing the encounter as a waltz? A. It is a literal waltz, the son and father danced together every night B. The poem describes sexual abuse between a father and son. It is described as a waltz because it was the same steps every night. C. The poem describes a father assaulting his son and it is described as a waltz because it was the same steps every night. D. Both B and C E. None of the above, we do not know the true meaning
E. None of the above, we do not know the true meaning (It could be any of the choices, but we do not know)
