Motivations of Characters: Private Talks & Plot Advancements

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Questions and Answers

Which fairy-tale element is included in the illustration from Andrew Lang's The Olive Fairy Book?

An evil character

A magical character (correct)

A moral message

A happy ending

Sort each statement into the correct category of characterization:

The two lads were well liked = Direct Characterization The old man was blind = Direct Characterization They treated Oedipus with kindness = Indirect Characterization His only friends were his daughters = Indirect Characterization

Which statement is the best analysis of the huntsman based on his words and actions?

The huntsman acts heroic because of true love.

The huntsman is a true hero who inspires those around him.

The huntsman is a considerate hero because he saves the grandmother. (correct)

The huntsman is brash and selfish, with little care for others.

Based on text evidence, which is the best inference about the huntsman's motivations?

The huntsman is motivated by helping others in need. Signup and view all the answers

Write 3 to 4 sentences describing how the huntsman's motivations advance the plot in 'Little Red Riding Hood.'

The huntsman's motivations advance the plot because they lead him to the grandmother's house. He wants to make sure she is okay. In doing so, he advances the plot to the climax, when he discovers that the wolf has eaten both the grandmother and Little Red Riding Hood. He then saves the day and rescues them. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the evidence in this text, what is the best inference about the genii's motivation?

He is motivated by vengeance for how he was treated. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is evidence that the fisherman expects to be treated fairly?

"I have just freed you; have you already forgotten that?" Signup and view all the answers

How does the fisherman's motivation move the plot forward?

The fisherman's determination to outwit the genii results in the climax. Signup and view all the answers

What inferences can be made about the grand-vizir's motivations for speaking with the king in private? (Check all that apply)

He wants the king's complete attention. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the king to offer Douban great riches? (Check all that apply)

Douban is an accomplished physician. Signup and view all the answers

What character motivation advances the plot?

The vizir's envy Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about this story?

The fate of the vizir is unknown. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason why the author does not include a resolution?

The author wants to keep the reader or listener engaged. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is supported by this passage?

Leadership comes in all forms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of 'The Story of the Fisherman'?

Cleverness trumps wrath. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements serve as evidence that supports the theme of 'The Story of the Fisherman'? (Check all that apply)

"I conjure you on your honour to tell me if you really were in that vase?" Signup and view all the answers

The main character's motivation is to

Support his wife and three children. Signup and view all the answers

What element of a plot does this passage illustrate?

Rising action Signup and view all the answers

How would the end of the fairy tale 'Cinderella' most likely change if the prince were not motivated to find the owner of the glass slipper?

Cinderella would continue to live a miserable life. Signup and view all the answers

The ________ of a story can be applied to other works of literature or to life.

theme Signup and view all the answers

Which event is part of the exposition in 'Cinderella'?

An invitation to the prince's ball arrives. Signup and view all the answers

Which quotation from 'The Story of the Fisherman' in The Arabian Nights Entertainments supports the theme that cleverness trumps wrath?

"That vase could not contain one of your feet even, and how could your whole body go in? I cannot believe it unless I see you do the thing." Signup and view all the answers

The reason a character thinks, feels, or acts a specific way is called

Character motivation Signup and view all the answers

What details from a story best help develop the theme?

Character motivation and plot Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is most likely conveyed in this passage?

Good things come to those who wait. Signup and view all the answers

Which quotation from 'Little Red Riding Hood' explains the theme?

"As long as I live, I will never by myself leave the path, to run into the wood, when my mother has forbidden me to do so." Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Analysis

Magical characters are pivotal in fairy tales, illustrating elements like transcendence and elemental power, as seen in Andrew Lang's The Olive Fairy Book.
Direct characterization provides clear traits (e.g., "the old man was blind"), whereas indirect characterization reveals traits through actions (e.g., how they treat Oedipus).

Plot Development

The huntsman's motivations in "Little Red Riding Hood" shape the plot, driving him to check on the grandmother, leading to the climax of rescuing her from the wolf.
Fisherman’s determination against the genii results in critical plot twists, hinting at the story's climax driven by clever strategies.

Thematic Elements

The theme of leadership is varied; it's presented as necessary but transcends formal power seen in the story.
Cleverness overcoming wrath is underscored in "The Story of the Fisherman," where intelligence triumphs in challenging situations.

Motivations

Characters' motivations significantly influence events; for example, the king’s offer to Douban arises from desperation due to illness and appreciation for skill.
The vizir's envy serves as a catalyst for rising actions, ultimately prompting critical confrontations within the narrative.

Exposition and Resolution

The exposition sets the stage for fairy tales, like in "Cinderella" with the ball invitation, while resolutions determine narrative closure.
Missing resolutions can create suspense, maintaining reader engagement as seen in various stories where outcomes remain uncertain.

Core Themes

Significant themes emerge, illustrating truths such as the importance of support in family dynamics and patience leading to rewards, echoed throughout multiple narratives.

Important Quotations

Quotations revealing character motivations provide insight, such as those highlighting the humble fisherman’s cleverness contrasting with the threatening genii.

Literary Elements

Plots can be analyzed across literary works, where themes resonate universally, revealing deeper human experiences and moral lessons.

Story Outcomes

Changes in characters' motivations dramatically alter narratives; for example, without the prince's determination in "Cinderella," the storyline would take a darker turn for the protagonist.

Overall Purpose

Understanding character motivations, plot progressions, thematic developments, and their interconnections deepens comprehension of storytelling dynamics.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding character, theme, and plot elements in short stories, specifically through flashcards based on Andrew Lang's The Olive Fairy Book and other narratives. Engage with questions that challenge you to identify key fairy-tale traits and categorize character statements effectively.

Analyzing Characters in Short Stories