Contemporary Literary Themes Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What does the character feel about his arrival home?

He feels nostalgic about his past experiences.

He is excited to reunite with family and friends.

He prefers to arrive to nothing. (correct)

He is anxious about how much he has missed.

What beverage does the character initially want on the flight?

Club soda

Ginger ale (correct)

Pineapple soda

Orange juice

How does the character react to the in-flight magazine article about Bali?

He feels excitement and nostalgia. (correct)

He dismisses it completely.

He feels indifferent and bored.

He becomes critical of the portrayals.

What does the character think about his feelings towards the woman on the plane?

He feels a sense of forbidden attraction. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does the character express regarding the experience of watching the movie on the flight?

He feels frustration after investing two hours. Signup and view all the answers

How does the character perceive the long-flight experience?

As a chance for boredom to stimulate desire. Signup and view all the answers

What does the character think about his ability to approach the attractive woman?

He is unsure and lacks the courage to approach her. Signup and view all the answers

What does the character compare eroticism to in his thoughts?

A means to escape life’s routine. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Antonio take to escape the police?

He pushes a Jet Ski off the truck. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dominador do after cutting the tarp?

He speeds away on a Jet Ski. Signup and view all the answers

How does Antonio feel as he speeds over the flood-water?

Excited and free. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reaction of the people watching Antonio?

They watch in panic. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does the speaker express about modern air travel?

It has become uncomfortable and stressful. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator express about diagnosing disorders?

It is unnecessary and unhelpful. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'balikbayan' refer to in the context of the content?

Filipinos returning from living abroad. Signup and view all the answers

How does the grandfather perceive narcissism?

As having both good and bad aspects. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe the older lady’s inflatable pillow?

A yoke on water buffalo. Signup and view all the answers

What book does the grandfather choose to buy?

The Victorious Narcissist. Signup and view all the answers

What irony is associated with the name Narciso?

It symbolizes tragedy and humor. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker describe their fellow travelers?

As acquiescent and unaware. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the speaker's perspective on the modern travel experience?

It reflects a loss of the joy once associated with flights. Signup and view all the answers

What might the 'stocky, sturdy man' symbolize in the context of the speaker's flight experience?

The burden of labor in the diaspora. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the images on the inflight magazine play in the context of the two older ladies?

They distract them from the flight discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker imply about Marxists in relation to economy-class flights?

They are more likely to enjoy premium seats. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator feel compelled to do with the alcogel?

Refuse to take it out Signup and view all the answers

What does Madison accuse the narrator of in relation to Crispin?

Pursuing personal gain Signup and view all the answers

Which character does Madison reference to criticize the narrator's behavior?

Bellow's Charlie Citrine Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator view the relationship between the living and the dead?

The living should learn from the dead Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Madison express about romantics?

Romantics are truly self-centered Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the name 'Crispin' as mentioned in the passage?

It is named after a saint Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator dream of writing?

A biography of Crispin Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction to Crispin's arrival from the hospital?

It was celebrated with decorations Signup and view all the answers

What does Cristo assure before the woman leaves for her trip?

He will remember her. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about Cristo's responsibilities at home?

He must care for his mother and sister. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event is reported in The Philippine Gazette?

Two suicide bombings in Mindanao. Signup and view all the answers

What was the context of the first bombing as reported?

It happened in front of a city hall during a Lotto event. Signup and view all the answers

What reason is assumed for the bombings mentioned in The Philippine Gazette?

Retaliation for the invasion of Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Estregan administration suspect is responsible for the bombings?

Various extremist groups. Signup and view all the answers

How does the woman feel when she studies Cristo's face?

Guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cristo's full name imply about his cultural background?

It reflects a Spanish influence with multiple names. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion did the narrator feel when entering Grapes' room?

Sadness Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Grapes' shirt when he turned around?

Inside out Signup and view all the answers

How did Grapes react to the narrator's job position?

He was critical Signup and view all the answers

What did Grapes offer to do regarding the narrator's job?

Talk to the magazine on his behalf Signup and view all the answers

How did Granma respond during the conversation?

She was quiet and contemplative Signup and view all the answers

What did Grapes accuse the narrator of doing?

Wasting his life Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the pillbox that Grapes opened?

It was a sign of old age Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator claim would eventually happen if he worked hard?

He would be promoted to editor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interview Excerpt Analysis

Artist's desire for causality confounds critics
Critiques the nature of artistic ambition

Airplane Journey

Long-haul flight recounted
Describes the passenger experience, highlighting disconnection during travel
Balikbayan phenomenon explored: Filipino diaspora returning home
Observation of fellow passengers
Focus on social interactions and human experiences aboard the flight.
Emotional and social observations of the passengers
The author reflects on the feeling of displacement and longing

Manila Noir Excerpt

Story of Antonio's illicit act of flight (using a jet ski) from an altercation with armed suspects.
Emphasizes the desperation and violence of the environment.
Action sequence vividly describes the chaotic scenario.

Email to Crispin

Discusses borderline personality disorder diagnosis.
Commentary on perceived clinical justification for human oddities.
Notes on my grandfather's narcissism diagnosis.
Describes the grandfather's interest in literature about Napoleon & Hitler as narcissistic figures.
Expresses disappointment and concern.
Discusses a delayed bacon-cheeseburger date.
Expresses curiosity about a speech at CCP.

The Enlightened Excerpt

A young Crispin meets a woman.
Describes a visit to a family estate just after his birth.
Narrative between a young writer and lover
Reflection on the enduring nature of love and loss
Speaks of the significance of parting.
Details the parting conversation between a man and woman, their feelings and secrets.
A flashback recounting a moment with memories of his dead friend.
The author's contemplation about a writer's legacy.
Author's plan to write Crispin Salvador’s biography.
Refers to people with dead writers as inspirational figures.

News Article Excerpt

Two suicide bombings reported.
Location of the bombings described
Details fatalities and injuries.
Possible perpetrators listed and speculated upon
Connection to the invasion of Afghanistan.

Family Meeting Excerpt

Family conversation about the author's career and life choices.
Author's grandfather criticizes his career choice.
Author's efforts to justify his choices, showing stubborn optimism.
Author's relationship with family and societal pressures.
The author expresses a desire for approval but feels stifled.
The dialogue between the author and his grandfather.
The grandfather's criticisms and demands, and his frustration with the author's seemingly lack of ambition or direction.
Descriptions of interactions with family, which are often critical and disapproving.

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Description

This quiz explores various themes in contemporary literature, focusing on artistic ambition, emotional experiences during travel, and the struggles of the Filipino diaspora. Participants will analyze excerpts from different works, uncovering the complexities of human interactions and societal issues. Engage with the literature to understand the deeper meanings and artistic expressions illustrated in the texts.