Famous Literature 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is 'Bless Me, Ultima' about?

A coming-of-age novel centering on Antonio Márez y Luna and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima.

Which of the following characters is Antonio's protector and guide?

Ultima (correct)

Moise the Beadle

Lucas

Tenorio

Antonio Márez y Luna's parents agree entirely on his future.

False

In 'Night,' Eliezer's family is from the town of _____ in Transylvania.

Sighet Signup and view all the answers

What themes does 'Night' by Elie Wiesel explore?

The struggle for survival, loss of faith, and the impact of the Holocaust. Signup and view all the answers

What did Eliezer witness at Birkenau?

People being burned Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Up From Slavery' primarily about?

An autobiography of Booker T. Washington Signup and view all the answers

What does the author of 'Walden' describe in its first two chapters?

His two-year project living at Walden Pond. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' primarily about?

A man's quest for revenge Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of 'The Count of Monte Cristo'?

Alexandre Dumas Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happens on the day of Edmond Dantès's wedding?

He is arrested for treason Signup and view all the answers

In 'The House on Mango Street', who is the main character?

Esperanza Cordero Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of 'The House on Mango Street'?

Coming of age and identity Signup and view all the answers

In 'Fahrenheit 451', what is the occupation of Guy Montag?

Fireman Signup and view all the answers

In 'Fahrenheit 451', books are outlawed and __________ burn any that are found.

firemen Signup and view all the answers

T/F: In 'Fahrenheit 451', Montag initially enjoys his job as a fireman.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a recurring theme in 'The Illustrated Man'?

Conflict between humanity and technology Signup and view all the answers

What year was 'Fahrenheit 451' published?

1953 Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a miracle?

A transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the Deity or by the interposition of some invisible agent. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a miracle to be accepted as such?

It must have many witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

A sudden death of a healthy man is considered a miracle.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Hume claim about witnesses of miracles?

No miracle has had enough witnesses of sufficient honesty, intelligence, and education. Signup and view all the answers

Which work advises poets on writing poetry and drama?

The Art of Poetry Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote The Diary of Anne Frank?

Anne Frank Signup and view all the answers

What central theme is present in The Souls of Black Folk?

The unifying character of labor and its contrast with conflict between historical identities. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cicero's On The Nature of the Gods discuss?

The theology of different Roman and Greek philosophers. Signup and view all the answers

In whose work are the ten considerations regarding sinners and hell found?

Jonathan Edwards Signup and view all the answers

What major themes are explored in Marcus Aurelius' Meditations?

The importance of analyzing one's judgment of self and others, finding one's place in the universe, maintaining focus without distraction, and ethical principles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two first principles that Aristotle discusses in his Poetics?

Genres Signup and view all the answers

Richard Wright's Black Boy details his upbringing in northern states only.

False Signup and view all the answers

Marcus Aurelius wrote the Meditations in ______ Greek.

Koine Signup and view all the answers

What genre does Aristotle's Poetics focus on?

Dramatic theory and literary theory. Signup and view all the answers

In Black Boy, what event leads Richard to accidentally burn down his family home?

Playing with fire near curtains Signup and view all the answers

Marcus Aurelius' Meditations was written for a public audience.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Thomas Paine argue about the worth of one honest man compared to crowned monarchs?

One honest man is of more worth to society and in the sight of God than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived. Signup and view all the answers

According to Thomas Paine, the limits placed on a monarch's power in a constitutional monarchy are sufficient.

False Signup and view all the answers

What key proposal does Paine make regarding a Continental Charter?

A Continental Charter should come from an intermediate body between the Congress and the people. Signup and view all the answers

How many representatives does each colony send to the Continental Conference proposed by Paine?

Seven total representatives Signup and view all the answers

What military potential does Paine believe America has during the revolution?

Paine describes how colonial shipyards could create a navy that rivals the Royal Navy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of John Stuart Mill in On Liberty?

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community is to prevent harm to others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill link liberty to in his arguments?

The ability to progress Signup and view all the answers

What does The Communist Manifesto primarily critique?

It critiques capitalist democracy and provides a class analysis of society. Signup and view all the answers

According to The Communist Manifesto, what is the outcome of class struggles?

Inevitable revolution Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Marx make in On the Jewish Question?

Marx argues that political emancipation does not equate to human emancipation. Signup and view all the answers

The Prince is described as a theoretical guide for ruling.

False Signup and view all the answers

The author of On Miracles argues that evidence is the basis for judging between two empirical claims, and is proportional to the degree by which the evidence for one outweighs the other; what is this concept called?

weight of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What moral lesson does Thoreau aim to illustrate through his experiment at Walden?

The benefits of a simplified lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

What does Thoreau identify as the four necessities of life?

Fuel Signup and view all the answers

Thoreau believes that owning excessive possessions leads to spiritual oppression.

True Signup and view all the answers

On what date did Thoreau move into his house at Walden?

July 4, 1845 Signup and view all the answers

What was Thoreau's total expense during his first eight months at Walden?

Approximately sixty-two dollars Signup and view all the answers

What does Thoreau suggest about luxury in relation to personal improvement?

It is likely to prove more a hindrance than a help. Signup and view all the answers

Thoreau considers the government a beneficial institution.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Thoreau suggest individuals do in response to unjust laws?

They should withdraw their support and refuse to pay taxes. Signup and view all the answers

In 'Civil Disobedience', what does Thoreau argue is the only obligation of an individual?

To do what they think is right Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental issue motivates Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience'?

Disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War. Signup and view all the answers

Thoreau considers democracy to be a perfect cure for governmental injustice.

False Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does Thoreau make regarding John Brown's execution?

He compares it to Christ's crucifixion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Thoreau imply about those who do not act against injustice?

They still support the injustice through inaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of Thoreau's aphorism about government?

That government is best which governs least. Signup and view all the answers

What occasion triggered Thoreau's speech 'A Plea for Captain John Brown'?

John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Signup and view all the answers

What does Thoreau criticize about contemporary Christians in relation to justice?

They pray but do nothing to address injustice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)

Adventure novel published in 1844, noted for its popularity alongside The Three Musketeers.
Protagonist Edmond Dantès, at nineteen, faces betrayal from friends leading to wrongful imprisonment.
Dantès is imprisoned in Château d'If where he learns from Abbé Faria, who educates him and reveals the location of hidden treasure.
After escaping, Dantès discovers the treasure on Monte Cristo and transforms into the Count of Monte Cristo.
He meticulously plans revenge against those who wronged him: Danglars, Mondego, and Villefort.
Actions taken include exposing Morcerf's treachery, leading to Morcerf's suicide, and Villefort's eventual madness due to dark family secrets.
Dantès also effects positive change for Maximilian Morrel and unites him with Valentine Villefort.
Themes: betrayal, revenge, redemption, and the impact of wealth and power.

The House on Mango Street (Sandra Cisneros)

Coming-of-age novel published in 1984, narrated by Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina in a Chicago neighborhood.
Depicts Esperanza's observations of her impoverished community through vignettes, each highlighting struggles and cultural identity.
Esperanza feels shame about her family's poverty and experiences adolescent challenges, including sexual aggression.
Encounters with peers like Alicia and Sally illustrate the harsh realities faced by women in her community.
Her mother inspires Esperanza to seek independence and escape poor circumstances, motivating her literary aspirations.
Esperanza's journey reflects broader themes of identity, gender roles, and the necessity of returning to help one’s community.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Dystopian novel published in 1953, exploring a future where books are banned and "firemen" burn them.
Protagonist Guy Montag, initially a fireman, becomes disillusioned with society's aversion to literature.
Influenced by Clarisse McClellan's curiosity, Montag experiences life-changing events, including his wife’s suicide attempt.
Key moments include witnessing a woman choose to die with her books, escalating Montag's internal conflict.
Montag seeks understanding from a retired professor, Faber, who helps him navigate his newfound interest in literature.
Actions lead to Montag’s rebellion against the oppressive societal norms, culminating in a violent confrontation with his fire chief, Beatty.
Montag escapes and joins a group of intellectuals preserving literature in hope of societal rebuild post-war.

The Illustrated Man (Ray Bradbury)

Collection of eighteen science fiction short stories published in 1951, examining humanity's struggles against technological progress.
"The Veldt": Children trap parents in a virtual reality nursery centered on a predatory African veldt, raising questions about technology's effects on family.
"Kaleidoscope": Space crew confronts mortality and feelings of insignificance as their ship drifts in space.
"The Other Foot": Martian colonists reflect on racial history when white travelers arrive post-Earth’s destruction, leading to a moral dilemma.
"The Long Rain": Astronauts faced with continuous rain on Venus descend into madness while searching for shelter.
Stories highlight themes of human emotion, societal criticism, and the dark aspects of technology's influence on life.### Space Missions and Martian Encounters
A father instructs his son Doug to avoid following in his footsteps before a final mission to space, which tragically ends with his death when the rocket falls into the Sun.
Doug and his mother, affected by grief, avoid daylight living a nocturnal existence.
A group of priests travels to Mars to evangelize Martians, discovering they are beings of pure energy incapable of sin, negating the need for redemption.

Apocalypse and Isolation

A couple comes to terms with the impending end of the world, choosing to continue their daily routines despite knowing there is no future.
In a dystopian setting, banned authors survive in a Martian afterlife, but face extinction as their works are destroyed by visitors from Earth.

Philosophical Discussions and Psychological Dilemmas

On a spaceship, friends Clemens and Hitchcock explore the existential themes of reality and solipsism, with Hitchcock ultimately succumbing to the void of space.
In a war-torn future, a couple uses time travel to escape to pre-war Mexico but face repercussions from authorities attempting to return them to their original timeline.

Illusions of Paradise and Human Connection

Young telepathic visitor arrives on Mars, leading to chaos among exiles as they fight for his attention before he is tragically killed.
A reluctant Martian soldier encounters a peaceful Earth, realizing the aliens are viewed primarily as a source of exploitation, leading to a tragic end.

Exploration of Identity and Humanity

An unhappy husband buys a robot surrogate, but complications arise as the surrogate forms a connection with his wife, ultimately resulting in his imprisonment.
A rocket expedition uncovers a trap set by a long-gone civilization designed to exact revenge on humanity through capturing the astronauts.

Children’s Games and Cosmic Irony

Children play an "Invasion" game, oblivious to its potential reality, as their innocent fun turns into an actual occurrence.
Fiorello Bodoni constructs a simulated rocket experience rather than sending a family member into space, showcasing the desire for escape combined with fear of resentment.

Coming-of-Age Narrative

"Bless Me, Ultima" follows Antonio Márez y Luna's journey under the guidance of Ultima, a curandera, as he navigates the conflicting expectations of his parents and his own identity.
Antonio develops spiritually and reflects on the duality of his heritage, reconciling the desires of his father for adventure and his mother’s wish for priesthood, culminating in a new understanding of faith and identity.

Holocaust Memoir

"Night" recounts Eliezer's harrowing experiences in concentration camps during the Holocaust, exploring the loss of faith amidst brutal conditions and the bond with his father.
The memoir illustrates the horrors of dehumanization, survival struggles, and the desperate fight against despair leading to profound personal transformation.

Autobiography of Resilience

"Up From Slavery" chronicles Booker T. Washington's ascendance from slave youth to educator, emphasizing hard work, education, and vocational training as paths to racial uplift and progress.
It advocates for self-reliance and practical skills to improve the socio-economic conditions of African Americans in the post-Civil War South.

Thoreau's Experimentation with Simplicity

"Walden" outlines Henry David Thoreau's two-year experiment living at Walden Pond, advocating for a simpler life stripped of excess.
He argues that material possessions create spiritual constraints and promotes minimalism as a route to freedom and deeper connection with nature, portraying his humble abode as a symbol of his philosophy.### Perception of Paradise
A paradise exists everywhere for those who are perceptive.
Olympus represents the outer earth, emphasizing that beauty is omnipresent.
Humble living arrangements can provide fresh air and a connection to nature.
True artistry lies in expressing one's thoughts and feelings rather than in physical ornamentation.
Freedom from material concerns allows for a spiritual and celestial existence.

Concept of Time

Time is viewed as a river; individuals can choose how to engage with it.
Liberation from time allows for a god-like sense of eternal existence.
Encouragement to embrace life experiences, even through struggles, to reach deeper truths.

Civil Disobedience Overview

Thoreau's essay discusses the moral obligation to resist unjust governmental actions.
Motivated by opposition to slavery and the Mexican-American War.
Asserts that governments often perpetuate injustice and should not be blindly respected.
Emphasizes the importance of individual conscience over majority rule in determining justice.

Critique of Government

Stresses that corrupt governments justify rebellion and civil disobedience.
Challenges the notion of democracy as inherently just, emphasizing that mere majority does not equate to moral authority.
Advocates for the refusal to support the state through taxes if they fund injustices.

Call to Action

Urges individuals to actively fight against injustice rather than waiting for societal change.
Points out the hypocrisy in financially supporting an unjust government while opposing its actions.
Promotes the idea that true dissent may result in imprisonment but is necessary for integrity.

Views on Government

Acknowledges some virtues in the U.S. government while insisting on the need for improvement.
Proposes the idea that true freedom involves recognizing the individual as the primary source of authority.

Legacy of Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

Advocates for a minimalist government, as summarized in the aphorism that the best government governs least.
Warns that the existence of any government, given its propensity for corruption, is often counterproductive.

A Plea for Captain John Brown

Thoreau's essay reflects on Captain John Brown's actions and moral standing in the fight for abolition.
Critiques societal perceptions of Brown as insane or misguided, affirming his commitment to justice.
Compares Brown’s sacrifice for justice to historic figures of moral integrity, emphasizing the rarity of truly living individuals.

Common Sense

Paine's pamphlet promotes independence from Great Britain, outlining the need for an egalitarian government.
Distinguishes between society (a communal creation) and government (a necessary evil).
Critically examines the British monarchy, arguing against hereditary rule and advocating for republicanism.

On Liberty

Mill discusses the balance between authority and individual freedom.
Asserts that power should only be exercised to prevent harm to others.
Advocates for the importance of diverse opinions and actions to promote societal progress.
Discusses the necessity of liberty in fostering innovation and preventing social stagnation.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards on famous literature, focusing on works like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas. Delve into the themes, characters, and historical context of significant novels. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!