GACE: Major American Authors Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What is the type of work for 'Native Son' by Richard Wright?

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  • Novel (correct)

    • Who is the protagonist of 'The Grapes of Wrath'?

    Tom Joad

    What genre does 'The Great Gatsby' belong to?

    Modernist novel

    The antagonist in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is Bob Ewell.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main conflict in 'The Scarlet Letter'?

    <p>Hester Prynne's extramarital affair and its consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of work is 'Of Mice and Men'?

    <p>Novella</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the narrator of 'The Catcher in the Rye'?

    <p>Holden Caulfield</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' features a major conflict between Huck and _______.

    <p>society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The climax of 'Of Mice and Men' is when Lennie kills Curley's wife.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the major themes of 'The Great Gatsby'?

    <p>The decline of the American Dream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the genre of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

    <p>Bildungsroman (coming-of-age novel), American Southern spiritual journey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

    <p>Janie</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant theme of 'The Crucible'?

    <p>Intolerance; hysteria; reputation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who narrates 'The Things They Carried'?

    <p>Tim O'Brien</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the genre of 'The Awakening'?

    <p>Bildungsroman (novel of intellectual, spiritual, or moral evolution)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is 'Ethan Frome' set?

    <p>Starkfield, Massachusetts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the climax of 'Fahrenheit 451'?

    <p>Montag's murder of Beatty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the themes present in 'A Raisin in the Sun'?

    <p>The value and purpose of dreams, the need to fight racial discrimination, the importance of family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist in 'The Red Badge of Courage'?

    <p>Henry Fleming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main conflict in 'A Separate Peace'?

    <p>A coming-of-age story marked by tragedy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the setting of 'The Jungle'?

    <p>Packingtown, the meat-packing sector of Chicago</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the genre of 'Death of a Salesman'?

    <p>Tragedy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The protagonist of 'Death of a Salesman' is ___ Loman.

    <p>Willy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main setting place of 'Death of a Salesman'?

    <p>Willy Loman's house and yard in Brooklyn</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of work is 'In Cold Blood'?

    <p>True crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist of 'A Lesson Before Dying'?

    <p>Grant Wiggins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Slaughterhouse-Five' is an antiwar novel written by ___ Vonnegut Jr.

    <p>Kurt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary theme of 'The Poisonwood Bible'?

    <p>The sin of Western arrogance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The protagonist of 'The Bluest Eye' is Pecola Breedlove.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the narrative point of view in 'The Sound and the Fury'?

    <p>Stream of consciousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following works with their respective authors:

    <p>Death of a Salesman = Arthur Miller In Cold Blood = Truman Capote A Lesson Before Dying = Ernest J. Gaines Slaughterhouse-Five = Kurt Vonnegut Jr.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the genre of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'?

    <p>Bildungsroman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the title of the novel written by Joseph Heller?

    <p>Catch-22</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following genres does 'Catch-22' belong to?

    <p>War novel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist of 'Catch-22'?

    <p>John Yossarian</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major conflict faced by Yossarian in 'Catch-22'?

    <p>His struggle to stay alive despite numerous threats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What genre does 'The Chosen' by Chaim Potok fall under?

    <p>Bildungsroman; Jewish-American Literature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who narrates 'The Chosen'?

    <p>Reuven Malter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which themes are explored in 'The Chosen'?

    <p>Tradition versus modernity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary conflict in 'East of Eden'?

    <p>Cal Trask's struggle with his legacy of evil and his desire for redemption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What time period does 'East of Eden' cover?

    <p>1862-1918</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What perspective is the novel 'My Ántonia' written from?

    <p>Jim's perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

    <p>Maya Angelou</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major conflict in 'My Ántonia'?

    <p>Jim and Ántonia's friendship is tested by different life paths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The setting of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' includes only Stamps, Arkansas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a theme in 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

    <p>Coming-of-age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is the setting of 'My Ántonia' primarily in Nebraska?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tone does Jim adopt when narrating the story of his reunion with Ántonia?

    <p>Optimistic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,' what type of work is it categorized as?

    <p>Autobiography.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist of 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave'?

    <p>Frederick Douglass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The novel 'Beloved' is primarily set in __________.

    <p>Cincinnati, Ohio.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major conflict in 'Beloved'?

    <p>Sethe's struggle with her traumatic past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of narrative is 'Hiroshima' by John Hersey?

    <p>Journalistic narrative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is the narrator of 'Moby Dick' Ishmael?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary theme of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'?

    <p>Individuality vs. conformity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Richard Wright's 'Black Boy' primarily discuss?

    <p>The author's early life experiences and struggles with racism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of work is 'Bless Me, Ultima'?

    <p>Novel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist in 'A Separate Peace'?

    <p>Gene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the tone of 'A Separate Peace'?

    <p>Brooding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gene is a reliable narrator.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major conflict does Gene face with Finny?

    <p>Gene feels both love and hate for Finny.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the climax of 'A Separate Peace'?

    <p>Finny falls from the tree.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the narrator of 'The Sun Also Rises'?

    <p>Jake Barnes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major conflict in 'The Sun Also Rises'?

    <p>Jake's love for Lady Brett Ashley</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of work is 'Anthem' by Ayn Rand?

    <p>Novella</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Equality 7-2521 speaks in third person in 'Anthem'.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the climax of 'The Old Man and the Sea'?

    <p>Santiago harpoons the marlin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the themes present in 'The Color Purple'?

    <p>The irrationality of racism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the protagonist of 'Invisible Man'?

    <p>The narrator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major conflict in 'My Antonia'?

    <p>Jim Burden's reflections on his childhood and relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    "Native Son" (1940) by Richard Wright

    • A novel categorized as urban naturalism and social protest.
    • Narrated in a limited third-person, focusing on protagonist Bigger Thomas's inner thoughts.
    • Set in 1930s Chicago, illustrating the impact of systemic racism.
    • Bigger's conflict centers around racism's destruction of his individuality, leading to violence.
    • Climax includes three pivotal moments: Mary's murder, the discovery of her remains, and Bigger's trial.
    • Themes explore the effects of racism and the hypocrisy of justice.

    "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939) by John Steinbeck

    • Protagonist Tom Joad symbolizes migrant workers' struggles during the Great Depression.
    • The novel portrays poverty as a significant antagonist, stemming from exploitative landowners.
    • Climax occurs with Casy's murder and Tom's realization of the need for collective action against oppression.
    • The narrative ends tragically, highlighting the relentless hardship faced by the Joad family and other migrants.
    • Themes emphasize shared suffering and the importance of unity among the oppressed.

    "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1960) by Harper Lee

    • Atticus Finch serves as the moral backbone of the story, representing justice and equality.
    • Bob Ewell acts as the main antagonist, showcasing racial prejudice and its violent consequences.
    • The trial of Tom Robinson highlights community solidarity despite systemic injustice.
    • The conclusion emphasizes the losses and dangers faced by the Finch family due to societal hatred.
    • Significant themes include racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence.

    "The Great Gatsby" (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    • A modernist novel set during the Jazz Age, narrated by Nick Carraway.
    • Explores the conflict between Gatsby's wealth and his desire for acceptance from Daisy Buchanan.
    • Climax includes Gatsby's reunion with Daisy and the confrontation with her husband, Tom.
    • The narrative depicts the decline of the American Dream amid class struggles and tragic events.
    • Themes revolve around social class disparity and the disillusionment of the American Dream.

    "The Scarlet Letter" (1850) by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    • A symbolic novel set in 17th century Puritan Boston, following Hester Prynne's punishment for adultery.
    • The omniscient narrator provides insight into characters' thoughts, particularly the suffering of Hester and Dimmesdale.
    • Major conflicts stem from societal condemnation and personal guilt, affecting relationships and identity.
    • Climax centers around revelations of secrets during public confrontations.
    • Themes explore sin, identity, and societal judgment.

    "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1884) by Mark Twain

    • A picaresque novel representing Huck Finn's journey toward moral growth before the Civil War.
    • Narration reflects Huck's perspective, showcasing the hypocrisy of "civilized" society.
    • Major conflict entails Huck's struggle between societal norms and his friendship with Jim, a runaway slave.
    • Climax involves Huck's internal moral battle over helping Jim versus societal expectations.
    • Themes concentrate on race, moral dilemmas, and the critique of societal values.

    "Of Mice and Men" (1937) by John Steinbeck

    • A tragic novella focusing on the intertwined lives of George and Lennie during the Great Depression.
    • Major conflict arises from Lennie's mental challenges and societal oppression.
    • Climax occurs when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, leading to tragic consequences.
    • Themes highlight the nature of dreams, male friendship, and the predatory aspects of human existence.

    "The Catcher in the Rye" (1951) by J.D. Salinger

    • A coming-of-age novel narrated by Holden Caulfield, reflecting his struggles with alienation.
    • Major conflict lies within Holden's desire for connection versus his disdain for adult "phoniness."
    • Climax features critical moments, including Holden's failed attempts at intimacy and connection.
    • Themes address the painfulness of growing up, alienation, and the difficulties of forming genuine relationships.

    "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1937) by Zora Neale Hurston

    • A bildungsroman following Janie's search for personal and spiritual fulfillment in early 20th-century Florida.
    • The narrative voice captures Southern sensibilities and Janie's personal story, framed as dialogue.
    • Major conflict revolves around societal expectations versus Janie's quest for her identity and independence.
    • Themes explore race, gender, and the struggles for empowerment and self-discovery.### Rising Action and Climax in Literature
    • Janie's rejection of materialism highlights her journey toward self-discovery, emphasizing the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.
    • The significant conflict in Janie’s life arises from her relationship with Tea Cake, culminating in a dramatic confrontation in Chapter 19, showcasing her assertiveness.
    • In "The Crucible," John Proctor's admission of adultery serves as the pivotal moment that intensifies the tragic narrative.
    • The narrative portrays intense themes such as fear, reputation, and the hysteria of the Salem witch trials.

    Key Themes

    • Common themes across these works include the exploration of power dynamics, both in personal relationships and broader societal contexts.
    • Materialism and the quest for spiritual fulfillment play critical roles, particularly in Janie's journey and in the struggles facing Jurgis in "The Jungle."
    • Many narratives, such as "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The Awakening," depict the conflict between personal ambitions and societal constraints, particularly around issues of race and gender.

    Character Dynamics and Conflict

    • The protagonists, including Janie, John Proctor, and Ethan Frome, face inner and outer conflicts that challenge their perceptions of identity and fulfillment.
    • Relationships are critical to the narratives, often highlighting conflicts of love, duty, and personal aspirations, as in the cases of Edna's independence and Montag’s rebellion against societal norms in "Fahrenheit 451."

    Narrative Structure and Point of View

    • Many of these works employ a third-person limited or first-person perspective to create a more intimate narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters' internal struggles.
    • The use of unreliable narrators, as seen in "The Things They Carried" and "A Separate Peace," adds complexity to the storytelling by blurring the lines between truth and memory.

    Social Critique and Historical Context

    • The narratives reflect significant historical moments, such as the impact of the Vietnam War, the socio-economic struggles of early 20th-century immigrants, and the constraints faced by women in the late 19th century.
    • "The Jungle" critiques capitalism through Jurgis’ plight, symbolizing the exploitation of laborers, while "Anthem" presents a dystopian view on collectivism versus individualism.

    Conclusion of Major Conflicts

    • Numerous climactic moments, such as Edna's suicide and Jake's impotence, reflect profound personal crises that lead to significant transformations or tragic endings.
    • The falling action in many stories serves as a medium for characters to grapple with their decisions’ ramifications, as seen in the aftermath of Finny’s fall in "A Separate Peace" and Janie's ultimate act of self-defense.

    The Role of Setting and Tone

    • Settings, often reflective of character struggles, play vital roles in the narratives, aiding in conveying themes of entrapment versus freedom, particularly in "The House on Mango Street" and "The Awakening."
    • The tone ranges from serious and tragic to nostalgic and ironic, influencing how themes are perceived and understood by readers.### Anthem
    • Set in a dystopian future, post-collapse of individualistic society due to collectivism.
    • Narrated by Equality 7-2521 in the present tense, straightforward tone without irony.
    • Protagonist, Equality 7-2521, seeks self-identity in a society that suppresses individualism.
    • Major conflict involves Equality 7-2521's struggle against societal rejection of personal autonomy.
    • Rising action includes his discovery of an underground tunnel for scientific experimentation, leading to the invention of the lightbulb.
    • Climax: Equality 7-2521 presents his invention to the World Council, which forces his rejection from society.
    • Falling action focuses on his life with the Golden One in the forest as they embrace individualism and discover the meaning of "I."
    • Themes highlight the importance of individuality, the drawbacks of collectivism, and the creative spirit as integral to identity.

    The Old Man and the Sea

    • A parable novella set in the late 1940s near Havana, Cuba, and the Gulf of Mexico.
    • Narrated by an anonymous voice, often combining objective descriptions with insights into Santiago's thoughts.
    • Protagonist Santiago endures a grueling struggle against a marlin over three days, embodying themes of honor and struggle.
    • Major conflict arises from Santiago’s efforts to catch the marlin after 84 days of no success.
    • Climax occurs when Santiago harpoons the marlin after extreme exhaustion, symbolizing a moment of tragic victory.
    • Falling action depicts Santiago’s return home with only the skeletal remains of the marlin, resulting in newfound respect from the village.
    • Themes revolve around the dignity in struggle, pride, and the tragic nature of existence.

    As I Lay Dying

    • Novel set in the 1920s, in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi.
    • Narrated from 15 different first-person perspectives, allowing diverse interpretations of events.
    • Protagonist Darl Bundren questions his family’s decision to transport deceased Addie to her burial site, illustrating internal conflict.
    • Major conflict encompasses the Bundren family's struggles against nature and their emotional burdens during the treacherous journey.
    • Rising action features impediments like washed-out bridges and the deterioration of Addie's body.
    • Climax centers on Darl’s act of burning a barn that contains Addie’s coffin, expressing his inner turmoil.
    • Falling action concludes with Addie’s burial and the familial aftermath, including Darl's apprehension.
    • Themes explore existence, identity, and the tension between internal thoughts and verbal expression.

    The Color Purple

    • Historical fiction novel set in rural Georgia between 1910-1940, presented in an epistolary format.
    • Narrated primarily by Celie in the first person through letters to God, showcasing her personal growth.
    • Protagonist Celie endures severe abuse while searching for her own identity and voice.
    • Major conflict revolves around Celie's suffering and her relationship dynamics with men.
    • Rising action sees Celie gaining strength and self-identity through her bond with Shug and reconnecting with her lost letters.
    • Climax features Celie's confrontation with Mr.______, marking her newfound confidence and shift towards independence.
    • Falling action traces her success as a business owner and reunion with family.
    • Themes emphasize the power of storytelling, female solidarity, and disruptions to traditional gender roles.

    A Farewell to Arms

    • Set during World War I, following protagonist Lieutenant Frederic Henry's experiences and disillusionment.
    • Central conflict involves Henry's internal battle against the realities of war and his relationships, especially with Catherine Barkley.
    • Climax occurs during the chaotic retreat in Caporetto, shifting the pace of the narrative and altering Henry's status to that of a hunted man.
    • Henry's pursuit of love and normalcy is thwarted by the tragic deaths of both Catherine and their child.
    • Themes underline the futility of war, the complexities of love, and personal despair.

    The Secret Life of Bees

    • Coming-of-age novel following Lily Owens, a fourteen-year-old girl in 1964 South Carolina.
    • Narrated in the first person by Lily, reflective of her journey of self-discovery amid racial tensions.
    • Major conflict arises from Lily's troubled relationship with her father and her friend's arrest.
    • Rising action includes Lily's liberation journey with Rosaleen and her eventual sanctuary with the Boatwright sisters.
    • Climax features multiple high-stakes events including Zach’s wrongful arrest and May Boatwright's suicide.
    • Falling action resolves with Lily confronting her past and finding a sense of belonging.
    • Themes explore racism, female empowerment, and the transformative power of storytelling.

    Invisible Man

    • Bildungsroman set in the 1930s, narrated by an unnamed black man reflecting on his life experiences.
    • Narrator grapples with identity within the constraints of race and societal expectations.
    • Major conflict arises from the narrator's struggle to reconcile his self-concept with societal roles imposed on him.
    • Rising action includes his expulsion from college and relationship developments that challenge his perspectives.
    • Climax features the racially motivated murder of Clifton, triggering community anger and personal conflict with the Brotherhood.
    • Falling action portrays societal unrest and the narrator's retreat into literal and metaphorical hibernation.
    • Themes discuss the implications of racism, the pursuit of self-identity, and the limitations of ideological frameworks.

    My Antonia

    • Narrative spanning from the 1880s to 1910s, focusing on Jim Burden’s retrospective memoir of his friendship with Ántonia.
    • Major conflict involves the divergence of Jim and Ántonia's lives due to socio-economic differences.
    • Rising action is framed through personal growth, hardships, and the nostalgia of their shared past.
    • Climax lacks a traditional moment but focuses on the heartfelt reunion 20 years later.
    • Falling action emphasizes Jim’s deeper connection with Ántonia's family and acceptance of the past.
    • Themes highlight relationships with the past, the immigrant experience, and environmental influences on human life.

    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

    • Autobiography chronicling Douglass’s experiences from 1818 to 1841.
    • Formatted as a slave narrative, exploring themes of freedom and education as tools against oppression.
    • Major conflict revolves around Douglass's psychological and physical struggle against the brutality of slavery.
    • Rising action tracks his journey of self-education and realization of the importance of literacy for emancipation.
    • Climax occurs when Douglass stands up to his slave master, marking a pivotal moment in his quest for freedom.
    • Falling action details his eventual escape and rise to prominence as an abolitionist orator.
    • Themes concentrate on the transformative power of knowledge, the immorality of slavery, and its impact on both slaves and slaveholders.

    Beloved

    • Historical fiction narrated primarily by an anonymous omniscient voice, supplemented by character perspectives.
    • Explores the haunting memories of slavery and its lasting psychological impact through the lens of Sethe, the main character.
    • Incorporates themes of trauma, motherhood, and the struggle for self-identity in the face of brutal history.
    • Narration oscillates between past and present, offering insights into the characters’ emotional landscapes and societal critique.

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    This quiz focuses on key American authors and their notable works, including 'Native Son' by Richard Wright. It covers the major themes, genres, and narrative techniques used in these literary pieces. Perfect for students preparing for the GACE exam in language arts.

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