Ishmael by Daniel Quinn Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who is the author of 'Ishmael'?

Daniel Quinn (correct)

Goliath

Ishmael

Walter

What is the narrator of 'Ishmael' referred to as?

Protagonist

What perspective does the narrator of 'Ishmael' have?

The narrator

What era is referred to as the 'Hippie era'?

60's Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting described as in 'Ishmael'?

Setting Signup and view all the answers

What is a charlatan?

A scammer who claims to have knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What does 'indignant' mean?

Unjust Signup and view all the answers

What does 'callow' mean?

Naive Signup and view all the answers

What is a pupil?

Student Signup and view all the answers

What is a menagerie?

Collection of wild animals Signup and view all the answers

What does 'earnest desire' imply?

Serious intention Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'sarsen'?

Numerous large sand stone Signup and view all the answers

Who was Goliath?

Enormous, huge, outcast Signup and view all the answers

What is a koan?

A nonsensical or paradoxical question to a student Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hope for gorilla' reference in 'Ishmael'?

Gorillas could thrive or diminish Signup and view all the answers

What is the story of Goliath about?

Captured from Africa, moved to zoo Signup and view all the answers

Who is Walter in the story?

Walter bought Goliath and changed his name to Ishmael Signup and view all the answers

What does captivity refer to in 'Ishmael'?

Goliath is teaching Signup and view all the answers

What is identity in 'Ishmael'?

One's individual sense of self Signup and view all the answers

What does Goliath represent in the story?

Great warrior lost even though great and powerful Signup and view all the answers

Why is Goliath not considered threatening?

Not threatening Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rachel in 'Ishmael'?

Ishmael's pupil Signup and view all the answers

What does indignant refer to in the context?

Anger towards something unfair Signup and view all the answers

What does placidly mean?

Calmly Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'in bag'?

A map vocab and definitions Signup and view all the answers

What are 'takers'?

People of your culture Signup and view all the answers

What are 'leavers'?

People of all other cultures ancient Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms:

Takers = leavers Leavers = Primitive Signup and view all the answers

What are the definitions given for the terms 'story', 'enact', and 'culture'?

Story: scenario interrelating man in the world and the gods; Enact: to make a story a reality; Culture: people enacting a story Signup and view all the answers

What does 'defining moment' refer to?

Birthing agriculture; Takers moved to leavers Signup and view all the answers

What is an anachronism?

Error because of time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Protagonist

Daniel Quinn is the author of Ishmael, born after the Great Depression and educated before World War II.
The protagonist is referred to as the narrator, who is in his mid-teens during the 1960s and is motivated to seek a teacher due to feelings of regret.

Historical Context

The 1960s hippie era featured youth revolting against societal norms, although it largely resulted in fashion statements rather than substantial change.

Setting

The setting is described as a barren, ordinary office building, featuring an empty room with an overstuffed chair and an olfactory smell reminiscent of a menagerie.

Characters and Themes

A charlatan is depicted as someone who falsely claims expertise, while the concept of being indignant relates to feelings of unfairness.
"Callow" describes someone perceived as naive or foolish, while "pupil" indicates the role of a student within this narrative.

Symbolism and Terminology

The term "menagerie" refers to a collection of wild animals; within the story, it symbolizes captivity for Goliath, who lost his family and was taken from Africa to a zoo.
The character Goliath is symbolic of an enormous outcast, while "koan" represents a paradoxical question posed to a student requiring contemplation.

Character Backstories

Walter, a wealthy Jewish merchant, bought Goliath and renamed him Ishmael, signifying a familial loss influenced by the Holocaust.

Self and Identity

Identity refers to one's sense of self and self-actualization in the context of the story, while "Goliath context" symbolizes the idea of a great warrior facing inevitable defeat, akin to the biblical tale of David and Goliath.

Cultural Distinctions

"Takers" refers to people of modern culture, while "leavers" denote people from ancient cultures, highlighting the contrast between civilized and primitive ways of life.
The notion of "birthing agriculture" marks a defining moment in which Takers transitioned from leavers, suggesting significant cultural shifts.

Definitions and Errors

An anachronism denotes an error in time context, enriching the narrative's exploration of cultural and historical dynamics.

Emotional States

The term "placidly" characterizes a calm demeanor, while feelings of indignant anger towards injustices are recurrent themes throughout the chapters.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the book Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. This quiz covers the author, protagonist, historical context, setting, characters, and key themes. Explore the intricate symbolism and terminology used throughout the narrative.