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Questions and Answers
What does it mean when something is described as 'off the beaten track'?
What does it mean when something is described as 'off the beaten track'?
Which term best describes the nature of the work mentioned as being 'itinerant'?
Which term best describes the nature of the work mentioned as being 'itinerant'?
What kind of lifestyle did the author promote in 'Walden Pond'?
What kind of lifestyle did the author promote in 'Walden Pond'?
What does 'living under a Sword of Damocles' suggest about his job?
What does 'living under a Sword of Damocles' suggest about his job?
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What does 'felicitous experience' imply about his time spent in the idyllic setting?
What does 'felicitous experience' imply about his time spent in the idyllic setting?
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Which word best describes the character of Victor Hugo in relation to social justice?
Which word best describes the character of Victor Hugo in relation to social justice?
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What is a synonym for 'repugnant' in the context of the text?
What is a synonym for 'repugnant' in the context of the text?
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What character trait is attributed to Becky Sharp in 'Vanity Fair'?
What character trait is attributed to Becky Sharp in 'Vanity Fair'?
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Which phrase conveys the notion of maximum punishment?
Which phrase conveys the notion of maximum punishment?
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In what state did Henry Thoreau prefer to find wealth?
In what state did Henry Thoreau prefer to find wealth?
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Which word best describes the candidate's relationship with the public during the campaign?
Which word best describes the candidate's relationship with the public during the campaign?
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What does the word 'ignominious' imply about an outcome?
What does the word 'ignominious' imply about an outcome?
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How did Victor Hugo's views conflict with societal structures of his time?
How did Victor Hugo's views conflict with societal structures of his time?
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What does 'terra firma' refer to in the context of travel?
What does 'terra firma' refer to in the context of travel?
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What does it mean to 'tighten one's belt'?
What does it mean to 'tighten one's belt'?
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What emotion did the crowd feel toward the innocent progeny after the conflagration?
What emotion did the crowd feel toward the innocent progeny after the conflagration?
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What does 'equanimity' suggest about a person's demeanor?
What does 'equanimity' suggest about a person's demeanor?
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In what way was the candidate's campaign manager described?
In what way was the candidate's campaign manager described?
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What did Robert feel when he first laid eyes on the girl described by the clerk?
What did Robert feel when he first laid eyes on the girl described by the clerk?
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How does Robert's attitude towards his search for Evelyn change over time?
How does Robert's attitude towards his search for Evelyn change over time?
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What does the term 'calumny' refer to in the context of the content?
What does the term 'calumny' refer to in the context of the content?
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What does Robert's facade represent throughout the search for Evelyn?
What does Robert's facade represent throughout the search for Evelyn?
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Which phrase best describes the situation Robert finds himself in with the police?
Which phrase best describes the situation Robert finds himself in with the police?
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How does Robert describe his financial situation by Friday?
How does Robert describe his financial situation by Friday?
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What does 'fastidious' imply about the character's views on manners?
What does 'fastidious' imply about the character's views on manners?
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Why does Robert recoil in disgust when he sees the group of young people?
Why does Robert recoil in disgust when he sees the group of young people?
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The term 'abstemious' suggests what about Robert's lifestyle?
The term 'abstemious' suggests what about Robert's lifestyle?
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What lesson does Thurber draw from the story of the tortoise and the hare?
What lesson does Thurber draw from the story of the tortoise and the hare?
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What does the term 'her suit' imply in the context of the passage?
What does the term 'her suit' imply in the context of the passage?
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What emotional state does Robert ultimately find himself in after seeing Evelyn with the noisy group?
What emotional state does Robert ultimately find himself in after seeing Evelyn with the noisy group?
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What does the term 'tenacious' indicate about Robert's character?
What does the term 'tenacious' indicate about Robert's character?
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How does Thurber modernize the classic tale involving the wolf and Little Red Riding Hood?
How does Thurber modernize the classic tale involving the wolf and Little Red Riding Hood?
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Which of the following best describes Robert's hope regarding Evelyn?
Which of the following best describes Robert's hope regarding Evelyn?
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What does the phrase 'to leave no stone unturned' signify in the context provided?
What does the phrase 'to leave no stone unturned' signify in the context provided?
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What moral can be derived from the goldfinch's encounter with the glass?
What moral can be derived from the goldfinch's encounter with the glass?
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What does 'sanguine' imply in the context of Robert's emotions?
What does 'sanguine' imply in the context of Robert's emotions?
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What does the phrase 'Hook Line and Sinker' mean in the content?
What does the phrase 'Hook Line and Sinker' mean in the content?
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What does 'candid' mean in the context of the passage?
What does 'candid' mean in the context of the passage?
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What does the story suggest about the nature of clichés?
What does the story suggest about the nature of clichés?
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How does Thurber characterize the idea of modern marriage proposals?
How does Thurber characterize the idea of modern marriage proposals?
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What does 'venial sin' refer to in the context provided?
What does 'venial sin' refer to in the context provided?
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What does the term 'pensive' imply in the context of the narrative?
What does the term 'pensive' imply in the context of the narrative?
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What is indicated by the phrase 'keep a stiff upper lip'?
What is indicated by the phrase 'keep a stiff upper lip'?
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What can be inferred about the role of the swallow in the story about the goldfinch?
What can be inferred about the role of the swallow in the story about the goldfinch?
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How does Thurber characterize traditional tales in his stories?
How does Thurber characterize traditional tales in his stories?
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Study Notes
Literary Analysis of Thurber's Style
- Thurber's style often uses juxtapositions, contrasting clichés and serious themes
- Stories often depict characters who face unexpected setbacks or misunderstandings
- Humor and satire are prevalent, often employing absurdity to critique human behavior or societal norms
Character Traits and Motivations
- Tenacious: Characters often display persistent determination, despite setbacks
- Frustrated: Characters frequently experience frustration arising from obstacles or disillusionment
- Desperate: Characters demonstrate a sense of desperation when their hopes are dashed
- Fastidious: Characters exhibit meticulous standards (often ritualistic or conventional)
- Naïve/Unsophisticated: Some characters are portrayed as innocent or unworldly
- Opportunistic: Certain characters demonstrate a drive to gain advantages or achieve social standing
- Incredulous: Characters show disbelief, doubts, or skepticism
- Sanctimonious: Characters presented as religiously hypocritical
- Obsessed: Some characters demonstrate fixated interests or pursuits
Settings and Social Commentary
- Characters often navigate situations involving social miscommunication or incongruities
- Themes of class differences and cultural clashes are frequently explored
- Social commentary is woven throughout, satirizing or critiquing contemporary issues
Plot Structure and Narrative Techniques
- Stories frequently follow a protagonist's struggles and setbacks
- The use of surprising twists, turns, or ironies is employed to create humor or emphasize themes
- Characters' motivations and reactions illustrate social commentary
- Modern parables are employed, updating traditional lore
Vocabulary
- Antiquated: old-fashioned, obsolete
- Disheveled: messy, untidy
- Congenial: friendly, agreeable
- Commodious: spacious, roomy
- Incredulous: skeptical, disbelieving
- Asinine: foolish, stupid
- Grimace: facial expression of disgust
- Calumny: false accusation, slander
- Tenacious: persistent, stubborn
- Facade: superficial appearance
- Pittance: small amount
- Fastidious: meticulous, fussy
- Equanimity: calmness, composure
- Noisome: foul, offensive
- Unkempt: untidy
- Lily-livered: cowardly
- Abstemious: sparing, moderate
- Parsimonious: frugal, economical
- Whimsical: humorous, playful
- Lampoon: satirical comedy
- Reticent: reserved, hesitant
- Salubrious: healthful, wholesome
- Deleterious: harmful, detrimental
- Sanctimonious: hypocritically religious
- Equinity: calmness, composure in the face of criticism
- Arron: boldness
- Supercilious: disdainful, arrogant
- Factious: causing discord
- Sinister: evil, menacing
- Nonentity: person of no importance, trivial
- Flabbergasted: astonished, stunned
- Debacle: complete failure
- Fortuitous: lucky, accidental
- Vivacious: lively, animated
- Gaunt: thin, emaciated
- Haggard: weary, worn
- Mean: unkind, spiteful, having a disagreeable demeanor
- Perfunctory: superficial, cursory
- Cognizant: aware, conscious
- Hersuit: appearing as one's grandmother
- Nefarious: wicked, malicious
- Vigil: watch, guard
- Ominous: threatening, foreshadowing evil
- Stuper: state of insensibility, daze
- Cliché: commonplace phrase
- Jos: playful, humorous
- Genre: certain form or style in painting or literature
- Candid: frank, honest
- Unsavory: disagreeable, offensive
- Degrade: lower in status, demean
- Venial: pardonable, forgivable
- Epitope: person or thing that embodies the best
- Dexterity: mental or physical skill
- Grotesque: strange, odd, bizarre
- Compassion: sympathy, kindness
- Repugnant: disgusting, distasteful
- Effigy: representation of a person, often to burn
- Covet: to desire wrongfully
- Ingratiate: win favor or confidence
- Penury: poverty, destitution
- Ignominious: humiliating, disgraceful
- Seventh heaven: highest happiness
Literary Devices and Themes
- Parable: story with a moral lesson
- Moralistic: concerned with right and wrong
- Social Commentary: criticism or observation of social issues
- Humor: lighthearted treatment of serious themes
- Satire: use of humor to deride or criticize
- Irony: use of words in a way that conveys a meaning opposite to their literal meaning
- Juxtaposition: placing contrasting ideas or images close together
- Modernization of parables: adapting traditional stories to contemporary contexts
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Description
Explore the unique style of James Thurber in this quiz that analyzes his use of humor, juxtaposition, and characterization. Delve into his ability to highlight human behaviors through absurdity and critical satire. This is essential for anyone looking to understand Thurber's contributions to literature and humor.
