Questions and Answers
What is the tone of the introductory paragraphs of the story about the family?
The tone seems happy and very positive.
How can the wall in the story be seen as a symbol?
The wall is a type of barrier that divides someone or something.
What is happening with the shift from 1st person to 3rd person point of view?
The author shifts from narrating her life to telling a bedtime story.
What words are used in the story that reflect happiness like other fairy tales?
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Why do the characters in the story behave the way they do?
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How would you describe the tone of the rest of the story?
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Why do you think Nadine Gordimer titled the story 'Once Upon a Time'?
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What is the irony in this story?
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How is the story allegorical?
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What moral lessons are present in 'Once Upon a Time'?
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What is the setting of the story?
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What is the situation described in the story?
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Who are the characters in the story?
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What is the rising action in the story?
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What is the climax of the story?
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What is the falling action of the story?
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What is the resolution in the story?
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What is the theme of the story?
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How is the phrase 'happily ever after' used differently in this story?
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What impact do pet cats have on burglar alarms in the neighborhood?
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What do the husband and wife fear in the fairy tale?
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What makes the author afraid in the beginning of the story?
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Why was the husband's mother referred to as the witch?
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What theme does Gordimer communicate through the ending of the fairy tale?
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Once Upon a Time starts off as an autobiography then shifts to a fairy tale.
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Study Notes
Tone and Symbolism
- The introductory paragraphs of the story convey a happy and optimistic tone, supported by phrases like "happily ever after," "loved," and "trustworthy."
- The wall symbolizes division and separation, serving as a barrier against perceived threats.
Narrative Perspective
- The story shifts from a first-person perspective, revealing the author's personal struggles and sleeplessness, to a third-person narrative as a bedtime story unfolds.
- This first-person introduction establishes a connection with readers, transitioning into a more traditional storytelling format.
Character Behavior and Motives
- Characters exhibit protective behavior, driven by distrust towards people of different races and due to previous security breaches.
- Increasing security measures in their home reflect concerns about safety and experiences of crime.
Tone Development
- The tone evolves to a more intense atmosphere, punctuated by terms like "burglaries," "riots," and "razor-blade coils," contrasting with the initial fairy-tale elements.
Title Significance
- The title "Once Upon a Time" reflects traditional fairy tales and serves as a bedtime story format, highlighting the departure from typical happy endings.
Irony and Allegory
- The story embodies irony: despite the family's safety measures, tragedy strikes, and the promise of "happily ever after" is unfulfilled.
- It serves as an allegory for societal racism and mistrust, mirroring the segregation and fear of the unknown present in the characters' actions.
Moral Lessons
- The tale delivers moral lessons on the dangers of excess protection and the impact of fear on family dynamics.
Setting and Characters
- Set in a suburban home, the narrative revolves around a family structure including a boy, parents, a gardener, a trusted housemaid, and a wise old witch-titled character.
Plot Elements
- Rising action unfolds as the family increases security in response to neighborhood violence, guided by the witch's warning against trust.
- The climax occurs when the boy, in play, faces danger from barbed wire, leading to the falling action where he is saved by trusted household members.
- Final resolution sees the injured boy being carried back to safety, illustrating themes of familial bonds amidst fear.
Themes and Reflections
- Central theme revolves around fear and the obsession with security, showcasing the unintended consequences of such extreme protection.
- The phrase "happily ever after" diverges from its traditional usage, signifying that this story concludes with sorrow rather than joy.
Community Effects
- Neighborhood dynamics are affected by common issues like pets triggering alarms, which obscure real threats.
- Fearful perceptions of racial "others" drive the couple's anxieties and actions, underscoring broader societal issues.
Author's Fears
- The author’s personal fears stem from environmental concerns, such as the house shifting due to nearby mining activities.
- The characterization of the husband’s mother as the “witch” signifies a negative portrayal and a source of family conflict.
Final Thoughts
- The ending effectively communicates that actions spurred by fear can lead to detrimental outcomes, reinforcing the narrative's cautionary stance on security obsession.
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Description
This quiz explores key themes and symbols in Nadine Gordimer's short story 'Once Upon a Time.' Participants will analyze tone, symbolism, and character insights through various questions. Enhance your understanding of Gordimer's literary techniques and their social implications.
