Science Fiction Vocabulary and Characterization
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Questions and Answers

What is another type of context?

  • Imagery
  • Vocabulary practice (correct)
  • Discourse analysis
  • Characterization

    • What does 'execrable' mean?

    extremely bad or unpleasant

    What does 'benighted' refer to?

    in a state of intellectual or moral ignorance

    What are allusions in literature?

    <p>references that the author expects the reader to recognize</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the portal to the center of the Earth according to Arne Saknussem?

    <p>A volcano in Iceland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of imagery is described in the passage about the house?

    <p>Descriptive imagery of a gloomy, narrow passage and low beams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'characterization' refer to?

    <p>the choice of words that reveal character traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What stage of the novel is indicated in the passage about the Professor?

    <p>rising action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Chapter 12, what do they ascend?

    <p>the volcano they intend to enter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can't Gretchen go on the trip?

    <p>because she is a woman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'innate' mean?

    <p>natural or something one is born with</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant idea does the author express about Iceland's origin?

    <p>it may have appeared from subterranean fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of 'setting' in literature?

    <p>the time, place, and mood of a story</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'sublime' refer to?

    <p>excellence, grandeur, or beauty that inspires admiration or awe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an 'allusion'?

    <p>a reference to something familiar to the reader</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'dramatic irony' mean?

    <p>a literary technique where the audience knows more than the character</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'naive' mean?

    <p>showing a lack of wisdom or experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a 'paradox'?

    <p>a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'phlegmatic' mean?

    <p>having an unemotional and stolidly calm personality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'discourse analysis'?

    <p>the study of word choice and how arguments are made</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'subterranean' refer to?

    <p>existing, occurring, or done under the Earth's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'foreshadowing'?

    <p>a warning or indication of a future event</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'manifold' mean?

    <p>many and various</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'plot structure'?

    <p>the sequence of events within a literary work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Using our context clues, the theory of a central fire most likely means?

    <p>That the center of the earth was made of fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is phlegmatic a good character trait for the guide?

    <p>The guide will remain calm even if the project seems unusual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is characterization?

    <p>The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major aspect of humor in science fiction?

    <p>Dramatic irony.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vocabulary word is depicted by someone sweating, gulping, or nervously tugging at their clothes?

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

    What does allusion mean?

    <p>A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political importance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The rocks on the volcanic island were _____ in nature.

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

    What does the description of Iceland as a setting imply?

    <p>It indicates the geographical elements important for the journey.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best meaning of 'diffuse'?

    <p>To spread out over a wide number of people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The wind blew ________ so that I couldn't get the umbrella set up correctly.

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

    Would the passage about Harry be considered direct or indirect characterization?

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

    What defines a paradox?

    <p>A statement that seems contradictory but may reveal a truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution are all components of _____.

    <p>plot structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do we learn from Henry's perception of Iceland?

    <p>He is a bit sarcastic about its small size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'sallied' mean in this context?

    <p>Slinked towards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might Verne be indicating about Harry if he has been 'defeated' by the professor's scientific arguments?

    <p>Harry is not very intellectual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Harry react when he discovers a secret?

    <p>He is deeply upset about something.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What words contribute to the sense of paradox in the passage?

    <p>Active and supple: scarcely moved his arms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can the last sentence of chapter 15 be considered?

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

    What contributed to the majority formation of Iceland?

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

    What is an example of a statement that seems impossible but is actually true?

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

    What is a good reading strategy for determining implied meaning?

    <p>Look for context clues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'peddlers' mean?

    <p>People who sell things, often door to door.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'innate' mean?

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

    Which of the following is NOT an allusion found in Journey to the Center of the Earth?

    <p>Captain Ahab</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is cryptography?

    <p>The art of writing or solving codes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is significant about the professor's character?

    <p>He appears to be in charge but is contradicted by the situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT an allusion made so far in this book?

    <p>George Washington.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the professor's determination to disprove the theory of central fire indicate?

    <p>They are continually testing their theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can readers recognize where they are in the plot structure?

    <p>Look for clues from the author regarding details and significance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Vocabulary Definitions

    • Central Fire Theory: Proposes that the Earth's center consists of fire.
    • Phlegmatic Guide: A calm demeanor conducive for unusual circumstances.
    • Characterization: Process of revealing a character either directly (explicitly stated) or indirectly (through actions and behavior).
    • Humor in Science Fiction: Incorporation of humor, often through irony, as seen in works like "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
    • Discomfiture: Depicted through physical symptoms like sweating or nervousness; denotes unease.
    • Allusion: An indirect reference to significant historical, cultural, or literary figures or ideas.
    • Igneous Rocks: Rocks formed from volcanic activity, prevalent in Iceland.

    Plot and Characters

    • Setting: Characters travel to Iceland to reach a portal to the Earth's center; descriptions of the landscape give context to the journey.
    • Paradoxical Characterization of Hans: A guide described as both naive and intelligent, exemplifying contradictory traits.
    • Plot Structure: Comprises exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, applicable to individual chapters and the book as a whole.
    • Perception of Iceland: Henry’s sarcastic views hint at his negative perception shaped by cultural expectations about small towns.

    Thematic Elements

    • Contextual Understanding: Recognizing the historical context enhances comprehension, bridging gaps between author's intent and reader understanding.
    • Foreshadowing: Subtle hints in the narrative to suggest future developments, as seen in chapter endings.
    • Irony: Situational irony presented through character interactions, highlighting unexpected outcomes based on character actions or attributes.

    Symbolism and Imagery

    • Imagery in Iceland: Vivid descriptions of Iceland's landscapes enhance the reader’s visualization and connection to the setting.
    • Cryptography: The use of secret codes is a recurring motif in the narrative, representing hidden truths and discoveries.

    Key Insights

    • Harry's Character Development: Demonstrates impulsiveness and inner conflict, showcasing emotional responses to precarious situations.
    • Role of the Professor: Initially appears authoritative but reveals moments of vulnerability and situational irony regarding control and knowledge.
    • Humor in Situations: Instances where characters misinterpret scenarios lightheartedly, contributing to the narrative’s tone.

    Literary Devices and Techniques

    • Direct vs. Indirect Characterization: Critical to understanding character depth; examples clarify how actions and descriptions develop personalities.
    • Idioms and Their Meanings: Expressions that convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation, common in dialogue.
    • Importance of Time: Helps refine the understanding of characters' motivations and reactions within the narrative.

    Specific Events and Discoveries

    • Dramatic Tension: Establishes stakes through Harry's secret about the cryptograph and its implications for their journey.
    • Discoveries in Geological Findings: Continuous observation by the characters as they challenge existing theories, driving the scientific theme of the novel.
    • Contradictions in Beliefs: Characters often grapple with their established beliefs, revealing deeper philosophical questions about knowledge and exploration.### House Description
    • The house features a narrow, gloomy passage that connects all rooms, reflecting a rustic and primitive design.
    • Beams are roughly squared by hand, giving the structure an unfinished appearance.
    • There are four main rooms: kitchen, weaving workshop, family sleeping area, and a "best room" for guests.
    • The low ceiling leads to physical comedy, as the uncle frequently hits his head, emphasizing the house's cramped space.

    Characterization

    • The uncle expresses disappointment in the company, indicating a preference for intellectual companionship over commonness.
    • The use of "work" by the author implies a distinction between manual labor and other forms of effort, raising questions about societal views on different types of workers.
    • The author uses discourse analysis to examine how characters perceive work and labor, suggesting that the protagonist, Harry, feels oppressed by scientific arguments.

    Rising Action

    • The professor's heated comments introduce tension as they have not yet begun their exploration.
    • The dialogue implies anticipation of challenges ahead, signaling that the narrative is building towards a significant event.

    Chapter Focus: Creation of Iceland

    • The ascent to a volcano is marked by treacherous conditions, illustrating danger and suspense.
    • Through Harry's perspective, the narrative explores his growing fascination with geological elements despite his fears.

    Gender Role Reflection

    • Gretchen is unable to join the expedition solely due to her gender, highlighting historical societal constraints on women.

    Vocabulary and Concepts

    • Innate – Characteristics or traits one is born with, emphasizing natural attributes.
    • Sublime – Refers to a sense of awe and admiration inspired by grandeur.
    • Allusion – Use of references that expect reader familiarity, enriching context.
    • Dramatic Irony – Situations where readers know more than the characters, enhancing tension.
    • Phlegmatic – Describes an individual with a calm and emotional demeanor.
    • Subterranean – Pertains to anything related to or existing beneath the Earth's surface.
    • Foreshadowing – Techniques that hint at future events, creating anticipation.
    • Manifold – Represents diversity or variety in aspects or themes.
    • Plot Structure – The organized sequence of events within the narrative.

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    Description

    This quiz explores key vocabulary and character concepts found in science fiction literature. Delve into terms like 'Central Fire Theory' and 'humor in science fiction', while examining the characterization of unique characters within an intriguing plot. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike.

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