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Questions and Answers
What does the thin woman's internal struggle represent in the context of the story?
What does the thin woman's internal struggle represent in the context of the story?
How does the author illustrate the arbitrary nature of war in the narrative?
How does the author illustrate the arbitrary nature of war in the narrative?
What literary technique does Smith use to emphasize the difference between the two families?
What literary technique does Smith use to emphasize the difference between the two families?
What theme is illustrated by the inability of the two women to become friends?
What theme is illustrated by the inability of the two women to become friends?
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What does the distant, bureaucratic nature of the telegram symbolize?
What does the distant, bureaucratic nature of the telegram symbolize?
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What underlying message does the fat woman convey in the narrative?
What underlying message does the fat woman convey in the narrative?
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How is the reach of war described in the narrative?
How is the reach of war described in the narrative?
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What does the author's conclusion suggest about the effects of war?
What does the author's conclusion suggest about the effects of war?
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What does the telegram symbolize in the story?
What does the telegram symbolize in the story?
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How do the characters of the thin woman and the fat woman differ in their representations?
How do the characters of the thin woman and the fat woman differ in their representations?
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What role does the elderly postman play in the narrative?
What role does the elderly postman play in the narrative?
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Why does the author use vivid imagery to describe the setting of the village?
Why does the author use vivid imagery to describe the setting of the village?
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What does the contrast between the two women primarily explore?
What does the contrast between the two women primarily explore?
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What does the phrase 'they were like two birds' imply about the two women?
What does the phrase 'they were like two birds' imply about the two women?
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What emotional state does the story predominantly convey through its characters?
What emotional state does the story predominantly convey through its characters?
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How does the author characterize the thin woman?
How does the author characterize the thin woman?
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Study Notes
The Telegram - Study Notes
- Wartime Crisis: The short story depicts the anxieties and crises imposed by WWII on both soldiers and civilians in a Scottish village.
- Two Women: The story centers on two women, a "thin woman" (outsider, emotionally detached) and a "fat woman" (rooted in community, more emotional).
- Telegram: A telegram, signifying the potential for tragedy and random cruelty of war, represents the looming threat and uncertainty of war.
- Emotional Impact: The story explores the psychological impact of war, including isolation, detachment, and fear of loss.
- Social Strata: The characters' backgrounds (social class, etc.) don't shield them from the anxieties and devastation of war.
- Symbolism: The telegram, postman, and imagery of the village all serve as powerful symbols related to the themes of war.
- Descriptive Language: Strong visual imagery and descriptions create a sense of dread and isolation caused by war.
- Human Cost: The narrator explores the devastation that war has on the human spirit with descriptions and examples, showing the cost of war.
- Impersonal War: The impersonal nature of war is emphasized through elements such as the telegram and expectations contrasted with personal bonds.
- Moral Dilemmas: The story touches on the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas soldiers and civilians face during war.
- Societal Expectations: The story investigates societal pressures and expectations that increase the burden on individuals during wartime.
- Character Comparison: The contrasting characters of the "thin" and "fat" woman represent different responses to the crisis.
- Unpredictability: The randomness and unpredictability of war's impact are central themes
- Psychological Effects: The story highlights how the uncertainties and fear of war can affect people's psychological state, leading to emotional responses.
- War's Shadow/Impact: The pervasive impact of war on civilians, even those not directly involved in conflict, stands out in the story.
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Description
Explore the themes and symbols in 'The Telegram', a poignant short story set during WWII. This quiz examines the emotional impacts of war on two contrasting women in a Scottish village, emphasizing isolation and social struggles. Delve into the use of descriptive language and the powerful symbolism represented by the telegram and its broader implications.
