Short stories and literary terms revision lesson

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Short stories and literary terms revision lesson

4havo
Karen van der Eng-Özcan

Group challenge

1) Make a group of 4. Collect people who have studied different terms/stories (don't work with your partner!)
2) You will get 8 questions as a group, and you will get 30 minutes to formulate your answers
2) One of you will share the answers in Lessonup
4) One group will win the challenge

Question 1: In "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl, describe the story’s main plot points and how they lead to the climax. How does the story arc develop from the introduction to the resolution?

Story arch development:

The plot begins with Mary Maloney eagerly waiting for her husband, Patrick, to come home. After Patrick reveals shocking news (presumably asking for a divorce), Mary reacts by killing him with a leg of lamb. The story’s climax occurs when the detectives unknowingly eat the murder weapon, and the story resolves with Mary’s laughter, secure in her escape.

Question 2: In "Charles" by Shirley Jackson, how does the author foreshadow the twist regarding the character of Charles?

Foreshadowing:

Laurie’s behavior at home, like talking back to his parents and acting out, hints that he may be projecting his actions onto the fictional “Charles.”
This foreshadowing clues readers into the final revelation that Laurie himself has been causing trouble at school.

Question 3.
In "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, identify one round character and one flat character. Explain why each fits these definitions.

Flat and Round characters

Harrison is a round character because he has complex motivations and changes, especially when he rebels against society’s constraints.
Hazel, on the other hand, is flat, portrayed as simple and unchanging throughout the story.

question 4: In "The Buggy", how does the setting influence the story’s mood and tone? Describe the setting briefly and analyze its impact.

Setting/Mood

The setting on the beach, where the protagonist sees an abandoned buggy, reflects both openness and introspection. The expansive, open landscape contrasts with his internal musings about growing older and feeling disconnected from his younger self.
The beach’s timeless quality underscores his contemplative mood, as he confronts the passage of time and his changing role as a parent.
This setting highlights the bittersweet tone, balancing nostalgia with acceptance.

Question 5: Consider "Six to Eight Black Men" by David Sedaris. How does Sedaris use diction to establish a humorous tone? Give examples from the story.

Tone

 Sedaris uses colloquial language and exaggeration, such as describing cultural misunderstandings with deadpan humor. Phrases like "They don’t know why it’s funny, they just know it is” contribute to a light, humorous tone through unexpected details about Dutch customs.

Question 6: Who are the protagonist and antagonist in "Roy Spivey" by Miranda July? How does each drive the story forward?

protagonist / antagonist

The protagonist is the narrator, who is experiencing a life-changing interaction with a celebrity.
The antagonist is less clear but could be interpreted as her own insecurities and societal expectations, as these internal conflicts shape her actions and prevent her from fully engaging with her feelings.

Question 7: In "Lamb to the Slaughter", how is dramatic irony used to enhance the story’s main conflict? Describe a scene that demonstrates this.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is present when the detectives eat the leg of lamb that Mary used to kill her husband, unaware it’s the murder weapon. This irony intensifies the story’s conflict by allowing Mary to manipulate the situation, adding a darkly humorous twist to her escape from justice.

Question 8: In "Harrison Bergeron", what does Harrison symbolize? How does his rebellion serve as social criticism?

Symbolism

Harrison symbolizes individuality and resistance to oppressive conformity. His brief, flamboyant rebellion criticizes a society that enforces equality by diminishing people’s abilities and stifling personal freedoms. Through Harrison’s character, Vonnegut critiques the dangers of extreme government control over individuals.

How did you do (as a group)?

1. This was very difficult, we did not do well
2. This was difficult but we managed
3. So,so
4. We nailed it

What is still difficult?

Which stories do you need to read (again)?

How can I help next week?
What do you need?

Study chapter 1 Examen Idioom

You can do so here: https://quizlet.com/968605363/learn?funnelUUID=3ad7cc95-5099-4f46-9df8-6a3fa55d7063

quizlet.com

tenant

1. klant
2. tegoed
3. huurder
4. wederzijds

adultery

1. volwassen
2. misbruik
3. overspel (vreemdgaan)
4. ouderlijk

heredity

1. erfelijk
2. mensheid
3. voorouder
4. nakomeling

innate

1. gevangene
2. aangeboren
3. stam
4. maagd

to descend

1. vervreemden
2. begeleiden
3. passen op
4. afstammen

Homework: study chapter 1 & revise the literary terms & the stories