ENGL 2210-008 FINAL EXAM Spring 26

“Notes from the Underground” Fyodor Dostoyevsky

is a work of existentialist fiction, featuring an unnamed, bitter former civil servant who has withdrawn from society to live in isolation and write his "notes". The story argues that consciousness is a disease that paralyses action, making him unable to act, yet he prefers this miserable freedom to the "predictability" of a utopian society.

“Separate Ways” by Ichiyo Higuchi

the story of Kichizo, a young orphan working in a umbrella factory, who is in a close friendship with Okyo, a seamstress. The plot hinges on Okyo’s decision to leave her work and become a wealthy man's mistress to achieve financial security and better clothes, which leaves Kichizo devastated and abandoned. this story depicts the loss of innocence and the painful inevitability of parting when personal survival conflicts with deep friendship.

“The Cane” by Machado (de Assis) (a woman)

The story serves as a irony-filled critique of 19th-century Brazilian society, illustrating how selfish apathy and the need for patronage maintained the immoral structure of slavery. it symbolizes the abuse of power and the ways in which people become complicit in oppression to protect their own comfortable positions.

“The Three Spinners” (German)

Is a german orature collected by the Brothers Grimm. it tells the story of three old women who assist a poor girl in fufilling the request given by the queen and overcoming the challenges of spinning.

“Tom Tite Tot” (English)

Is a traditional English fairytale and orature that features themes of greed and cleverness, revolving around a young girl who must outwit a troll to save herself.

“A Donegal Fairy” (Irish)

is an Irish orature that tells the story of a fairy who helps a poor farmer and his family, emphasizing themesof kindness and generosity.

“The Brewery of Egg-shells” (Irish)

is and irish folktale that narrates the tale of a woman who brews eggs to outwit a fairy pretending to be her baby.

“ All Stories are Anansi’s” (Ghana)

is a ghanian folktale that highlights the importance of storytelling. it is about a spider anansi who embodies mischief and wisdom often teaching moral lessons.

“Annancy, Monkey and Tiger” (Jamacia)

is a jamacian folktale that features the trickster anansi,who uses his cleverness to outsmart the powerful tiger, illustrating themes of wit and resourcefulness.

“The President Wants No More of Anansi” (Haiti)

is a Haitian folktale that tells the story of Anansi, who After causing trouble, finds himself facing the disproval of the president. the tale explores themes of accountability and the consequences of ones actions.

“Brother Rabbit Doesnt Go to See Aunt Nacy” (USA)

is a North american folktale that features Brother Rabbit who cleverly avoids his aunt nancy. showcasing themes of cunning and the struggle between the week and the strong.

“The Dead” By James Joyce

is a short story from Joyce’s collection “dubliners” that explores themes of Paralysis, identity, and the impact of the past on the present through the character Gabriel Conroy during a holiday gathering.

“Metamophosis” by Franz Kafka

is a novella that tells the story of gregor samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant roach. the narrative explores themes of ailienation, idenity and the absurdity of life.

“A Room of One's Own” Virginia Woolf

"The Garden of Forking Paths" by Jorge Luis Borges

is a short story that blends elements metafiction and philosphy, exploring themes of time, choice, and the nature of reality through a narrative about a spy and a lybrinthine garden.

"Library of Babel" by Jorge Luis Borges

is a short story that envisions an infinite library containing all the possible books, exploring themes of universitility, knowledge,and the chaos of information within a labyrinthine structure.

Battlefield by August Stramm

“Anthem of the Doomed Youth” by Wilfred Owen

It focuses on the futility of war and the dehumanization of young men, arguing that soldiers are treated as disposable.

“Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owens

It argues against the "old Lie"—Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori (It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country)—by showing that death in war is rarely noble, but rather painful, messy, and traumatizing.

“When You Are Old” by William Yeats

it is a poem that explores the inevitability of aging, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the profound regret of failing to reciprocate genuine love. It highlights that missed opportunities in youth leave emptiness in old age.

“Easter 1916” by William Yeats

it is a poem that reflects on the complexity of political violence, admiration for sacrifice, and the personal guilt or awe felt towards those who have changed history.

“Requiem” by Anna Akhmatova

Akhmatova refuses to go into exile, choosing to bear witness to the "crucifixion" of the Russian people. It acts as a requiem (a mass for the dead) for those lost and a voice for those who cannot speak.

“Tonioght I Can Write…” by Pablo Neruda

it is a poem about the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to forget a lost love. The speaker expresses intense loneliness, navigating between memories of past intimacy and the harsh reality of separation.

“Walking Around” by Pablo Neruda

The poem is a critique of modern existence, portraying alienation and the loss of individual identity in a materialistic, consumer-driven world. It signifies a revolt against the "death-in-life" routine of sociatal conformity,

“In Explaining a Few Things” by Pablo Neruda

is a anti-war poem detailing how the destruction of the Spanish Civil War forced Neruda to turn from writing beautiful poetry to creating political art that documents bloodshed and condemns fascist violence, urging the reader to witness the loss of innocence in Spain.

“This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen” by Borowski

this story depicts the grim realities of life in a concentration camp, revealing the impact of trauma and the moral quandaries faced by individuals amid inhumane conditions.

“The Old Chief Mshlanga” by Lessing

the story reflects on the relationship between a white girl and an african chief, exploring themes of the impact of colonism, and cultural conflict.

“Yellow Woman” by Silko

the story follows a young woman (name unknown) who encounters a mysterious man , leading her to question her identity. this story explores the themes involving identity and the intersection of myth and reality.

“A Handmaid’s Tale” Margaret Atwood

a book that follows Offred, a fertile woman forced into sexual slavery to reproduce for commanders, serving as a chilling warning about the dangers of totalitarianism, religious extremism, and the rapid loss of women's autonomy and fundamental human rights.