The Dinner Party

Primary purpose the author had for writing the story

To illustrate that emotional restraint and composure are not dictated by gender

Spirited

Animated

What is the American naturalist’s PRIMARY motivation for asking the guests to remain still while he counts to 300?

he needs everyone to remain completely motionless to prevent the cobra from striking

Veranda

a structural aspect of the story’s setting that provides an outdoor space for gathering or relaxation, often featuring a roof and railing.

Frivolous

Antonym for sober

This idea is developed through the resolution

True strength and self control exist independently of gender stereotyped

The hostess’s faint smile at the end

reveals she feels a sense of quiet triumph after disproving the commissioner’s sexist claim

a cobra crawling across Mrs. Wynnes foot

triggers a strange expression that passes over Mrs. Wynnes face

Rapid, tactical thinking under extreme stress

2 characteristics both the American naturalist and Mrs. Wynnes demonstrate during an emergency

flat character

a character who only has 1-2 personality traits

static character

a character that doesn’t change over the course of the story

round character

a fully developed, multi-faceted character

dynamic character

a character who undergoes a significant change over the story

protagonist

main character with whom the reader empathizes

antagonist

works against the protagonist

external conflict

Man vs. an outside force (men vs. women and their reactions to stressful situation)

internal conflict

Person v. self -Mrs. W struggling within herself to remain completely in control while a snake slides over her foot

Point of view

Who is telling us the story—follows the American naturalist and the reader watches the events unfold through his observations

Hyperbole

extreme exaggeration—none of you are to move a muscle

simile

a comparison of two unlike things using like or as—the twenty people sit like stone images while he counts

American naturalist

protagonist, serving as the primary observer

setting

time and place the story occurs—colonial India at at party

Mrs. Wynnes

Protagonist—focal point of the story’s climax/theme