English 2023 Spring 2025 Final Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers key themes, meanings, symbolism, and literary elements from various works studied in the English 2023 Spring 2025 course, aiding in exam preparation.

What is the central theme of T.C. Boyle's "Rara Avis"?

The story explores obsession and the consequences of scientific exploration.

What does the title "Rara Avis" symbolize?

It symbolizes rarity and uniqueness, reflecting the extraordinary beauty desired by humans.

What ethical dilemma is highlighted in "Rara Avis"?

The ethical dilemmas associated with ecological pursuits and the fragility of nature.

Who is the protagonist in "Rara Avis"?

A man obsessed with capturing an unusual bird.

What is the significance of the quote, "It isn't just about the bird, it's about the fever of the chase"?

It illustrates the obsession that often overshadows the actual object of desire.

In "Night Women" by Edwidge Dandicat, what is the primary focus of the narrative?

The complexities of motherhood and survival faced by a Haitian mother.

What does the mother in "Night Women" sacrifice for her child?

Her personal dignity and safety in order to provide for her child's needs.

What theme does "The Courtship of Mr. Lyon" explore?

Attraction and the power dynamics of love.

How does Angela Carter challenge traditional fairy tale tropes in "The Courtship of Mr. Lyon"?

By emphasizing deeper emotional truths behind characters' facades.

What do the characters in "Are These Actual Miles?" grapple with?

The fragile nature of relationships during a moment of crisis.

What does Carver's narrative suggest about communication in relationships?

It highlights the struggles of communication amidst emotional turmoil.

What existential themes are reflected in Martin Amis's "The Immortals"?

Mortality and identity amid existential anxiety.

What important question does Amis invite readers to confront in "The Immortals"?

How we define ourselves in relation to the temporal nature of existence.

What does Mary Morris's "The Lifeguard" focus on regarding personal growth?

A woman's journey to come to terms with her past.

What does the ocean symbolize in "The Lifeguard"?

Change, safety, and the dual nature of refuge and danger.

In "The Elephant Vanishes," what does the disappearing elephant represent?

Lost wonder and the elements of life often taken for granted.

What does Patrick Chamoiseau's narrative in "The Old Man Slave and the Mastiff" explore?

Memory, history, and the legacy of slavery.

How does Kazuo Ishiguro's "A Family Supper" reflect on familial relationships?

By examining nostalgia and trauma surrounding family ties.

What does Lydia Davis's "The House Behind" evoke through its themes?

Isolation and introspection shaped by personal loss.

What is Margaret Atwood's "Happy Endings" a commentary on?

The nature of storytelling and narrative conventions.

What does T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" explore?

The struggles of modern man, identity, and social confusion.

How does Philip Larkin's "This Be The Verse" engage with generational conflict?

By reflecting on the burdens of familial lineage.

What literary technique is prevalent in Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"?

Absurdism, highlighting existential struggles.

What does Elizabeth Bishop's "One Art" meditate on?

The themes of loss and acceptance in human experience.

In Allison Joseph's "Regrets," what does the narrative reflect on?

Life choices and the emotional weight of those decisions.

What internal conflict is depicted in Anne Sexton's "Starry Night"?

The juxtaposition of beauty and despair within human existence.

What societal expectations are critiqued in Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl"?

The restrictions placed upon women in cultural contexts.

What key themes are captured in U.A. Fanthorpe's "Not My Best Side"?

Self-image and beauty standards through humor.

What stark realities does Carolyn Forche's poem "The Colonel" address?

The horrors of war and the moral implications of human rights violations.

How does Susanna Kaysen’s "Girl, Interrupted" engage with mental health?

By exposing the complexities of identity and recovery in a psychiatric setting.

What does Octavia Butler's "Kindred" illuminate about history?

The interconnectedness of past and present, especially related to race and identity.

In Lynda Barry's "100 Demons", what role does storytelling play?

It serves as a healing mechanism for processing trauma.

What is the significance of archetypes in literature as seen in Kincaid's "Girl"?

They enhance relatability and reflect universal struggles.

How do dynamic characters reflect thematic growth in literature?

They undergo significant internal change that often expresses the central themes.

What is a common characteristic of static characters?

They remain largely unchanged throughout the narrative, serving as counterbalances to dynamic characters.

Why is an unreliable narrator important in a story?

It engages readers to question the truth and reliability of the narrative.

What is the essence of magic realism in literature?

It combines magical elements with a realistic setting, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary.