Literary Analysis of Short Stories and The Hobbit

50 practice flashcards designed to help students review key concepts, characters, and themes from 'The Hobbit' and various short stories.

What role does Bilbo play in The Hobbit?

Bilbo is chosen by Gandalf and the dwarves to be the group's burglar.

What major event transforms Bilbo in The Hobbit?

Bilbo finds the One Ring, which grants him the power of invisibility.

How is Smaug defeated in The Hobbit?

Smaug is defeated when Bard uses information Bilbo discovered about Smaug’s weak spot.

What does the Arkenstone symbolize in The Hobbit?

The Arkenstone represents greed, power, and Thorin’s obsession.

What changes occur in Bilbo by the end of The Hobbit?

Bilbo returns home a changed person, gaining confidence, courage, and wisdom.

Why does Mathilde borrow a necklace in 'The Necklace'?

Mathilde borrows the necklace to appear wealthy and impress others.

What consequence does Mathilde face after losing the necklace?

Mathilde and her husband spend ten years paying off a replacement for the necklace.

What is the twist at the end of 'The Necklace'?

The necklace that Mathilde borrowed was actually fake.

Who does Rainsford meet after falling off his yacht in 'The Most Dangerous Game'?

Rainsford meets General Zaroff.

Why does Zaroff hunt humans in 'The Most Dangerous Game'?

Zaroff finds hunting animals too easy and boring.

What is the main conflict in 'The Most Dangerous Game'?

The main conflict is Rainsford versus Zaroff (hunter vs. hunted).

What weapon does Mary Maloney use to kill her husband in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'?

Mary kills her husband using a frozen leg of lamb.

Why do the detectives fail to find the murder weapon in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'?

The detectives fail to find the weapon because they eat it.

What is an example of irony in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'?

The irony is that the police unknowingly consume the murder weapon.

What physical condition is Doodle born with in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

Doodle is born with a physical disability.

What does the scarlet ibis symbolize in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

The scarlet ibis symbolizes Doodle’s fragility and uniqueness.

What leads to tragedy in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

The narrator’s pride leads to tragedy when he pushes Doodle too hard and abandons him.

What does Della sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Della sells her hair to buy Jim a gift.

What does Jim sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Jim sells his watch to buy Della combs.

What theme is central to 'The Gift of the Magi'?

The theme is that true love involves selfless sacrifice.

What is the conflict between Ulrich and Georg in 'The Interlopers'?

Ulrich and Georg’s families have been fighting over a piece of forest land.

How does the feud end in 'The Interlopers'?

The feud ends when they decide to forgive each other and reconcile.

What is ironic at the ending of 'The Interlopers'?

The irony is that figures thought to be rescuers are actually wolves.

What is irony in literature?

Irony occurs when the outcome is opposite of what is expected.

What does symbolism refer to in literature?

Symbolism is when an object, character, or event represents a deeper meaning.

What are the types of conflict in literature?

Character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. nature, character vs. society.

What is foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing is when an author gives hints about what will happen later in the story.

How does Bilbo change from the beginning to the end of The Hobbit?

Bilbo becomes more confident, brave, and independent.

What motivates Mathilde in 'The Necklace'?

Mathilde is motivated by dissatisfaction and vanity.

What motivates Mary in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'?

Mary is motivated by shock and betrayal.

How do Mathilde and Mary respond differently to their situations?

Mathilde accepts her suffering, while Mary uses deception to protect herself.

What emotional state leads the narrator in 'The Scarlet Ibis' to push Doodle?

The narrator feels ashamed of Doodle.

How does the setting in 'The Most Dangerous Game' create tension?

The isolated jungle island creates tension because Rainsford has no way to escape or get help.

Describe a moment in The Hobbit where Bilbo shows true courage.

Bilbo shows courage when he talks to Smaug alone in the dragon’s lair.

What contributes to the growth of Bilbo in The Hobbit?

Bilbo uses intelligence instead of strength in his adventures.

What internal conflict does the narrator in 'The Scarlet Ibis' face?

The narrator's pride affects his decisions regarding Doodle.

What does Bilbo stand up for in The Hobbit?

Bilbo stands up to Thorin over the Arkenstone.

What is the outcome for Doodle due to the narrator’s pride in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

The narrator's pride leads to Doodle's exhaustion and eventual death.

What type of conflict occurs between characters in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

Internal conflict leads to growth or tragedy.

What does the theme of selfless sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi' depict about love?

It illustrates that true love involves making sacrifices for each other.

Who does Della want to impress through her gift to Jim in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Della wants to impress Jim with her thoughtful gift.

What lesson do the characters learn by the end of 'The Gift of the Magi'?

They learn that love is more valuable than material possessions.

What shared theme connects 'The Hobbit' and 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

Pride affects decisions and leads to character changes.

What does the outcome of the conflict in 'The Interlopers' illustrate about reconciliation?

Reconciliation can lead to unexpected and tragic outcomes.