Comprehensive British Literature and Social Critique: Modernism, War, and Society

How would one describe the tone of 'Inglan is a Bitch' by Linton Kwesi Johnson?

Frustrated and politically critical regarding England’s past and the treatment of immigrants.

What is released into the air after Parliament explodes in 'V for Vendetta'?

Mustard gas to punish the guards.

How does Johnson use Jamaican patois in 'Inglan is a Bitch'?

It asserts cultural identity and resistance while highlighting the inconsistencies faced by Black immigrants in Britain.

Which quote does Eliza Doolittle say in Shaw's Pygmalion that almost blows her cover?

'Not bloody likely!'

In V for Vendetta, the rise of the Norsefire government is most directly linked to which political and social context described in the PowerPoint?

Public fear and instability following Labour's attempts at nuclear disarmament, leading to authoritarian takeover.

In Pygmalion, why does Eliza feel unsure of herself shortly after she starts learning how to be a proper lady?

She feels that she's disappointing Higgins and doesn't feel like her true self.

What does the Wormsley Common gang critique in 'The Destructors'?

The loss of stable values and the rise of nihilism after wartime destruction.

In Thomas Hardy's "The Darkling Thrush," he utilizes the phrase "the Century's corpse outleant" to reflect which theme in the Modern era?

The symbolic death of society's old traditions and a transfer into the new, Modern era.

What primarily inspired Graham Greene's 'The Destructors'?

Trauma from The Blitz (WWII).

The famous closing lines of “The Hollow Men—“This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper”—primarily suggest:

The quiet, anticlimactic collapse of human spirit and civilization.

In Graham Greene's "The Destructors," what motivates the gang's destruction of Old Misery's house?

A complex mix of boredom, resentment, and a desire to dismantle the old order.

What was Margaret Thatcher's 'upgraded' nickname?

The Iron Lady.

How did WWI influence the new development of plastic surgery and the work of Harold Gillies?

Solders' injuries created a need for new surgery techniques,  which led Gillies to pioneer skin flap transplants and the tubed pedicle. 

In "The Destructors," what is the rationality used by "T" for destroying Mr. Thomas' home? 

No clear reason at all/embracement of post-war chaos

What makes T. propose destroying Mr. Thomas's house?

T. believes destroying the house is an act of creativity and wants to prove himself to the gang.

. What major event caused the shift to moral relativism in British society as seen in “The Destructors” and V for Vendetta?

World War II.

Which theme is most centrally explored through the relationship between V and Evey in V for Vendetta?

The tension between personal freedom and authoritarian control.

In Graham Greene's "The Destructors," what is the main symbol of the gang's destruction of Mr. Thomas's house?

A loss of moral guidance and the effect of disillusionment on youth.

Which statement best captures how the above texts collectively explore the relationship between destruction and the human will in the transition from Romantic to Modernist values?

They reject the idea that people can shape their own lives, suggesting that fate decides everything.

Which statement best captures how the above texts collectively explore the relationship between destruction and the human will in the transition from Romantic to Modernist values?

They show destruction, from war or social change, as something that challenges and reshapes people, marking a shift from Romantic optimism to Modernist doubt.

What was the reasoning for the gangs' destruction of Old Misery's house?

It stands out as an untouched relic of the past amidst the post-war ruins.

The use of Valerie's letter, which is found by Evey in prison, primarily serves to do what?

Act as an anchor for the justification of resistance, "the last inch"

 In V for Vendetta, who are Mr. and Mrs. Almond?

  Derek and Rosemary 

The themes of creation present in Frankenstein are shared by which two modern works?

Pygmalion and V For Vendetta.

Which of the following best reflects a central modernist theme shared between T.S. Eliot’s “The Hollow Men” and Graham Greene’s “The Destructors”?

A sense of cultural fragmentation and the breakdown of moral and social structures.

Which Romantic-era story uses cold weather as a gothic symbol to mirror the protagonist's inner emotions, just as Thomas Hardy did in “The Darkling Thrush”?

“The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Innocence)” by Blake

In T. S. Eliot’s “The Hollow Men,” what does the repeated phrase “This is the way the world ends” most strongly suggest about the poem’s depiction of modern existence?

It suggests that modern collapse is quiet, anticlimactic, and rooted in paralysis rather than action.

What best explains V’s motivation for targeting the institutions of Norsefire? 

A drive to dismantle a corrupt system and empower the oppressed.

In which moment in Pygmalion does Eliza realize she is not in control of her life?

When she hears Higgins and Pickering celebrating after the ambassador's party, showing no care for her feelings.

What do the Scarlet Carson roses left by V symbolize?

They connect to significant locations related to V's past and resistance efforts.

Which of the following themes does the transformation of Eliza Doolittle in Shaw's Pygmalion principally explore that also share some connections with modernist concerns?

The relation between language, identity, and social mobility.

In the poem: "Inglan is a Bitch" by Linton Kwesi Johnson which of the following answers best portrays Johnson's sentiments/feeling toward England?

Resentment and rejection of assimilation.

Which theme most clearly connects Alan Moore's V for Vendetta, to major concerns of Modernist literature? 

The breakdown of trust in government, making people question authority and identity.

 In Linton Kwesi Johnson’s “Inglan is a Bitch,” what is the central theme and how does the speaker express his experiences as a Jamaican immigrant in Britain?

The harsh reality of immigrant life, shown through the speaker’s struggles with low-paying jobs, exploitation, and frustration with a system that abuses power.

Out of the following, what is the best term that could be used for the change in themes in literature before and after WWI?

Moral relativism.

Which text from the Moderns unit most directly explores how the violence can be used as a form of political communication?

V for Vendetta.

Which of the following best represents a key modernist theme found in both Graham Green's "The Destructors " and T.S Elliot's "The Hollow Men"? 

The idea that internal absence and cultural collapse can lead to ruin.

Which of the following scenes from V for Vendetta would be an example of "Visual Sublime":

When the House of Parliament is destroyed

In the poem "Repression of War Experience" by Siegfried Sassoon, what tone does the speaker take towards the end of the poem?

Expresses feelings of madness due to the war

What revolutionary medical procedure was developed due to WWI?

Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery.

How does the reaction of the gang members towards T's plan show the psychological effects on the people living post World-War?

The gang members accept T's plan because destruction feels normal in a city ruined by war, despite some hesitations due to fear of getting caught or loyalty to Blackie.

In Thomas Hardy’s “The Darkling Thrush,” what is the symbolism of the thrush?

A spark of hope in destruction

Which social issue is mainly shown in the poem 'Inglan is a Bitch'?

Systemic racism and discrimination.

In both the graphic novel V for Vendetta and the short story “The Destructors,” post-war societies are explored with morally ambiguous protagonists who lead a certain ideological movement, shaping their actions by the world they live in but also inspired by themes of previous literary eras. As such, all of the following characteristics between these two main protagonists are true EXCEPT:

In V for Vendetta, the protagonist's destruction leads to chaos, whereas the protagonist's destruction in The Destructors restores order. This mirrors the Romantic Era's view of destruction as revolutionary and purposeful. 

Which of the following emphasizes a central theme that is reflected in Greene’s "The Destructors"?

The tension between tradition and post-war societal change 

Which popular war time poet did not actually serve in the war?

T. S. Eliot

In Act I of Pygmalion, what does Higgins’s act of writing down the Flower Girl’s speech in his notebook signify?

It demonstrates Higgins’s proficiency in identifying social class through phonetics, highlighting how language perpetuates class divisions.

In Shaw's Pygmalion, Eliza asks Higgins why he didn't leave her in the gutter, and later confesses that she wished he had left her in the gutter during her outburst. Why does she say these things?

She's infuriated by her unclear future and isolation.

What does the metaphor of the "hollow" and "stuffed" in "The Hollow Men" represent in the context of the Modernist era?

Spiritual emptiness, cultural paralysis, and the loss of purpose among members of the post-war generation. 

Which of the following themes is MOST clearly illustrated by T.’s motivation for destroying Mr. Thomas’s house in The Destructors?

  The breakdown of social order in a society recovering from wartime trauma

In T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men," what does the recurring phrase “This is the way the world ends” emphasize?

  The anticlimactic fallout of humankind

What trauma in V's past made him seek revenge on the Government?

The Government conducted medical experiments during his time as an inmate at a camp. 

How does the imagery of Larkhill Resettlement Camp connect to Modernist ideas?

It highlights humanity's capacity for barbarism and the recurring trauma from past horrors experienced in 1980s Britain.

Who influenced surveillance anxieties in 'V for Vendetta'?

Margaret Thatcher influenced surveillance anxieties similar to those depicted in 'V for Vendetta'.

Why does Evey agree to help V with his plans?

Evey agrees to help V out of a desire for revenge against the government for killing her parents.

What do the thrushes symbolize in Siegfried Sassoon's poem 'Thrushes'?

The thrushes symbolize freedom, joy, and life amidst the backdrop of human suffering.

How does 'V For Vendetta' reflect the political climate of the 1980s?

It critiques government control, reflecting the political climate of the 1980s.

What helps explain why the gang decides to tear down Mr. Thomas's house in 'The Destructors'?

The gang's decision is influenced by their perception of the house's beauty and their desire to assert control in a post-war environment.

Why do the characters in 'The Destructors' destroy things?

They've grown up surrounded by war damage, so destroying things feels normal instead of cruel.

What do the characters believe about the house in 'The Destructors'?

They think the house is haunted and want to get rid of it.

What motivates the characters in 'The Destructors' to steal building materials?

They're trying to steal building materials for a new hideout.

Why do the characters in 'The Destructors' believe Mr. Thomas insulted their gang?

They believe Mr. Thomas secretly insulted their gang.

What stunt do the characters in 'The Destructors' copy?

They're copying a stunt they saw in a newspaper.

Why is Eliza's character in Shaw's 'Pygmalion' an alarming contrast to other female literary figures?

Eliza's role as a flower girl is atypical for women of her time, and her outspoken behavior challenges societal expectations of female submissiveness.

What does 'V' represent in 'V for Vendetta'?

'V' represents an idea rather than any single individual, illustrating that the principles of the resistance outlive any one person.

What is the significance of the encounter in 'Strange Meeting' by Wilfred Owen?

It highlights the shared humanity and futility of war.

What is the deep significance of Eliza's training with Professor Higgins in 'Pygmalion'?

It demonstrates how manners and language shape one's perception of identity and social class.

What was the 1948 Nationality Act?

An immigration policy that limited movement of Commonwealth citizens into the UK while recognizing British citizenship for those already residing there.

What do the lines 'shape without form, shade without colour' in 'The Hollow Men' signify?

They describe people who have no real spirit or identity.

How did modernist writers change their writing compared to Victorian writers?

They broke old rules and wrote in new, experimental ways.

What Gothic/Romantic theme is present in Greene's 'The Destructors'?

The symbolic return of past trauma through the destruction of the house.

How does the ending of 'Pygmalion' differ between the play and the 1938 movie?

In the play, Eliza returns to Higgins after threatening to leave, while in the movie, she leaves to marry Freddy.

What main theme is explored through Higgins' attempt to transform Eliza's speech in 'Pygmalion'?

The relationship between language, class, and social mobility.

What does the shadow gallery represent in 'V for Vendetta'?

A room filled with art, expression, and everything that has been hidden from the government.

How does T.S. Eliot describe the end of the world in 'The Hollow Men'?

He refers to it as a whimper, indicating the loss of logic, reason, and morals in the aftermath of war.

What does the narrator hear at the end of Sassoon's 'Repression of War Experiences'?

Sirens.

Why is the ambassador's reception important for Higgins' experiment with Eliza?

It exposes Eliza to experts who can detect if she's a fraud.

Which writers are known for depicting the traumatization of World War I?

Sassoon and Owen.

How does Johnson's portrayal of work in 'Inglan is a Bitch' contribute to social criticism?

It exposes the repeated exploitation and economic hardship faced by immigrants.

Why does V wear a Guy Fawkes mask in 'V for Vendetta'?

To inspire people as a figure rather than as a single person.

What gothic characteristics do V and Frankenstein's Creature share?

Their 'birth' through unnatural and violent means that isolates them from society.

What is the central theme of T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men"?

The spiritual emptiness and paralysis of modern society.

What does the thrush's sudden song symbolize in Hardy's 'The Darkling Thrush'?

A spark of unexpected hope in a world that otherwise feels hopeless.

What happens during the first confrontation between the Flower Girl and the Note-Taker in 'Pygmalion'?

The Flower Girl defends her respectability because she fears the Note-Taker is recording her statements to report her to the authorities.

Which text does not contain commentary on war?

"The Hollow Men".

What is the relationship between resistance in 'V for Vendetta' and 'Inglan is a Bitch'?

Both emphasize the necessity for individuals to resist systems of power that constrict individual freedom and social justice.

What starts to happen in the streets after V's actions towards the government?

Riots and chaos start breaking out.

What triggers the speaker's intrusive memories of war in 'Repression of War Experience'?

The scent of the candle.

How does the narration of the destruction of Old Misery's house in 'The Destructors' provide insight into adolescence?

The calm and technical narration allows the audience to observe the gang's detachment from their actions, amplifying the theme of destruction as a form of creation.

What motivates the group to destroy Mr. Thomas's house in 'The Destructors'?

They wish to assert power and create meaning in a post-WWII society.

How do the themes in 'V for Vendetta' relate to characteristics of the Modern period?

Both highlight the refusal of standard structures, portraying broken identities and questioning the stability of narratives and institutions.

How does Gordon's death impact V's plan?

It accelerates Evey's transformation, which V sees as essential to completing his plan.

Which character teams up with V in 'V for Vendetta'?

Evey Hammond.

What political era does 'V for Vendetta' respond to?

Thatcherism (1979-1990).

When was Conciliation Bill no. 1 submitted to the British House of Commons?

1910.

How does V's choice to be an 'idea' represent a shift toward postmodernism?

V's focus on the idea versus the individual shows the postmodern view that identity can be a fluid concept or performance.

What theme in 'V for Vendetta' echoes the broader concern with how individuals respond to oppressive systems?

The struggle against oppressive systems and the quest for individual freedom.

Stable political order

The belief that stable political order depends on unquestioned obedience.

Technological progress and social harmony

The idea that technological progress naturally leads to social harmony.