part 1: elements of fiction: what is short story?随堂测验
1、in the video clip, why is the blind man puzzled? a、because few people seem to be willing to help. b、because the reaction from the passers-by seems to have suddenly changed. c、because a lady lingers for too long a time around him. d、because somebody messes about with his cardboard sign.
part 2: elements of fiction: literary and non-literary writings, the difference随堂测验
1、when ezra pound says that “great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree,” he probably means that _____. a、great literature tends to be simple in language but deep in meaning b、great literature would allow a lot of possible explanations c、great literature is language made more dynamic and meaningful d、great literature, unlike ordinary speech, uses rhetorical and artful language
part 3: sample reading and interpretation随堂测验
1、what is probably not true of mary, the main character in “early autumn”? a、she misses the days of the past. b、she still loves bill. c、she works to keep a family of three children. d、she is satisfied with her life and job in new york.
part 4: discussion: what makes “early autumn” a short story?随堂测验
1、when we say that the first paragraph foreshadows the body of the short story, we mean that it_____. a、prepares the reader for the later event b、casts a dark shadow over the story c、shapes the structure of the story development d、gives a signal that something great is to occur
unit 1 测验
1、the words on the cardboard “i’m blind, please help” do not seem to draw much attention because _____. a、people tend to ignore such familiar street side scenes b、the language is too simple, and not eye-catching c、the words have a commanding air that annoys people d、the demand for help is not direct and strong enough
2、ezra pound has made another comment that literature is “news that stays news.” this probably means _____. a、that literary writing will not go out of date b、that literature always concerns itself with social issues c、that literature remains to be readers’ favorite choice d、that literature repeatedly occurs in news headlines
3、which of the following adjectives can probably best describe bill’s attitude? a、emotional. b、indifferent. c、puzzled. d、hopeful.
4、all the following statements give proper summaries of some aspect of the short story “early autumn” except one. which is the exception? a、it is minimalistic in style. b、it has some poetic quality. c、it resorts to “slice of life” method of presentation. d、it is a good lesson for young people.
unit 2 "a piece of yellow soap"
part 1: elements of fiction: the author, the narrator and the reader随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about the author-narrator relationship is true? a、the narrator is a character who tells the author’s story. b、the narrator shares the author’s viewpoint. c、the author and the narrator are actually the same person. d、the author is not the same as the narrator.
part 2: elements of fiction: the narrator随堂测验
1、in a short story the role of the narrator is of vital importance because _____. a、he represents the author b、he chooses materials to form a story c、he determines the story’s point of view d、he is the focus of a short story
part 3:reading and interpretation of the story随堂测验
1、what description does not suit frank sargeson as a writer? a、he concerned himself about social problems and was a writer on the left. b、his reputation chiefly comes from his short stories. c、he is one of the main contributors to new zealand national literature. d、he is a prolific writer of novels, short stories and poems.
part 4: function of the narrator and the artistic effect随堂测验
1、the language of the short story has all the following characteristics except one. which is the exception? a、it is unaffected and informal. b、it has the rhythms of common speech. c、it is poetic and highly rhetorical. d、ti fits the narrator nicely in his presentation.
unit 2 测验
1、which one of the following statements describes an “implied author”? a、the implied author is the story writer. b、the implied author is an image the reader gets from the written work. c、the implied author is the real author’s “another self.” d、the implied author is an alternative term for “narrator.”
2、which statement about the “naïve narrator” is not generally accepted? a、a naïve narrator creates a special literary effect. b、a naïve narrator usually supplies reliable details. c、a naïve narrator does not have a full understanding of the story. d、a naïve narrator distorts the meaning of the story.
3、which one of the following characteristics is not a proper description of “a piece of yellow soap.” a、it is a “slice-of-life” type of writing. b、it explores the depth of mind of the characters. c、the story is told superficially by a naïve narrator. d、it has distinctive features of a new writing style.
4、the two levels of understandings, the surface level and the deep level, are made more manifest by the author’s use of a naïve narrator. what advantage does this way of narration have? a、the story is thus made more complicated. b、the author’s voice is more forcefully presented. c、readers would more likely be drawn into the story. d、the hidden meaning is thus unexpectedly revealed to the reader.
unit 3 “miss brill”
part 1: character and characterization: introduction随堂测验
1、which of the following examples about hero or an anti-hero is not true? a、daniel defoe’s robinson crusoe, a character capable of heroic deeds, is properly called a hero. b、ah q in lu xun's "the true story of ah q" is an anti-hero. c、the subtitle of vanity fair “a novel without a hero” indicates that there is no main character in the story. d、in 20th-century literature, most protagonist are likely to be anti-heros.
part 2: katherine mansfield: introduction随堂测验
1、according to mansfield, why did she leave new zealand in 1908? a、to make a fortune. b、to pursue love. c、to search for better intellectual environment. d、to escape from the religious environment of home.
part 3: “miss brill”: analysis随堂测验
1、what is probably untrue of miss brill and her fur piece? a、neither of them is in good physical condition. b、both of them live in a small but cozy place. c、both of them are full of hope and long for adventure at the beginning. d、both of them are rejected by others and have to retreat to their dark, small world.
part 4: characterization in “miss brill”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements does not give a correct description of miss brill? a、miss brill is a divorced aging woman. b、miss brill lives alone in a foreign country. c、miss brill works as an english teacher and a care worker. d、miss brill visits the park every sunday.
unit 3 测验
1、which of the following statements about character types is not true? a、a round character grows and changes in a story. b、a round character is often constructed around one quality. c、a flat character is called two-dimensional character. d、a flat character remains the same in a story and is recognized easily.
2、which statement about mansfield’s connection with xu zhimo is not true? a、mansfield met with xu zhimo in london in 1922. b、xu translated mansfield’s best short story collection garden party and other stories into chinese. c、xu wrote a poem celebrating the beauty and manners of mansfield after her death. d、the literary engagement between the two writers was said to have helped set the course for the modern chinese short story.
3、which of the following adjectives could not be used to describe miss brills’ feelings when, at last, she decides to put the fur back in its box? a、ashamed. b、confused. c、bitter. d、frustrated.
4、miss brill goes to the park regularly. why? a、to meet friends. b、to enjoy the band music. c、to show off her fur. d、to maintain contacts with the world.
unit 4 “discus thrower”
part 1: elements of fiction: the setting and the theme随堂测验
1、which of the following could not be one of the dimensions of setting: _____. a、the locale b、the story line c、the social circumstances d、the historical time
part 2: richard selzer and medical arts随堂测验
1、selzer’s short stories about the sick and diseased have introduced a new way of writing called ______, which is the writing by medical professionals, who share humanity in their professional experiences. a、medical arts b、medical humanity c、healing literature d、artistic physiology
part 3: “the discus thrower”随堂测验
1、by whom is the story narrated? a、the patient. b、the nurse. c、the doctor. d、an unidentified omniscient narrator.
part 4: setting and theme in “the discus thrower”随堂测验
1、what description of the hospital ward is true? a、there are only the bed, a chair, a nightstand, a tray and little else. b、there are get-well cards, food, slippers and flowers. c、there are frequent visitors – family members and friends. d、there is window that gives a view to the outside world.
unit 4 测验
1、the term “setting” and “background” are both translated into chinese as “背景”. which is a more proper definition about “setting”? a、it refers to the setup of the structure of a story. b、it is the same as the background of the story. c、it can help create the mood of the story. d、it introduces the theme of the story.
2、“the discus thrower” was first published in 1979 in______, a collection of short stories. a、ritual of surgery b、taking the world in for repair c、the doctor stories d、confessions of a knife
3、in the short conversation, we hear the patient’s demand for shoes. why does he still want his shoes since he has no legs? a、he wants to keep the doctor and the nurse busy. b、he is lonely and wants conversation. c、he does not want anybody to mess with his things. d、he is not yet psychologically ready to accept the state of things.
4、how does the setting of the story make you feel? a、it is a well-equipped hospital. b、it is clean and pleasant looking. c、the ward is like a confinement cut off from the outside world. d、there are few human activities in the ward.
unit 5 “a white heron”
part 1: elements of fiction: story and plot随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about “story” as a literary term is not true? a、the story is a narration of the temporal order of what happens. b、the story emphasizes the reordering and reorganization of events. c、time sequence characterizes a story. d、a story provides an answer to “what then?”
part 2: sarah orne jewett: introduction随堂测验
1、the most striking feature of regional stories is______. a、the theme b、the plot c、the setting d、the narrator
part 3: “a white heron”: analysis随堂测验
1、what is probably untrue of sylvia and her life? a、she is nine years old. b、she is born in the woods. c、she enjoys her life with mrs. tilley in a secluded farm. d、mistress moolly is the girl’s loyal companion.
part 4: plot in “a white heron”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about conflicts in the story is not true? a、the external conflict is indicated by the opposition between the man and the bird. b、the external conflict is indicated by the opposition between sylvia and the bird. c、the internal conflict inside sylvia’s mind is whether or not to tell the secret of the white heron to the man. d、the internal conflict within sylvia is a choice between life in the woods and in the city.
unit 5 测验
1、which of the following statements about “plot” as a literary term is not true? a、it is the plan or patterning of evens in a narrative. b、the plot is a narrative of events arranged in time sequence. c、the plot emphasizes relationships of cause and effect. d、the plot provides an answer to “why so”?
2、“a white heron” is set in ______. a、the western frontiers b、the coastal towns of maine c、an imagined mysterious land d、the maine woods
3、which of the following statements does not give a correct description of the man in the short story? a、the man is a handsome young ornithologist （鸟类学家）. b、the man carries a gun and a heavy sack full of dead birds. c、throughout the story, the man appears to be assertive, aggressive, and arrogant. d、the man is eager to collect a white heron.
4、the story reaches its climax when ______. a、the man describes the bird and sylvia recognizes it b、sylvia accompanies the man on a ramble through the woods c、the man offers sylvia 10 dollars for the bird d、sylvia climbs a huge pine tree and finds the white heron nest
unit 6 “the story of an hour”
part 1: elements of fiction: irony随堂测验
1、generally speaking, irony has the following functions except ______. a、creating humor b、adding an element of surprise to a story c、developing a story's theme d、complicating the plot
part 2: kate chopin and the historical context of “the story of an hour”随堂测验
1、which of the following facts is not true about kate chopin's life? a、she was born in st. louis, missouri, in 1850. b、she spent her childhood among women. c、she focused her writing on love, marriage, women, and independence. d、she was never married in her life.
part 3: “the story of an hour”: analysis随堂测验
1、which of the following statement is not true about “the story of an hour”? a、the whole story happens in one hour. b、louise mallard’s husband dies in a train accident. c、louise mallard is soon ready to embrace her future prospect. d、the mallard couple are not really in bad relationship.
part 4: irony in “the story of an hour”随堂测验
1、which of the following statement is not relevant to the themes of “the story of an hour”? a、man's selfishness breeds a system of unfairness. b、independence is a forbidden pleasure for women. c、marriage is an oppressive institution for women in the 19th century. d、a woman who endures the yoke of marriage still has secret desire for freedom.
unit 6 测验
1、a math teacher forgot simple addition. this is an example of ______. a、verbal irony b、situational irony c、dramatic irony d、none of the above
2、in 1899, chopin published her second novel, _____. it is her most famous novel. a、the awakening b、at fault c、bayfolk d、the night in acadie
3、what do the views, the scents and the sounds outside the open window symbolize? a、freedom b、hope c、new life d、all of the above
4、mrs. mallard's reaction to her husband's death is an example of _____ . a、verbal irony b、dramatic irony c、situational irony d、both dramatic and situational irony
unit 7 “araby”
part 1: symbol: introduction随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about “metaphor” and “symbol” is not true? a、metaphor always establishes a one-to-one correspondence. b、metaphor is an implicit form of comparisons between two things. c、symbol is arbitrary. d、a symbol always has many meanings.
part 2: james joyce: introduction随堂测验
1、which of the following works is not written by joyce? a、dubliners. b、a portrait of the artist as a young man. c、ulysses. d、the awakening.
part 3: “araby”: analysis随堂测验
1、which adjective is not a proper description of the style of the short story “araby”? a、dreamlike. b、poetic. c、matter-of-fact. d、sentimental.
part 4: symbol in “araby”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about the symbolism of darkness is not true? a、the boy's world is dark, blind and bleak. b、the boy is blind in love. c、darkness is symbolic of the boy's ignorance and failure. d、darkness symbolizes the mysterious attraction of mangan's sister.
unit 7 测验
1、symbol functions well in a literary work because it could ______. a、add humor b、give twists and turns to the story c、add depth and subtlety to meanings d、produce a mysterious atmosphere
2、according to joyce, the major problem of ireland is ______. a、british colonization. b、paralysis. c、the great famine. d、corruption of catholic church.
3、which adjective is not a proper description of the life in north richmond street? a、unpleasant. b、grim. c、unconventional. d、stultifying.
4、why does the boy want to go to the bazaar, or the “araby,” so desperately? a、he wants to find some romantic fulfillment. b、he wants to see exotic and exciting things. c、he wants to have some new experience. d、he wants to “do something” for the girl.
unit 8 “the lady, or the tiger?”
part 1: elements of fiction: romantic fiction随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true? a、romanticism is a term often used to describe the literary movement that took place in europe and america approximately from the late 18th century to the mid 19th century. b、romanticism tends to see the individual at the very center of all life and experience. c、in romantic theory, art is valuable not so much as a mirror of the outside world, but as a source of illumination of the world within. d、romanticism is related to things romantic, such as love.
part 2: frank stockton and “the lady, or the tiger?”随堂测验
1、if you think that “the lady, or the tiger” is a piece of work typically romantic in its characteristics, which of the following descriptions is not relevant? a、its bold imagination, mythical setting, exotic characters and bizarre plotting. b、its focus on the author’s expression rather than a faithful reflection of the reality. c、its exploration of the deeper side of human nature which is often the battlefield of the conflicts between reason and desire. d、its description of love relationship between two so different in social stations.
part 3: sample reading and interpretation随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true of the king? a、he is semi-barbaric, but influenced by more civilized neighboring countries. b、he is full of fantastic ideas in ruling the kingdom. c、once his mind is made up, he puts the idea into practice. d、he is determined to kill the man who dares to love his daughter.
part 4: discussion: romantic characteristics of “the lady, or the tiger?”随堂测验
1、stockton spent his childhood in an age when tall tale was the most popular genre of american literature. a tall tale is _____. a、a long story about the american frontiers or cowboys b、a story with unbelievable elements, related as if it were true and factual c、a story with intricate plot and a fairytale-like ending d、a story presented in refined language of the upper class
unit 8 测验
1、romantic literature has all the following features except one. which is the exception? a、it is more interested in individual emotions. b、it often celebrates nature as having healing power. c、it aims at rational and objective representation. d、it prefers things natural, primitive and spontaneous.
2、which of the following statements about “the lady, or the tiger” is true? a、as soon as it was published in 1882, it became a great success. b、it was not well received when it was first published but enjoyed a critical revival later. c、it met with early success but lost its attraction in the twentieth century. d、it is based on the real story that happened in ancient turkey.
3、in the short story the king is a man of conflicting nature. what does the character represent? a、he represents the unstability of ancient society. b、he represents the mixture of a judicial justice and absolute power. c、he represents conflicts between barbarism and civilization. d、he represents a judicial system that fails to function.
4、which of the following statements is a more reasonable comment on the story? a、much of the story is about the princess’ reflections and psychological struggles. b、much of the story is about whether the king’s penal system would work. c、the young courtier put in the trial occupies the central importance. d、the tiger represents violence that destroys justice.
unit 9 “guests of the nation”
part 1: elements of fiction: realistic fiction随堂测验
1、which one of the four statements is not an accurate description about literary realism as a movement? a、it originated in french literature. b、it began in the mid-19th century. c、it could be found in ancient times. d、balzac is one of its most important representatives.
part 2: elements of fiction: the principal ideas of realism随堂测验
1、what do you think is the main function of a realistic writer? a、the organization and structuring of a story. b、the choice of language. c、the selection, deletion and reorganization of the materials. d、the expression of aesthetic or moral ideals.
part 3: reading and discussion: “guests of the nation”随堂测验
1、there are five main characters in the short story “guests of the nation.” which is the correct situation? a、the prisoners are locked in a farm house guarded by irish soldiers. b、the narrator “i” is a young officer of the group. c、bonaparte and noble are prisoners of war. d、belcher and hawkins are english soldiers.
part 4: characteristics of realism in “guests of the nation”随堂测验
1、the first-person narrator in “guests of the nation” tells the story _____. a、in an organized and orderly way b、in rough and colloquial soldier’s language c、in a thoughtful and discreet manner d、with an obvious political consciousness
unit 9 测验
1、realism is often seen as a reaction against romanticism. what is not a typical characteristic of literary romanticism? a、romantic writing is mostly author-centered and subjective. b、romantic writing tends to represent life according to the author’s imagination. c、romantic writing favors the author’s expression of emotion or aspiration. d、romantic writers use romantic love as its theme.
2、when hugh holman says: “realistic writers usually have a powerful interest in the audience,” he probably means _____. a、that readers need to assume a bigger role in finding meaning b、that targeting a special reading group is important c、that writers should make the writing suitable for all readers d、that the best writings are those that can be read before an audience
3、which description is closest to the narrator in “guests of the nation”? a、the narrator is detached in his attitude. b、the narrator fails to understand fully the real situation. c、the narrator tells his feelings in minute details. d、the narrator plays no part in the story development.
4、the argument over the "next world" reveals that hawkins and noble . a、are bitter about each other. b、have deep-rooted prejudices. c、share no common language. d、are close in their relationship.
unit 10 “the law of life”
part 1: elements of fiction: naturalism随堂测验
1、the literary term “naturalism” is mainly concerned with______. a、babbling brooks, pretty birdies and beautiful flowers b、the description of natural landscape c、the natural law that governs life d、the natural manners of the characters
part 2: jack london and the historical context of“the law of life”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true about jack london’s life? a、jack london was born in san francisco. b、he lived a hard life in his youth. c、he was an eager reader in public library. d、he received good education at university.
part 3: “the law of life”: analysis随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true about the plot of “the law of life”? a、old koskoosh is the former chief of an eskimo tribe. b、the tribe is preparing to leave old koskoosh alone in the snow to die. c、before the fire expires, wolves are approaching him in a circle. d、old koskoosh fails to understand why the tribesmen should be so cruel.
part 4: naturalism in “the law of life”随堂测验
1、the following statements all testify to the philosophy of naturalism in the story except one. which is the exception? a、naturalists care little about moral issues in their judgment. b、man’s existence is shaped by heredity and environment. c、human value can only be displayed in their fight against nature. d、there is a strong sense of determinism in the story.
unit 10 测验
1、which of the following statements is not true about naturalism? a、naturalism is an intellectual trend that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings. b、the central assumption of naturalism is that human beings have control over nature and their own lives. c、french writer emile zola is the leading exponent of naturalism. d、as a literary movement, it was most active in the late 19th and early 20th century in france, america and britain.
2、what is an important source of inspiration for jack london’s writings? a、the frozen land of klondike in canada. b、the northern part of the united states of america. c、the underground world of the city of san francisco. d、the unexplored wild mountain regions.
3、what does “the law of life” in this short story imply? a、nature governs man and animals in different ways. b、every living thing must eventually die. c、man should live in tune with nature. d、nature punishes those who disregard its force.
4、the naturalist idea of “nature is not kindly to the flesh” is shown through the following ideas except______. a、natural disasters cause many human sufferings. b、nature shows no mercy to anyone. c、man or beast, they all bend to the same law of life. d、nature has no concern for individual feelings and sentiments.
unit 11 “the secret life of walter mitty”
part 1: elements of fiction: modernism the concept随堂测验
1、literary historians locate the beginning of the modernist revolt as far back as the 1890s, but most agree that high modernism came ______. a、after wwii b、after wwi c、after the turn of the century d、in 1930s
part 2: james thurber and “the secret life of walter mitty”随堂测验
1、which of the following adjectives best describes walter mitty’s real life? a、colorful. b、uneventful. c、noble. d、exciting.
part 3: what is “the secret life” of walter mitty?随堂测验
1、the narrative of the story ______. a、follows logical order. b、follows the order of importance. c、follows psychological order. d、is randomly arranged.
part 4: mordenist fiction：the secret life of walter mitty?随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about the short story is not true? a、mitty’s fantasies are stimulated by trivial things in reality. b、all the daydreams are brought up by mitty’s dissatisfaction with his real life. c、mitty probably has formed the habit of retreating into fantasies as he finds himself incapable of making any change in real life. d、mitty’s indulgence in fantasy is in fact a promising search for a new realm of reality.
unit 11 测验
1、wwi had greatly shaken the faith of european and american writers in western civilization. which might not be one of their doubts? a、the human capability to restore the world order. b、the ability of the intellectuals to create new art forms. c、the adequacy of traditional literature to represent the postwar realities. d、the sound moral basis to recapture the past glory.
2、which of the following adjectives is not a suitable description of walter mitty’s wife? a、fussy. b、bossy. c、considerate. d、unsympathetic.
3、which of the following adjectives can probably best describe mitty in his daydreams? a、resolute. b、incapable. c、unskilled. d、henpecked.
4、the short story is a narration in which reality and fantasy interweave. what does this way of presentation suggest? a、mitty resorts to fantasy to deal with frustrations in life. b、mitty is confused about reality and fantasy. c、mitty has great imaginative power. d、mitty’s fantasizing is an effective healing process.
unit 12 “the glass mountain”
part 1: elements of fiction: postmodernism随堂测验
1、which of the following statements about postmodernism is not true? a、it occurred after wwii. b、it originated from a type of french fiction. c、it expresses a general disillusion of western civilization. d、it subverts the definitions and principles of traditional literature.
part 2: donald barthelme and the historical context of“the glass mountain”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true about donald barthelme? a、he is known for his playful, postmodern style of fiction. b、he challenges the traditional way of narration. c、he provides photographic details of contemporary city life. d、he receives considerable critical acclaim as an innovator of the short story form.
part 3: “the glass mountain”: analysis随堂测验
1、the story is arranged in 100 numbered paragraphs because______ a、it indicates the intention of the author to reflect the orderly society b、it makes the story easier to read and to understand c、it makes fun of the well-structured traditional literature d、it is typical way of postmodern writings
part 4: postmodernism in “the glass mountain”随堂测验
1、which of the following statements is not true about the inter-textual relationship between “the glass mountain” and the original fairy tale? a、the two stories tell the same thing and give the same message in very different ways of narration. b、the knights, the castle of pure gold, the rescuing youth, the enchanted princess and the eagle are all the codes existing in the two texts. c、although barthelme’s story follows the basic structure of the fairy tale, the story subverts almost all the basic tenets of the popular classic. d、"the glass mountain" can only be fully understood by an inter-textual reading of the original fairy tale.
unit 12 测验
1、the following post-war developments in literature are collectively described as being postmodern except______. a、the theatre of the absurd b、black humor c、the beat generation d、the lost generation
2、donald barthelme’s best-known work is ______. a、come back, dr. caligari b、snow white c、the dead father d、paradise
3、the story reveals a lot about the reality of the time. which of the following statements is probably not true? a、the glass mountain represents the typical architecture of modern society: the skyscraper. b、the climbing irons and plumber’s friends indicate the inadequacy of the character in dealing with the task ahead. c、the fallen knights represent loss of tradition. d、the "enchanted princess" represents beauty and nobility.
4、which of the following statements is true about the technique of parody used in “the glass mountain”? a、barthelme numbers the sentences in order to arrange the materials with accuracy. b、unlike the hero in the fairy tale, the climber, instead of being courageous, decisive and clever, is portrayed as cowardly, hesitant and clown-like. c、the spectators, which do not appear in the original fairy tale, are portrayed as kind and helpful. d、the climber assumes the noble mission of rescuing the enchanted princess just as the hero does in the original fairy tale.
期末考试
“英语短篇小说”期末考试
1、which statement about “defamiliarization” as a literary term is not true? a、it awakens the reader to new possibilities of meaning. b、it refers to a fact stated in a less familiar way. c、it can sharpen reader’s awareness to a stated fact. d、it makes the text unclear and unreadable.
2、which of the following statements is not characteristic of a short story? a、it has two levels of understanding. b、it requires imaginative participation of the reader. c、it allows different interpretations. d、it always contains a moral lesson.
3、mary doesn’t say anything when she gets on the bus. why? a、she has nothing more to say. b、she is disappointed in bill. c、she is too emotional to open her mouth. d、she knows the situation is hopeless.
4、the title of the short story “early autumn” may give a hint to the reader that ______. a、there is an emotionally bitter and long winter awaiting mary b、it is still the bright time of one’s life, like early autumn c、both mary and bill are now middle-aged people d、the love between them is not as “hot” as summer days
5、which is a more acceptable statement about a short story? a、a short story has the same meaning for all the readers. b、the correct interpretation can be found only by close reading. c、in a story, the author is the giver of meaning, and the reader is a receiver. d、when a writer writes a short story, he usually has the implied reader in mind.
6、the short story “a piece of yellow soap” is told by _____. a、a naïve narrator b、an unreliable narrator c、an omniscient narrator d、an objective narrator
7、when sargeson’s stories are compared to “swarming wasps that disturb the world by their little humming and painful stings,” “the world” here most likely refers to _____. a、the low class people who suffer from hardship b、the indifferent and uncaring people c、the countries severely affected by the depression d、the highly educated elite
8、in “a piece of yellow soap,” the author’s manipulative use of the narrator _____. a、creates a special literary effect b、creates more complicated characters c、makes the story structurally more intricate d、offers a more interesting story line
9、which of the following quotations is “showing” instead of “telling”? a、“early autumn”: “unconsciously, she lifted her face as though wanting a kiss, but he held out his hand.” b、“the washwoman”: “but this washwoman, small and thin as she was, possessed a strength that came from generations of peasant ancestors.” c、“araby”: “he had been a very charitable priest; in his will he had left all his money to institutions.” d、“the lady, or the tiger?”: “he was a man of exuberant fancy, and, withal, of an authority so irresistible that, at his will, he turned his varied fancies into facts.”
10、which of the following quotes from “miss brill” could not serve as an example of “stream of consciousness”? a、“dear little thing! it was nice to feel it again.” b、“oh, how sweet it was to see them snap at her again from the red eiderdown!” c、“oh, how fascinating it was! how she enjoyed it! how she loved sitting here, watching it all!” d、“yes, we understand, we understand, she thought -- though what they understood she didn't know.”
11、“but as miss brill wondered, the ermine toque turned, raised her hand as though she'd seen someone else, much nicer, just over there, and pattered away.” this sentence about the woman wearing an ermine toque shows that_____. a、the woman, like miss brill, longs for company b、the woman, like miss brill, remains active and hopeful after a humiliating rejection c、the woman, like miss brill, is curious about others’ lives d、the woman, like miss brill, feels herself as an actress in a play
12、miss brill does not stop at the bakery for a slice of honey cake as she usually does, because _____. a、she does not have enough money this time b、the bakery is closed that day c、she fears ridicule from the baker’s boy d、she is not in the mood to have such enjoyment
13、which statement about “theme” as a literary term is true? a、the theme is the same as the subject. b、one story may have more than one theme. c、theme is the narrator’s message. d、it is the climax of the story development.
14、which of the following statements is not a proper description of “the discus thrower”? a、it is a story about the dignity of life in face of death. b、the severity of the disease twists the mind of the patient. c、the main character struggles to maintain a tough-guy image. d、the strange behaviors reveal the patient’s inner world.
15、read the story carefully and make a list of contrasts that you find. which of the following is probably not one of them? a、the contrast between the patient’s physical condition and his will to resist death. b、the contrast between the limited expression in words and actions of the patient and his surging emotions. c、the contrast between what medical science promises and what a doctor can actually do. d、the contrast between the sad condition and the dignity that a man can maintain.
16、which of the following might not be one of the possible thematic implications of the author when he describes the patient’s throwing the plates? a、the patient attempts to reenact the past glory. b、the author shows futility of human efforts against death. c、the author celebrates the tough-guy spirit in face of death. d、the patient struggles to maintain dignity of life.
17、which of the following statements about traditional plot pattern is not true? a、in a story’s exposition, the basic information is introduced to readers. b、after the story is set in motion, the heightening process leads quickly to the key event. c、the conflicts lead to the climax, the scene that presents a story’s decisive action or event. d、the falling action contains events that are much less intense than the climax and that lead to the resolution of the conflict.
18、which of the following descriptions of jewett’s identity is not true? a、a regionalist. b、a country doctor. c、an environmentalist. d、a precursor of the women’s movement.
19、how does sylvia’s feel when the man mentions the white heron for the first time? a、nervous and scared. b、nervous and excited. c、anguished and scared. d、anguished and excited.
20、why does sylvia decide not to share the secret of the white heron with the man? a、because she realizes that the bird is an integral part of the nature, with which she shares a close bond. b、because she realizes that the white heron verges on extinction and it’s her responsibility to protect it. c、because the man is too assertive and aggressive to be trusted. d、because the man does not return her affection.
21、in othello by shakespeare, we (as the audience) know that the handkerchief used as the proof of desdemona’s infidelity was in fact stolen by emilia. we know she is framed, but are powerless to prevent othello from killing her for her infidelity. this is an example of ______. a、verbal irony b、situational irony c、dramatic irony d、none of the above
22、which of the following statements is true about women’s position in america by the end of the 19th century? a、women’s liberation movement had achieved significant victories. b、women finally obtained the right to vote. c、divorce carried social stigma with property reverted to the husband. d、all human beings were equal in property rights in all states in america.
23、mrs. mallard is most probably killed by _____. a、a sudden shock of extreme happiness b、a sense of great fear of being lonely c、the great depression of being a house prisoner again d、the sorrow caused by the death of her husband
24、the doctor’s claim that mrs. mallard dies of joy is an example of dramatic irony because ______. a、the readers don’t know the real cause b、the doctor and all of the other characters in the story know the real cause c、both the readers and the characters in the story know the real cause d、the readers know the real cause
25、the followings are all “private symbols” except one. which is the exception? a、herman melville’s white whale “moby dick.” b、nathaniel hawthorne’s letter “a” in the scarlet letter. c、the fur piece in “miss brill.” d、the tree, rain and birds in “the story of an hour.”
26、which of the following statements about joyce’s writing is not true? a、many of joyce’s works are autobiographical. b、joyce wanted to reveal his countryman’s state of incapacity through his writing. c、joyce sets his major works in dublin. d、epiphany is joyce’s most significant contribution to modern fiction.
27、what do you think the theme of the story is? a、real beauty is illusory and unattainable. b、growing up leads to loss of youthful idealism. c、true love cannot survive in the cruel world. d、disillusion always accompanies romanticism.
28、which of the following statements about the symbolism of araby is not true? a、at the beginning, araby stands for something exotic and magical. b、at the beginning, araby represents a romantic escape from the confinement. c、araby turns out to be simply a “vanity fair.” d、araby in the end symbolizes the unrealized youthful dreams.
29、which statement about american romanticism is not true? a、literary romanticism came to america half a century later than europe. b、american romanticism resorts heavily to landscape descriptions and mythical frontier characters. c、american romanticism emphasizes individual freedom over the restraints of tradition. d、american romanticism finds its philosophical support in transcendentalism.
30、much of the story of “the lady, or the tiger” lies in _______. a、the moralizing of the king’s penal system b、what wins an upper hand, love or jealousy c、the clever humor in describing the characters d、the exposure of violence and abuse of power
31、according to the author, what do you think should be standing behind the door that the young courtier goes to open? a、the lady. b、the tiger. c、either, depending on the reader’s inclination. d、neither, as it is the king’s test on the youth.
32、stockton made the question “the lady or the tiger?” a probe into ______. a、the clash between progress and barbarism b、the conflicts in human nature c、the rationality of ancient judicial system d、the political participation of people
33、people often compare realism to a mirror. but this mirror analogy neglects _____. a、the broad context of a situation b、the writer’s creative role c、the development of the characters d、the social and historical background
34、the realistic tradition _____. a、has been totally replaced by modernism and post-modernism b、faded out by the end of the 19th century c、dominates literature in the west even today d、continues and develops, often in its modified forms
35、after the two englishmen were executed, the irish soldiers felt _____. a、relieved b、betrayed c、guilty d、frustrated
36、which of the following conflicts is not implied as the theme of the short story? a、the conflict between friendship and war reality. b、the conflict between forgiveness and hatred. c、the conflict between common sense and war logic. d、the conflict between sense of guilt and sense of duty.
37、which of the following is not the characteristic of naturalism? a、it sees nature as holy or mystical. b、it believes destiny is decided by heredity and environment. c、it holds a view of determinism. d、it tends to be amoral and pessimistic.
38、jack london’s naturalistic philosophy is formulated by all the following factors except______. a、his own life as an urban poor b、charles darwin’ theory of evolution c、the preceding romantic movement d、karl marx and his analysis of social classes
39、finally, old koskoosh said to himself, “was it not the law of life?”what do these words reveal to us? a、he believes that life is a cycle. b、he finally realizes what death means. c、he fails to understand his son’s decision. d、he is prepared to accept the fate.
40、what is most unlikely jack london’s opinion on the indian custom of leaving the old and sick to die? a、the author understands that sentiments play no part in the survival struggle against harsh environment. b、the author believes the custom is a living strategy of tribesmen. c、the author knows that sympathy might lead to the tribe’s doom. d、the author thinks that the custom is cruel and inhumane.
41、which statement about “stream of consciousness” as a literary term is not true? a、it is a mode of narration that reproduces the continuous flow of a character’s mental process. b、it is a mode of narration in which perceptions mingle with conscious and half-conscious thoughts, memories and feelings. c、it is a mode of narration that is often discontinuous and random, reflecting the confused individual and the chaotic world. d、it is a mode of narration with smooth flow of language as well as thoughts.
42、what sort of “the secret life” of walter mitty do the “courtroom trial” and the “execution by a firing squared” episodes reveal to us? a、he desires for a life of romance and excitement. b、he wishes to make glorious contributions to the nation. c、he yearns to be an important and respected person. d、he would rather be a heroic victim than a nobody.
43、the story starts with a mitty’s daydream and ends with another. this structure tells the reader something about the character. which is probably not indicated? a、mitty’s wish to escape from the life he is living. b、mitty’s desperation in search for an alternative reality. c、mitty’s inability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. d、mitty’s habit of compulsive fantasizing.
44、mitty is an anti-hero, an alienated individual _____ in a predominantly urban world. a、trying in vain to glorify his life b、trying to make a success c、trying to bring himself out of crisis d、trying to face the problems
45、which of the following is not the characteristic of postmodernism? a、it attempts to acknowledge the meaning of life. b、it prefers a pastiche type of writing. c、it emphasizes confusion and the absurd nature of human existence. d、it turns away from modernist “high art” to mass culture, and often blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction.
46、which of the following statements is not true about “the glass mountain”? a、it refuses to follow the story line of an existing fairy tale. b、it shows no trace of anything heroic or romantic. c、the author presents a picture of an absurd man doing absurd things. d、the story concludes with a happy ending.
47、which of the following statements is probably not the reason that the narrator decides to throw the beautiful princess down to the street? a、the narrator seeks to escape to the realm of art but what he finds is just more stereotypes and more clichés. b、the narrator is disillusioned with the social reality and the conventional literature as well. c、the narrator is disappointed to find that the princess is not as beautiful as he imagines. d、the narrator is angry that all his hard efforts of climbing end in nothing.
48、this short story has all the following characteristics of a postmodern writing except one. which is the exception? a、the story is presented by piecing together different fragments. b、the story is a rewriting of an old piece in order to undermine its basic theme. c、the story tells an absurd event on its narrative level. d、the story expresses a critical attitude to the prevailing culture.