Unit 4 Study Guide
Define Realism:
Define Naturalism:
“An Episode of War” by Stephen Crane
What qualities make this a Realistic story?
How does the reader’s historical knowledge improve understanding of this story?
In what ways did the lieutenant’s injury change the way he thought about himself and his role in the war?
from My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass
Why does Mrs. Auld decide to educate young Frederick Douglass?
Why does she change her mind, and begin to restrict his learning?
Douglass makes the point that slavery and education are incompatible. Why?
Douglass uses Mrs. Auld as an example of the dehumanizing effect of slavery even upon slaveholders.
How?
Douglass believes that people are not born racist. What parts of the story reflect this belief?
“The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain
The primary purpose of this story is to entertain the reader. What details make it humorous?
This story is written using Twain’s hallmark device of Dialect. What is dialect?
Even though the story is a tall tale, it fits with the style of Realism. Why?
“To Build a Fire” by Jack London
What events and themes of this story mark it as Naturalist literature?
What is dramatic irony? Give an example from the story.
What is the primary conflict in the story? What is the secondary conflict?
What character flaws bring about the man’s death? What details emphasize these flaws?
What does the man symbolize? What does the dog symbolize? How do they contrast?
Describe how the man’s attitude changes just before he dies.
“The Story of an Hour” and “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin
What is verbal irony?
What is dramatic irony?
What is situational irony?
What are some examples of irony from the story?
Why did readers in the late 1800’s find this story so shocking?
Why is the mention of new spring life (“The Story of an Hour”) ironic? How does it serve as
foreshadowing?
What is Chopin’s message about self-assertion?
Why is Desiree’s name ironic?
Why would it matter that Desiree’s background was unknown? Why was it assumed that Desiree was the
reason her child was not white?
What are some specific examples of foreshadowing in “Desiree’s Baby”?
What does Desiree see when she looks at La Blanche’s son? What does this possibly lead her to believe?
What is Kate Chopin’s message about the role of racial lineage in the 19 th Century?
“Richard Cory” by Edward Arlington Robinson
How does this poem reflect Realism?