Sample Short Story Test

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ENG 250 Introduction to Literature TEST 2 I. Short Response. Answer FIVE of the following in short reponses of 2-3 sentences. 1. How does the multiple point of view suggested by the narrator of “A Rose for Emily” develop some specific theme that would NOT be available to a typical first- or third-person point of view? The author/narrator switches from telling the story referring to Emily and other characters as she and they, but switches to we. It seems the story is being told from a bystander watching from a distance or from hearing the story. You get very detailed descriptions of the surroundings and people. Then it gives you the impression the author is an active participant by saying “we were glad that Miss Emily… “And it puts this person up close and personal to the characters. In the end, you picture the room and feel the mood in the room as the strand of gray hair is lifted. 2. Why does the point of view of “The Yellow Wall-Paper” make it hard to trust the story’s attitude toward any particular theme? In the beginning, you immediately feel the isolation of the room in which our character lives, but you quickly figure she is there for a reason. In her writing in secret and disagreeing with physicians at all cost, you feel sorry for her, but also question if she is of right mind. There are times you are angry with the husband, but you know that is how it was at that time with how he treats her. I would agree most people reading would assume she is crazy and then see the clues that lead to postpartum depression and see the husband as not all bad. You cannot trust that her view of any reality when she seems most lucid is even clear enough for anything when you realize her state of mind. We only have her viewpoint. 3. How does the third-person point of view of “Hills Like White Elephants” help develop a theme of isolation? There are
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