English Civil War Mini Unit Test

REALISM

a literary movement that tries to show people and their lives as realistically as possible. Authors who wrote materials within this literary movement focus on ordinary people rather than on exaggerated models of idealistic behavior. Often such writers emphasize the realities of ordinary life, even though their characters are fictional.

• representation of real life

• portrayed the everyday life of ordinary people

• depicted mainly middle-class characters

• often had themes involving society, social class, social mobility, etc.

NATURALISM

a movement that expanded upon Realism. Writers who created naturalistic literature followed the above traits, but also added the idea that people and their lives are often deeply impacted by natural forces and situations

 KEY ELEMENTS

• DETERMINISM:  the opposite of free will, in which a character's fate has been decided, even predetermined, by impersonal forces (environmental, hereditary, and/or social) that are beyond human control; a sense that the universe itself is indifferent to human life.

• DETACHED 3rd PERSON NARRATOR: the narrator in a Naturalistic work of fiction reports events with an indifferent tone. Sometimes they do not even give a name to a main character. 

• REALISTIC CHARACTERS: the protagonist will be a believable character, frequently ill-educated &/or of lower or middle class; although he/she may be the victim of fate, nature, etc., they are not insignificant, and they generally respond to adversity stoically, and with dignity.

• THEMES: primarily had themes involving violence, poverty, corruption.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

1. Why does the "grey-clad soldier" visit the home of the Farquhars?

- The soldier is a Confederate scout seeking refuge.

- He deceives Peyton Farquhar by posing as a Confederate soldier.

- He informs Farquhar about the Union army's movements.

- The soldier highlights the strategic importance of the Owl Creek Bridge.

- This conversation sparks Farquhar's desire to sabotage the bridge.

- The visit ultimately leads to tragic consequences for Farquhar.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

1. Explain why Farquhar is being hanged? (The above answer will help with this response.)

- Farquhar is a Confederate sympathizer during the Civil War.

- He attempted to sabotage the Owl Creek Bridge to assist the Confederate cause.

- The Union army captured him while he was executing his plan.

- His actions were seen as treasonous against the Union.

- As a result, he is sentenced to be hanged as punishment for his attempted sabotage.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

1. What type of narrator is used in this story? Does it stay the same throughout? Explain.

- The story uses a third-person omniscient narrator.

- The narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters.

- Toward the end, it focuses more on Farquhar's experience.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

1. What part of the story uses "stream of consciousness" style? 

- used primarily in the final section.

- It captures Peyton Farquhar's thoughts and sensory experiences as he escapes.

- The narrative flows rapidly, reflecting his panic and desperation.

- This style immerses the reader in Farquhar's mind, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

1. "What clues are there to suggest that Farquhar's "escape" is imaginary? Give specific text examples.

- time slowing down during his escape, such as "the tick of the clock" feeling prolonged, hints at a dreamlike state.

- The unrealistic detail of him swimming rapidly and dodging gunfire

- The vivid, surreal imagery of nature around him, like "the river, the trees," feels exaggerated

- The sudden shift back to reality at the end, with his hanging, confirms that the escape was a figment of his imagination.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

1. What is the effect of the narrator describing Farquhar as a planter with a "kindly expression"?

- It humanizes Farquhar, making him relatable and sympathetic to the reader.

- The "kindly expression" contrasts with the violent situation of his hanging, heightening the emotional impact.

- It suggests that he is a man of good intentions, which deepens the tragedy of his fate.

- This description creates a sense of irony, as his kindness is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of war and his impending death.

Ambrose Bierce: "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

1. What theme about war does Bierce suggest? (Hint: Your response to #6 may help with this.)

- The brutality and senselessness of war (Farquhar's unjust execution.)

- The impact of war on individuals, highlighting the psychological trauma and desperation faced by soldiers and civilians.

- The illusion of escape or heroism, as Farquhar's imagined escape contrasts with the harsh reality of his fate.

- The irony of noble intentions leading to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the futility of idealism in the context of war.

Stephen Crane: "An Episode of War" 

1. How do various characters react to the lieutenant's injury? (his men, the man who bandages him first, the doctor at the field hospital)

- The lieutenant's men:

show concern and shock at his injury, reflecting their camaraderie and the harsh reality of war.

- The man who bandages him:

is practical and focused, demonstrating a sense of duty despite the chaos around them.

- The doctor at the field hospital:

shows detachment, treating the injury as just another case amidst the overwhelming number of wounded soldiers.

Stephen Crane: "An Episode of War" 

1. What is an example that shows the typically indifferent narrator of a Naturalist work?

- The narrator describes the lieutenant's injury in a detached manner, focusing on the physical details without emotional involvement.

- The portrayal of the battlefield as chaotic and indifferent to human suffering illustrates the Naturalist perspective that nature and circumstances are indifferent to individual struggles.

- The lack of dramatic embellishment in the narration emphasizes the harsh reality of war, reflecting the Naturalist belief in the insignificance of humanity in the face of larger forces.

Stephen Crane: "An Episode of War" 

1. What about this story's plot is Naturalistic?

- The lieutenant's injury occurs randomly, showing life's unpredictability.

- The chaotic depiction of battle highlights the harsh realities of war.

- His struggle feels futile, emphasizing the lack of control individuals have.

- Indifferent reactions from others illustrate how human suffering is often overlooked.

Stephen Crane: "An Episode of War" 

1. What about this story's protagonist is Naturalistic?

- The lieutenant is portrayed as a product of his environment, shaped by the chaos of war.

- His injury is random and serves to highlight the vulnerability of individuals in extreme circumstances.

- The protagonist's emotional response is subdued, reflecting the desensitization caused by the brutal realities of battle.

- His struggle for survival illustrates the theme of futility, as he ultimately has little control over his fate.

Stephen Crane: "An Episode of War" 

1. What is an important theme of the story?

- Randomness of fate: The lieutenant's injury shows how unpredictable life is, especially in war.

- Brutality of war: It highlights the harsh realities and suffering soldiers face.

- Isolation: The lieutenant feels disconnected from others.

- Futility of struggle: His efforts often seem meaningless against overwhelming circumstances.

Frederick Douglass: My Bondage and My Freedom

1. What is Douglass's tone when describing Mrs. Auld? Give evidence from the text.

- Initially positive: describes her as kind and nurturing, noting her early attempts to teach him to read.

- Disappointed: He conveys a sense of loss when her attitude changes due to the influence of slavery, reflecting his sorrow over her transformation.

- Critical: criticizes the nature of slavery, highlighting how it alters her character and morality.

Frederick Douglass: My Bondage and My Freedom

1. What is his tone towards learning to read? Give evidence from the text.

- Enthusiastic: expresses excitement about gaining knowledge, viewing reading as a path to freedom and empowerment.

- Determined: shows a strong resolve to learn despite the obstacles, reflecting desire for self-improvement and liberation.

- Reflective: recognizes the profound impact that literacy has on his understanding of the world and his own condition.

Frederick Douglass: My Bondage and My Freedom

1. What does Douglass say about the effects of slavery on the Auld household?

-Corruption of Morality: notes that slavery corrupts the character of individuals, including Mrs. Auld, who becomes harsh and cruel due to the institution.

- Strain on Relationships: observes that slavery creates tension and conflict within the household, affecting the dynamics between family members.

- Dehumanization: emphasizes how slavery dehumanizes both the enslaved and the enslavers, leading to a loss of empathy and compassion.

Frederick Douglass: My Bondage and My Freedom

1. What is the central message about slavery of this portion of his autobiography?

- Inhumanity of Slavery: illustrates that slavery is fundamentally dehumanizing, stripping individuals of their dignity and humanity.

- Corruption of Character: shows how slavery corrupts both the enslaved and the enslavers, leading to moral degradation and cruelty.

- Power of Knowledge: emphasizes that education and literacy are essential for empowerment and resistance against oppression.

- Desire for Freedom: The narrative conveys a strong yearning for freedom, highlighting that the pursuit of knowledge is integral to achieving liberation.

Sojourner Truth:  "An Account of an Experience with Discrimination" 

1. What is the tone of Sojourner Truth's anecdote? Give evidence from the text.

- Assertive: demonstrates strength and determination to speak out against injustice.

- Resentful: expresses anger and frustration over the discrimination faced, particularly in interactions with both men and women.

- Empathetic: conveys compassion for others who experience discrimination, highlighting a sense of solidarity with those who suffer injustice.

Sojourner Truth:  "An Account of an Experience with Discrimination" 

1. Describe the discrimination that she experienced. What were some positive outcomes of these incidents? 

Discrimination Experienced:

- Racial Bias: Faced prejudice from white individuals who ignored her rights.

- Gender Bias: Dismissed by men who didn't take her seriously in discussions.

- Exclusion: Often kept out of events where she wanted to speak.

Positive Outcomes:

- Stronger Resolve: Made her more determined to fight for equality.

- Awareness: Helped raise awareness about race and gender issues.

- Empowerment: Inspired her to become a powerful advocate for justice.

Sojourner Truth:  "An Account of an Experience with Discrimination" 

1. What were the attitudes of people toward African Americans at this time in history, as shown in Truth's anecdote?

-Prejudice: Many whites saw African Americans as inferior.

- Ignored Rights: People believed they didn’t deserve equal rights.

- Resistance: Some, even women, resisted acknowledging their rights.

- Fear of Change: There was a fear that equality would disrupt society.