Tone, Dialogue And Allusion
Carefully read each passage and decide which answer best describe the tone, correct dialogue, or alludes to a historical event, the bible, or a mythological figure.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Passage #1 “I shall throw you on a black ship and send you to the mainland, To King Echetos, destroyer of all mortal men, Who will cut off your nostrils with a sharp bronze sword; He will tear of your private parts and give them to the dogs to eat raw.” --Homer, The Odyssey Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) Threatening
- B.
B) Amused
- C.
C) Proud
- D.
D) Unsatisfied
Correct Answer
A. A) ThreateningExplanation
The speaker in the passage is expressing a strong sense of threat towards the subject. The use of violent and gruesome imagery, such as cutting off nostrils and tearing off private parts, conveys a tone of hostility and aggression. This suggests that the speaker intends to harm or punish the subject in a severe and cruel manner. Therefore, the word "threatening" best describes the tone of the passage.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Passage #2 “There were always children there, and I spent all my time with the children, only with the children. They were the children of the village where I lived, a whole gang of them who went to the local school. I was simply with them mostly, and I spent all my four years like that. I did not want anything else.” --Dostoyevsky, The Idiot Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) Amused
- B.
B) Reflective
- C.
C) Reverent
- D.
D) Remorseful
Correct Answer
B. B) ReflectiveExplanation
The speaker's tone in the passage is reflective because they are looking back on their past experiences with the children in the village where they lived. They express a sense of contentment and satisfaction with spending all their time with the children and not wanting anything else. The use of the word "spent" and the repetition of "only with the children" emphasize the speaker's focused and introspective mindset.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Passage #3 “They showered me this morning at the courthouse and last night at the jail. And I swear I believe they'd of washed my ears for me on the taxi over if they coulda found the facilities. Hoo boy, seems like every time they ship me someplace I gotta get scrubbed down before, after, and during the operation--and get back away from me with that thermometer, Sam.” --Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) disappointed
- B.
B) condescending
- C.
C) amused
- D.
D) annoyed
Correct Answer
C. C) amusedExplanation
The speaker's use of informal language, such as "Hoo boy" and "get back away from me," suggests a lighthearted and humorous tone. The speaker is making light of the situation and finding amusement in the fact that they are constantly being cleaned and monitored. Therefore, the word that best describes the tone is "amused."Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Passage #4 “Afterwards we will be as one animal of the forest and be so close that neither one can tell that one of us is one and not the other. Can you not feel my heart be your heart?” --Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) somber
- B.
B) intimate
- C.
C) urgent
- D.
D) factual
Correct Answer
B. B) intimateExplanation
The passage suggests a deep emotional connection between the speaker and the subject, as indicated by the desire to be as close as possible and to have their hearts intertwined. This conveys a sense of intimacy and closeness, making option B) intimate the best description of the tone.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Passage #5 “But I felt after the novelty had worn off the Americans didn't really understand our music or our culture. Coming from a country where having central heating was considered posh and a refrigerator a luxury, Americans seemed to me to be strangely spoiled and 'old-fashioned.' They seemed to be lost in the forties and fifties. I expected to find Americans more forward and progressive but I was surprised to find many very set in their ways, just like their English counterparts.” --Davies, Kink Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) hopeless
- B.
B) remorseful
- C.
C) disappointed
- D.
D) sardonic
Correct Answer
C. C) disappointedExplanation
The speaker feels disappointed towards the subject because they expected Americans to be more forward and progressive, but instead found them to be "strangely spoiled and 'old-fashioned'." They also mention that Americans seemed to be lost in the forties and fifties, further indicating their disappointment in the lack of understanding and appreciation for their music and culture.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Passage #6 “Henri the painter was not French and his name was not Henri. Henri had so steeped himself in stories of the Left Bank in Paris that he lived there although he had never been there. Feverishly he followed in periodicals the Dadaist movements and schisms, the strangely feminine jealousies and religiousness, the obscurantisms of the forming and breaking schools. Regularly he revolted against outworn techniques and materials. “One season he threw out perspective. Another year he abandoned red, even as the mother of purple. Finally he gave up paint entirely. It was not known whether Henri was a good painter or not for he threw himself so violently into movements that he had little time left for painting of any kind.” --Steinbeck, Cannery Row Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) reverent
- B.
B) apprehensive
- C.
C) regretful
- D.
D) amused
Correct Answer
D. D) amusedExplanation
The speaker in the passage seems to be amused by Henri the painter and his obsession with the Left Bank in Paris. The speaker describes Henri's actions in a somewhat sarcastic and lighthearted tone, suggesting that they find his behavior amusing rather than reverent, apprehensive, or regretful.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Passage #7 “My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is a weathered shoot; My heart is like an apple-tree Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit; My heart is like a rainbow shell That paddles in a halcyon [peaceful] sea; My heart is gladder than all these Because my love is come to me.” -Rossetti, “A Birthday” Which word best describes the tone? In other words, how does the speaker feel about/toward the subject?
- A.
A) Sorrow
- B.
B) Happiness
- C.
C) Excitement
- D.
D) Nervousness
Correct Answer
B. B) HappinessExplanation
The speaker in the passage expresses joy and happiness through the use of vivid and positive imagery. The comparisons made between the heart and a singing bird, an apple-tree with abundant fruit, and a rainbow shell in a peaceful sea all convey a sense of happiness and contentment. The final line, "Because my love is come to me," further emphasizes the speaker's happiness, indicating that the arrival of their love has brought them immense joy. Therefore, the word that best describes the tone of the passage is "Happiness."Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Read the following passage carefully. Select the option that best describes the tone of this excerpt. That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man -- when I could get it -- and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen them most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman? -- from "Ain't I a Woman" by Sojourner Truth (1851)
- A.
Accusatory
- B.
Dispassionate
- C.
Nostalgic
- D.
Objective
- E.
Witty
Correct Answer
A. AccusatoryExplanation
The tone of the excerpt is accusatory because the speaker is challenging the double standards and inequality faced by women. The speaker uses rhetorical questions and emphasizes her own accomplishments to highlight the injustice she experiences. The tone is confrontational and critical, accusing society of not recognizing her worth and denying her rights.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
The North Wind boasted of great strength . The Sun argued that there was great powers in gentleness. "We shall have a contest," said the Sun.Far below, a man traveled a winding road. He was wearing a warm winter coat."As a test of strength," said the Sun, "let us see which of us can take the coat off the man.""It will be quite simple for me to remove his coat," bragged the Wind.The Wind blew so hard, the birds clung to the trees. The world was filled with dust and leaves. But the harder the wind blew, the tighter the shivering man clung to his coat.Then the Sun came out from behind the cloud. The sun warmed the air and the frosty ground. The man on the road unbuttoned his coat.The Sun grew slowly brighter and brighter.Son the man felt so hot, he took off his coat and sat down in a shady spot."How did you do that?" said the Wind."It was easy," said the Sun. I lit the day. Through gentleness I got my way."From the dialogue above what do we learn about the Wind's character?
- A.
Frightened
- B.
Cautious
- C.
Overconfident
- D.
Scary
Correct Answer
C. OverconfidentExplanation
The Wind's character can be inferred as overconfident based on its boastful nature and bragging about its strength. It confidently claims that it will easily remove the man's coat, but fails to do so despite blowing with great force. In contrast, the Sun's gentle approach proves to be more effective. This highlights the Wind's overconfidence in its abilities.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of dialogue?
- A.
Reveal characters' relationships to one another
- B.
Move the story forward
- C.
Increase the tension
- D.
To hear the accent of the character
Correct Answer
D. To hear the accent of the characterExplanation
Dialogue serves multiple purposes in storytelling, such as revealing characters' relationships, advancing the plot, and building tension. However, hearing the accent of a character is not a primary purpose of dialogue. While accents can add depth and authenticity to a character, they are not essential to the overall purpose of dialogue in a story. Accents can be portrayed through other narrative techniques, such as descriptions or dialectical expressions, rather than solely relying on dialogue. Therefore, the purpose of dialogue is not specifically to hear the accent of a character.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
What's the capital of Spain?" Jerry asked, pausing over his crossword puzzle.Susan looked up from her book and rolled her eyes. "Madrid, duh.""Why are you so sarcastic all the time?”Jerry slammed his pencil on table. He looked like he was going to cry. “I don't think I can take much more of this."The dialogue in the scene does which of the following?
- A.
That Susan and Jerry have known each other for awhile
- B.
Jerry has been putting up with Susan's attitude for awhile
- C.
Susan treats Jerry with disrespect
- D.
None of the above
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
The dialogue in the scene suggests that Susan and Jerry have known each other for a while because they are familiar enough to have sarcastic exchanges. It also implies that Jerry has been putting up with Susan's attitude for a while because he expresses frustration and hints at reaching his breaking point. Additionally, Susan's sarcastic response and eye-rolling indicate that she treats Jerry with disrespect. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."Rate this question:
-
- 12.
The phone rang, and Jerry picked it up. "Hello?"There was a moment of silence on the other end."Is this Jerry Simmons?" a male voice asked."Yeah. Who is this?"The man paused. Jerry could hear him take a deep breath."Jerry, my name is Dave. I’m your brother.”"If this is a prank, it isn’t funny,” Jerrysaid. “My family died a long time ago." “Not your whole family,” Dave said.Jerry hung up the phone.This scene is a perfect example of which purpose for dialogue?
- A.
Moving the story forward
- B.
Relationship between characters
- C.
Increasing tension
- D.
A prank call
Correct Answer
A. Moving the story forwardExplanation
The dialogue between Jerry and Dave reveals important information that moves the story forward. It introduces a new character, Dave, who claims to be Jerry's brother. This revelation challenges Jerry's belief that his entire family is dead and creates intrigue and curiosity for the reader. Therefore, the purpose of this dialogue is to move the story forward by introducing a new plot point and raising questions for the reader.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
"Dave!" Jerry shouted. "We've got to get away from here! The building's gonna blow!""We've got to go back!" Dave screamed. "Why?"Dave pointed at the roof. "Susan's still up there!"This scene is the perfect example for which purpose of dialogue?
- A.
The relationship between characters
- B.
Increasing tension
- C.
Moving the story forward
- D.
Showing thoughtfulness
Correct Answer
B. Increasing tensionExplanation
This scene is the perfect example of increasing tension in dialogue because Jerry's urgent shout about the building about to blow creates a sense of danger and urgency. Dave's scream and his realization that Susan is still on the roof further intensify the tension as it raises the stakes and adds a sense of urgency to the situation.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Allusions can come from many popular sources, but which three are most frequent?
- A.
Shakespeare, bible, painting
- B.
Bible, popular culture, paintings
- C.
Mythology, bible, and Shakespeare
- D.
Mythology, history, and pop art
Correct Answer
C. Mythology, bible, and ShakespeareExplanation
The correct answer is Mythology, bible, and Shakespeare. Allusions are references to well-known people, events, or stories from various sources. Shakespeare, the bible, and mythology are widely recognized and frequently alluded to in literature, art, and popular culture. These three sources have had a significant impact on Western culture and their stories and characters are often used to convey deeper meanings or add depth to a work.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Goliath – a large person; from the giant from the Philistine city of Gath, slain by David, when he was a shepherd boy.Which of the following examples matches an allusion to the above referenced bible account?
- A.
The little boy and the little girl fought like dogs.
- B.
The little boys fought the little boys across town..
- C.
The little boy fought the bully even though he had no chance of winning.
- D.
The little boy fought himself on the issue of lying.
Correct Answer
C. The little boy fought the bully even though he had no chance of winning.Explanation
The correct answer is "The little boy fought the bully even though he had no chance of winning." This example matches an allusion to the above referenced bible account because it reflects the story of David fighting against Goliath, even though he was much smaller and had little chance of winning.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
What does it mean to call something a person's Achilles heel?
- A.
His or her's anger
- B.
His or her's wisdom
- C.
His or her's weakness
- D.
His or her's strength
Correct Answer
C. His or her's weaknessExplanation
Calling something a person's "Achilles heel" means that it is their weakness. The term is derived from Greek mythology, where Achilles was a great warrior who was invulnerable except for his heel. Therefore, referring to something as a person's "Achilles heel" implies that it is their vulnerable point or area of weakness.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Tantalize- from King Tantalus, who reigned on Mt. Sipylus and was condemned to reside in a beautiful river with sumptuous fruits just out of reach and the water undrinkable, always tempting him as punishment for excessive pride (he boiled his son and fed the broth to trick the gods). Which of the following is an example that alludes to the story of King Tantalus?
- A.
A boy eats a boiled chicken
- B.
Eating, buying all you want and enjoying it.
- C.
A person who eyes a particular desire and eventually is able to buy.
- D.
A baby in a crib who wishes to reach a pacifier but it is blocked by a rocking chair.
Correct Answer
D. A baby in a crib who wishes to reach a pacifier but it is blocked by a rocking chair.Explanation
The answer "A baby in a crib who wishes to reach a pacifier but it is blocked by a rocking chair" is an example that alludes to the story of King Tantalus. In the myth, King Tantalus was constantly tempted by sumptuous fruits just out of reach, similar to how the baby is tempted by the pacifier that is blocked by the rocking chair. Both situations involve a desire that is tantalizingly close but ultimately unattainable.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Sep 29, 2014Quiz Created by
Sequau Malone
Significant Figures Quiz: Can You Score Full Marks?
Significant Figures Quiz: Can You Score Full Marks?
What Should I Get For Christmas? Take the Quiz Now
What Should I Get For Christmas? Take the Quiz Now
Back to top