1.
Which story scenario would most likely be a parable?
Correct Answer
B. A farmer plants his seed, and then stays at home until harvest time. When he returns to his field at reaping time, he sees that the sun has scorched his crops.
Explanation
This scenario most likely represents a parable because it contains a moral lesson or message. The story of the farmer planting his seed and neglecting his crops teaches the importance of diligence and hard work. The farmer's failure to tend to his field and protect his crops leads to their destruction, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of laziness or negligence. Parables often use relatable and familiar situations to convey a deeper meaning or moral truth.
2.
Which sentence best describes a characteristic of a parable?
Correct Answer
D. The story contains a moral.
Explanation
A parable is a type of story that is used to teach a moral lesson or convey a deeper meaning. Unlike the other options, the characteristic of a parable is that it contains a moral. Parables often use relatable characters and settings, but the key aspect is the moral message that is embedded within the story.
3.
Which sentence describes a characteristic of a poetry slam?
Correct Answer
C. Poetry is judged by audience members.
Explanation
A characteristic of a poetry slam is that poetry is judged by audience members. This means that the audience plays a role in evaluating and critiquing the performances of the poets. Unlike traditional poetry readings or performances, where the poet's work is typically not judged or evaluated, a poetry slam involves a competitive element where the audience scores or ranks the poets based on their performances. This adds an interactive and participatory aspect to the event, making it more engaging for both the poets and the audience.
4.
How do parables and fables differ?
Correct Answer
A. Parables center on current events while fables focus on ancient tales.
Explanation
Parables and fables differ in terms of their focus. Parables center on current events, meaning they are usually set in the present and address contemporary issues or moral dilemmas. On the other hand, fables focus on ancient tales, which means they often have a historical or mythological context and convey moral lessons through the use of animal characters. Therefore, the correct answer states that parables center on current events while fables focus on ancient tales.
5.
In which way does poetry today resemble poetry from the 14th century?
Correct Answer
D. Poems are still often recited orally.
Explanation
Poems being recited orally is a similarity between poetry today and poetry from the 14th century. In both time periods, poems were often performed and shared through oral recitation. This tradition has continued, as many poets still perform their work publicly or through recordings. The act of reciting poetry orally allows for the rhythmic and melodic qualities of the language to be fully appreciated, and it creates a connection between the poet and the audience that transcends the written word.
6.
Read this poem: Roses are red,violets are blue, dodoes are dead, and that's a shame.What is the poem's rhyme scheme?
Correct Answer
A. Abac
Explanation
The poem's rhyme scheme is abac. In the first stanza, "red" and "dead" rhyme (a), while "blue" and "shame" rhyme (b). In the second stanza, "are" and "are" rhyme (a), while "dodoes" and "shame" rhyme (c). The use of alternating rhymes creates a pattern of abac.
7.
Which story scenario would best fit the historical context of the 14th century?
Correct Answer
C. An adolescent girl flees her home after an illness takes the life of every person in her family.
Explanation
During the 14th century, Europe experienced the devastating effects of the Black Death, a deadly pandemic that killed millions of people. This historical context aligns with the scenario of an adolescent girl fleeing her home after an illness takes the life of every person in her family. The widespread death caused by the Black Death would have created a sense of fear and desperation, leading individuals to flee their homes in search of safety and survival.
8.
What is the best example of a story's historical context?
Correct Answer
B. The economic situation the author lives in
Explanation
The best example of a story's historical context is the economic situation the author lives in. This is because the economic conditions of the time can greatly influence the themes, conflicts, and motivations of the characters in the story. It provides insight into the social and cultural factors that shape the narrative and can help readers better understand the author's perspective and the message they are trying to convey.
9.
Read this scenario: A little girl discovers a purse filled with gold coins at the riverbank. She returns the next day to find a fisherman searching frantically near the water. She approaches him and asks what he is looking for. He tells her he lost a bag with five gold coins inside. She smiles and presents him with the bag. He is so appreciative that he gives her one gold coin as a reward.What would a culture that tells this story most likely value?
Correct Answer
A. Honesty, even in the face of personal loss
Explanation
The story emphasizes the value of honesty, as the little girl chooses to return the bag of gold coins to the fisherman instead of keeping it for herself. Despite the opportunity for personal gain, she demonstrates integrity by doing the right thing. This suggests that the culture values honesty, even when faced with personal loss.
10.
Why were meter and alliteration important poetic devices to 14th century poets?
Correct Answer
C. They made poems easier to memorize
Explanation
Meter and alliteration were important poetic devices to 14th century poets because they made poems easier to memorize. By using a consistent meter, poets could create a rhythmic pattern that helped listeners remember the words and flow of the poem. Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, also aided in memorization by adding a musical quality to the verses. These devices allowed poets to create memorable and easily recitable poems, ensuring that their works would be passed down and remembered by future generations.
11.
Why does "The Monk's Tale" fit the category of parable?
Correct Answer
B. It tells the results of different people's good and bad behavior
Explanation
"The Monk's Tale" fits the category of parable because it tells the results of different people's good and bad behavior. A parable is a story that uses fictional characters and events to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. In "The Monk's Tale," the narrator recounts the stories of various historical figures and their actions, showing the consequences of their choices and behavior. This aligns with the purpose of a parable, which is to teach a lesson or provide guidance through storytelling.
12.
Read these lines from "The Monk's Tale." He had a son, Belshazzar was his name,Who held the throne after his father's day, But took no warning from him all the same,Proud in his death and proud in his display,What is the rhyme scheme of the lines?
Correct Answer
C. Abab
Explanation
The rhyme scheme of the given lines is abab. This means that the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. In this case, the rhyming words are "name" and "same" in the first and third lines, and "day" and "display" in the second and fourth lines.
13.
According to the monk's stories, what common trait do Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar share?
Correct Answer
D. Both were kings
Explanation
The common trait that Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar share, according to the monk's stories, is that they were both kings.
14.
According to the monk, why does Fortune abandon people?
Correct Answer
D. Because people become prideful and believe that she will always reward them.
Explanation
Fortune abandons people because they become prideful and believe that she will always reward them. This suggests that when individuals become arrogant and overly confident in their abilities, they start to rely solely on their own efforts and disregard the role of luck or external factors in their success. This sense of entitlement and self-assuredness leads them to believe that they are always deserving of rewards, causing Fortune to withdraw her favor and abandon them.
15.
Which biblical figure does the monk not include in his parables?
Correct Answer
B. Moses
Explanation
The monk does not include Moses in his parables. This could be because Moses is already a well-known figure in the Bible and his stories are already widely known. The monk might have chosen to focus on lesser-known figures or to bring attention to other important lessons and teachings in his parables.
16.
What can the reader infer about the monk's character based on the fact that all of his stories contain the same tragic moral?
Correct Answer
B. He loses himself in the sermon he is preaching to the audience
Explanation
The reader can infer that the monk is deeply engrossed and absorbed in the sermons he delivers to the audience. This can be concluded because all of his stories have the same tragic moral, suggesting that he is so immersed in his preaching that he fails to diversify his stories or consider different perspectives.
17.
Which pair of lines demonstrates slant rhyme?
Correct Answer
A. Broken pencil, balls of crumpled paper / Deadline tomorrow, homework failure
Explanation
The pair of lines "Broken pencil, balls of crumpled paper / Deadline tomorrow, homework failure" demonstrates slant rhyme. Slant rhyme is a type of rhyme in which the sounds of the ending consonants are similar but not identical. In this pair of lines, the words "paper" and "failure" have similar ending consonant sounds (-er), creating a slant rhyme.
18.
Which of Chaucer's descriptions from "The Monk's Tale" best illustrates Fortune as unreliable?
Correct Answer
A. And when men trust in her she then will fail / And cover her bright face as with a cloud.
Explanation
The chosen answer best illustrates Fortune as unreliable because it states that when people trust in Fortune, she will fail them and hide her positive attributes. This implies that Fortune is not consistent or dependable, as she can change her favor at any moment. The description emphasizes the unpredictability and unreliability of Fortune, highlighting the theme of her fickleness and the potential downfall that can come from relying on her.
19.
Which innovation is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer?
Correct Answer
B. The use of frame narratives
Explanation
Geoffrey Chaucer is attributed to the innovation of using frame narratives. A frame narrative is a storytelling technique where a main story serves as a container for other smaller stories. Chaucer's most famous work, "The Canterbury Tales," is a prime example of this technique. In this collection of stories, a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury tell their own tales within the main narrative. Chaucer's use of frame narratives allowed for multiple perspectives and diverse storytelling within a single work, making it a significant innovation in literature.
20.
Which line is decasyllabic?
Correct Answer
C. Miranda took a bitter pill today
Explanation
The line "Miranda took a bitter pill today" is decasyllabic because it contains ten syllables.
21.
Which scenario is the best example of a frame narrative?
Correct Answer
B. A reporter tries to piece together the truth as she listens to three different plane-crash survivors tell their stories.
Explanation
The scenario where a reporter tries to piece together the truth as she listens to three different plane-crash survivors tell their stories is the best example of a frame narrative. In a frame narrative, there is a main story or narrative that serves as a framework for other smaller stories within it. In this scenario, the main story is the reporter trying to uncover the truth, while the smaller stories are the individual accounts of the plane-crash survivors. The reporter's investigation acts as the frame that holds the smaller stories together.
22.
Which historical event most likely influenced the story choices of the monk?
Correct Answer
D. Strong hostility toward the Catholic Church caused by papal rule
Explanation
The correct answer is "Strong hostility toward the Catholic Church caused by papal rule." This is because the monk's story choices are likely influenced by his perception of the Catholic Church and its authority. If there was a strong hostility toward the Church due to papal rule, the monk may have chosen stories that reflect criticism or skepticism towards the Church and its teachings. This historical event would have shaped the monk's worldview and influenced his storytelling decisions.
23.
What is the most likely reason "The Monk's Tale" is full of parables?
Correct Answer
B. Chaucer's intent was to make fun of parables and the people who told them
Explanation
Chaucer's intent was to make fun of parables and the people who told them. This can be inferred from the fact that "The Monk's Tale" is full of parables, suggesting that Chaucer used them as a means of satire and mockery. By including parables in the monk's tale, Chaucer could be criticizing the religious figures who often used parables to convey moral lessons. This interpretation aligns with Chaucer's satirical style and his tendency to poke fun at various aspects of society in his works.
24.
Read these lines: When Fortune would electTo trick a man, she plots his overthrowBy such a means as he would least expect.Which theme from the story is best represented in these lines?
Correct Answer
C. People have little control over their own lives
Explanation
The lines suggest that when Fortune wants to deceive someone, she does so in a way that the person would least expect. This implies that people have little control over their own lives as they can be easily tricked or deceived by external forces like Fortune.
25.
Read these lines: That conqueredst Alexandria by the rightOf arms, and didest woe on heathens too,Thy very liegmen envied thee, and spite(No other cause) against thy chivalrous mightMoved them to murder thee upon the morrowThere, on thy bed! Thus Fortune with lightWhat is the rhyme scheme of these lines?
Correct Answer
C. Abaaca
Explanation
The rhyme scheme of the given lines is abaaca. This is determined by analyzing the end sounds of each line. The first line ends with the sound "right" and the second line ends with the sound "too", creating a rhyme between the first and second lines (a). The third and fourth lines do not rhyme with any previous lines, creating a new rhyme (b). The fifth and sixth lines both end with the sound "morrow", creating a rhyme between them (a). The pattern continues with the seventh and eighth lines not rhyming with any previous lines (c). Therefore, the correct answer is abaaca.
26.
If a story were set at a house, which image would best symbolize secrets?
Correct Answer
B. A locked closet
Explanation
A locked closet would best symbolize secrets in a story set at a house. A locked closet represents something hidden and inaccessible, suggesting that there are things being kept secret or hidden away. It creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the contents of the locked closet are unknown and concealed from others. The locked closet implies that there are secrets within the house that the characters may discover or try to uncover, adding suspense and tension to the story.
27.
According to Michael Meister's Introduction to the Inferno, why does Dante's story still have a powerful effect on its readers hundreds of years after its creation?
Correct Answer
A. Because many people still struggle with the age-old question of what it means to be a good person
Explanation
Dante's story still has a powerful effect on its readers because it addresses the timeless question of what it means to be a good person. This question is something that many people still struggle with today, regardless of the passage of time. The story's exploration of morality and the consequences of one's actions resonates with readers, making it relevant and impactful even after hundreds of years.
28.
Which statement best explains why Dante wanted to write the Divine Comedy?
Correct Answer
C. He wanted to express his ideas about Catholicism, Italian politics, and basic human nature
Explanation
Dante wanted to write the Divine Comedy to express his ideas about Catholicism, Italian politics, and basic human nature. This suggests that his intention was to use his work as a platform to convey his thoughts and beliefs on these subjects. By doing so, he aimed to contribute to the understanding and discussion of these important aspects of society and human existence.
29.
Which sentence is an example of imagery?
Correct Answer
A. The playground echoed with giggles, high-pitched screams, and the screech of swings
Explanation
The sentence "The playground echoed with giggles, high-pitched screams, and the screech of swings" is an example of imagery because it uses descriptive language to create a vivid mental image in the reader's mind. The use of words like "echoed," "giggles," "high-pitched screams," and "screech of swings" appeals to the reader's senses and allows them to imagine the sounds and atmosphere of the playground.
30.
Read this scenario: When Tim stepped onto the deserted campsite, the campfire was a mere glow of coals. The picnic table sat in disarray, covered by melted marshmallows and chocolate, empty drink cans, and half-eaten hot dogs. The sounds of water splashing and laughter echoed in the distance; Tim's friends had gone for a late-night swim. Tim could see flashlight beams bouncing on the water's surface. I guess I'll have to be the "grown-up," he muttered to himself. With an abrupt snap, Tim opened the garbage bag and began cleaning up after his friends.Which descriptive phrase from the scenario best represents lightheartedness?
Correct Answer
B. Flashlight beams bouncing
31.
Which title names a part of the Divine Comedy?
Correct Answer
A. Paradiso (Paradise)
Explanation
The correct answer is Paradiso (Paradise). The Divine Comedy is a famous epic poem written by Dante Alighieri. It is divided into three parts: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). Each part represents a different realm of the afterlife, and Paradiso specifically focuses on the journey through heaven. It explores themes of divine love, spirituality, and the celestial realms.
32.
What events led to Dante's exile from his hometown?
Correct Answer
A. Dante publicly spoke out against the pope's desire to rule the city-states.
Explanation
Dante's exile from his hometown was a result of his public opposition to the pope's desire to rule the city-states. This suggests that Dante's outspoken criticism of the pope's political ambitions led to his expulsion from his hometown.
33.
Why did Dante most likely choose to write his views on Christianity in an indirect manner when he wrote the Divine Comedy?
Correct Answer
B. He knew his audience would be larger if he wrote an entertaining story that wasn't too serious
Explanation
Dante most likely chose to write his views on Christianity in an indirect manner because he knew his audience would be larger if he wrote an entertaining story that wasn't too serious. By using a narrative format, he was able to engage a wider range of readers who may not have been interested in a purely theological or philosophical work. This approach allowed him to effectively convey his views on Christianity while also captivating and entertaining his audience.
34.
Read this scenario: Gina sat on the steps in front of her city apartment. Kids whizzed by her in a game of tag. Cars zipped up and down the streets. Neighbors stood here and there chatting. Yet, ever since she lost her job, she just couldn't take a step to the sidewalk.What is the symbol and its hidden meaning?
Correct Answer
D. The apartment steps symbolize Gina's lack of motivation.
Explanation
The apartment steps symbolize Gina's lack of motivation. This is because even though there is a bustling and lively atmosphere around her, Gina is unable to take a step forward, indicating her lack of drive or initiative. The steps represent the physical and metaphorical barrier that prevents her from moving forward in life and taking advantage of the opportunities around her.
35.
Which description is an example of an allegory?
Correct Answer
D. William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies is a thrilling story about a group of boys surviving after a plane crash without the guidance of adults. It's also a tale about the struggle between civilization and savagery.
Explanation
The description of William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies as a tale about the struggle between civilization and savagery is an example of an allegory. In this story, the boys' struggle to maintain order and establish a functioning society represents the larger struggle between civilization and the inherent savagery that exists within human nature. The island they are stranded on serves as a microcosm of the world, and the characters and events symbolize different aspects of society and human behavior. Through this allegory, Golding explores deeper themes and commentary on the nature of humanity.
36.
Which is one of the three animals that blocks Dante's path when he first wakes up in the forest?
Correct Answer
B. A wolf
Explanation
When Dante first wakes up in the forest, one of the three animals that blocks his path is a wolf. This is evident from the given options where the wolf is listed as one of the choices.
37.
Read these lines from Canto XV: At that he turned and seemed like one of thoseWho at Verona run through the countrysideFor the green cloth, and among them he appearedThe winner of the race and not the loser.What literary device does Dante use in these lines to enhance the reader's understanding of the scene?
Correct Answer
C. Imagery
Explanation
Dante uses imagery in these lines to enhance the reader's understanding of the scene. By comparing the character to a winner in a race, the reader can visualize the speed and agility with which the character turns and moves. This imagery helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds depth to the description of the scene.
38.
Which sentence best describes the character of Dante as he is portrayed in the Inferno?
Correct Answer
D. Dante's character seems to be basically good, but his worldly innocence makes him surprised by the sights of Hell
Explanation
Dante's character is portrayed as being essentially good, but his lack of worldly experience and innocence causes him to be shocked and surprised by the sights of Hell. This suggests that he is not accustomed to the depths of human depravity and is unprepared for the punishments he witnesses. Despite his goodness, Dante's naivety is evident in his reactions to the horrors he encounters.
39.
Who rescues Dante and Virgil from the demons and then opens the gates of Dis?
Correct Answer
C. An angel
Explanation
An angel rescues Dante and Virgil from the demons and then opens the gates of Dis.
40.
What symbolic meaning do the Circles of Hell most likely represent in the Inferno?
Correct Answer
D. They represent the different levels of sin
Explanation
The Circles of Hell in the Inferno most likely represent the different levels of sin. In Dante's Inferno, Hell is depicted as a hierarchical structure with nine concentric circles, each representing a specific sin and its corresponding punishment. The deeper the circle, the more severe the sin and punishment. This symbolism emphasizes the gradation of sins and the idea that some sins are more grievous than others.
41.
Imagine a story in which the main character is trapped in a giant human maze. What is most likely the allegorical meaning of the story?
Correct Answer
A. The main character is trying to navigate difficult life choices
Explanation
The story of the main character being trapped in a giant human maze likely symbolizes the challenges and obstacles that one faces in life. The maze represents the complex and confusing nature of life, while the main character's struggle to navigate it represents the difficult choices and decisions that one must make. This allegory suggests that life is full of uncertainties and requires careful navigation and decision-making skills to overcome its challenges.
42.
What do Chaucer's "The Monk's Tale" and Dante's Inferno have in common?
Correct Answer
A. Both discuss the fates of famous men and women
Explanation
Both Chaucer's "The Monk's Tale" and Dante's Inferno share the commonality of discussing the fates of famous men and women. In these literary works, the authors delve into the lives and destinies of notable individuals, shedding light on their experiences, triumphs, and downfalls. By exploring the stories of these renowned figures, both Chaucer and Dante aim to provide insight into the human condition and the consequences of one's actions.
43.
Which literal detail of the Inferno most likely connects to the symbolic idea of "one losing his way on life's path"?
Correct Answer
C. Dante wanders from the clearly marked trail on his journey through the woods
Explanation
The literal detail of Dante wandering from the clearly marked trail on his journey through the woods connects to the symbolic idea of "one losing his way on life's path" because it represents a deviation from the intended path or course. This can be seen as a metaphor for individuals straying from their intended life path or losing their sense of direction and purpose. Just as Dante's deviation leads him into danger and uncertainty, losing one's way in life can lead to negative consequences and a sense of being lost or disconnected.
44.
How does the real-life Dante differ from the fictional Dante?
Correct Answer
C. The real Dante holds highly unfavorable views of his political enemies
Explanation
The given correct answer states that the real Dante holds highly unfavorable views of his political enemies. This suggests that in real life, Dante has strong negative opinions about those who oppose him politically. This implies that he may be more biased and less open-minded compared to the fictional Dante.
45.
What is one way that setting can affect a story?
Correct Answer
C. It helps to create a story's mood
Explanation
The setting of a story plays a crucial role in creating the overall mood or atmosphere. The physical surroundings, such as the time, place, and environment, can influence the emotions and feelings that readers experience while reading the story. For example, a dark and gloomy setting can create a mysterious or suspenseful mood, while a bright and colorful setting can evoke a cheerful or optimistic mood. Therefore, the setting helps to establish the tone and ambiance of the story, enhancing the reader's engagement and understanding of the narrative.
46.
Read this description: A dilapidated old house with broken windows sits under a full moon. The wind howls in tune with the distant thunder. The door creaks open beckoning guests into its shadowy rooms.What feelings would a character most likely experience in this setting?
Correct Answer
C. Apprehension
Explanation
In this description, the dilapidated old house with broken windows, the full moon, the howling wind, and the creaking door create a dark and eerie atmosphere. This setting is typically associated with feelings of fear, unease, and anticipation. Therefore, a character would most likely experience apprehension in this setting, as they would feel a sense of foreboding and uncertainty about what might happen in the shadowy rooms of the house.
47.
Read lines 1 ? 5 from Canto I: Halfway through the journey we are livingI found myself deep in a darkened forest,For I had lost all trace of the straight path.Ah how hard it is to tell what it was like,How wild the forest was, how dense and rugged!What effect does the setting have on Dante's feelings?
Correct Answer
B. It makes him feel anxious
Explanation
The setting of the darkened forest in lines 1-5 creates a sense of unease and uncertainty for Dante. The use of words such as "lost" and "wild" emphasize the challenging and chaotic nature of the forest, which contributes to Dante's feelings of anxiety.
48.
What is one way that setting is important in the Inferno?
Correct Answer
B. The setting is important because the organization of Hell into regions whose punishments perfectly match each sin reflects Dante's belief in an orderly universe
Explanation
The setting is important because the organization of Hell into regions whose punishments perfectly match each sin reflects Dante's belief in an orderly universe. This suggests that there is a divine justice at play in the afterlife, where each sinner is appropriately punished for their sins. It also adds depth and complexity to the narrative, as Dante explores different levels of Hell and encounters various sinners and their punishments. Overall, the setting helps to convey Dante's moral and theological views, as well as enhance the overall structure and thematic elements of the story.
49.
In what way is Dante's universe orderly?
Correct Answer
C. Good is always rewarded, and evil is always punished
Explanation
The correct answer is that good is always rewarded, and evil is always punished. This suggests that Dante's universe operates under a strict moral order, where there is a clear distinction between good and evil and their consequences. This moral order provides a sense of justice and fairness, as each individual's actions are ultimately judged and rewarded or punished accordingly. It also implies that there is a divine presence or higher power overseeing and enforcing this order in Dante's universe.
50.
Which lines from the Inferno best reflect Dante's message that "how life is lived on Earth determines how life is lived after death"?
Correct Answer
B. "And, if they lived before the Christian era, / They did not worship God in the right way: / And I myself [Virgil] am one of those poor souls." (Canto IV, lines 34 ? 39)
Explanation
This line from Canto IV reflects Dante's message that how life is lived on Earth determines how life is lived after death because it suggests that those who lived before the Christian era and did not worship God in the right way are considered "poor souls." This implies that their actions and beliefs during their earthly lives have consequences in the afterlife. Additionally, Virgil's admission that he himself is one of those poor souls further emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life on Earth.