1.
When the narrator states: "Every weekday, for twelve years, Harold would brush each of his thirty-two teeth seventy-six times. Thirty-eight times back and forth, thirty-eight times up and down. Every weekday, for twelve years, Harold would tie his tie in a single Windsor knot instead of the double, thereby saving up to forty-three seconds," what type of characterization is used?
Correct Answer
B. Direct
Explanation
The given answer, "Direct," is correct because the narrator directly states the actions and characteristics of the character, Harold. The narrator provides specific details about Harold's daily routine, such as brushing his teeth and tying his tie, without any interpretation or analysis. This type of characterization is direct because it presents the information explicitly, without any ambiguity or inference required from the reader.
2.
The narrator is telling Harold’s story from which point of view?
Correct Answer
C. Third person omniscient
Explanation
The correct answer is third person omniscient. This means that the narrator is not a character in the story and has knowledge of the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, including Harold and possibly others. They have a broad perspective and can provide insight into various characters' experiences and motivations.
3.
Harold is what type of character?
Correct Answer
C. Round, dynamic
Explanation
A round character is one that is complex and multi-dimensional, having a variety of traits and qualities. Harold is likely a round character because he is developed and has depth, with his personality and actions being influenced by various factors. A dynamic character, on the other hand, undergoes significant changes and growth throughout the story. Harold is also dynamic because he experiences personal development and transformation as the story progresses, indicating that he is not static or unchanging. Therefore, the correct answer is round, dynamic.
4.
Professor Hilbert is what type of character?
Correct Answer
A. Flat, static
Explanation
Professor Hilbert is characterized as a flat, static character because he does not undergo any significant changes or development throughout the story. He remains consistent in his personality and behavior, without any growth or transformation. This type of character is often used to fulfill a specific role or function in the narrative, providing a stable presence or representing a particular archetype without evolving over time.
5.
The fact that Harold's watch is both responsible for the accident as well as saving his life is what type of irony?
Correct Answer
B. Situational
Explanation
Situational irony refers to a situation where the outcome is completely different from what is expected. In this case, it is ironic that Harold's watch, which caused the accident, also ended up saving his life. This unexpected twist creates a sense of irony and surprise for the audience.
6.
Which quote is an example of personification?
Correct Answer
A. Unfortunately, THIS guitar said, 'When I get back to Georgia, that woman gonna feel my pain.'
Explanation
The quote "Unfortunately, THIS guitar said, 'When I get back to Georgia, that woman gonna feel my pain.'" is an example of personification because it gives human qualities to the guitar by suggesting that it is capable of speaking and expressing emotions.
7.
Which is an example of an internal conflict in the book?
Correct Answer
C. Kay's decision to kill, or not to kill, Harold
Explanation
In the given options, the only example that represents an internal conflict is Kay's decision to kill, or not to kill, Harold. This conflict is internal because it involves a struggle within Kay's mind, as she grapples with the moral and ethical implications of taking someone's life. The other options, such as Kay's disagreement with Penny and Ana being audited by the IRS, do not involve internal conflicts but rather external conflicts or challenges faced by the characters.
8.
Why is Ana a foil to Harold?
Correct Answer
C. Ana is free-spirited while Harold is rigid.
Explanation
Ana being free-spirited while Harold is rigid creates a contrast between their personalities and characteristics. Ana's carefree and spontaneous nature opposes Harold's strict and inflexible behavior. This contrast highlights their differences and emphasizes the conflict or tension between them, making Ana a foil to Harold. The fact that they get married in the end does not necessarily make Ana a foil to Harold; it is their contrasting personalities that establish this dynamic.
9.
After being told to do nothing by Professor Hilbert, Harold Crick sits at home and watches a documentary. As the wounded bird tries to flee from the crabs, the narrator of the documentary says, "The wounded bird knows its fate. Its desperate attempts at escape only underscore the hopelessness of its plight." How is this quote symbolic of Harold's life?
Correct Answer
B. No matter what Harold does, his death has already been written.
Explanation
The quote from the documentary about the wounded bird knowing its fate and its desperate attempts at escape highlighting the hopelessness of its plight symbolizes Harold's life because it suggests that no matter what Harold does, his death has already been predetermined. This implies that Harold may feel trapped and helpless, unable to change the outcome of his life. It reflects a sense of fatalism and a lack of control over his own destiny.
10.
Ana falls in love with Harold even though he's going to die. What type of irony might this be?
Correct Answer
A. Dramatic
Explanation
This is an example of dramatic irony because the audience or reader is aware of Harold's impending death, while Ana is not. The irony lies in the contrast between Ana's feelings of love and the audience's knowledge of the tragic outcome.
11.
Which statement best summarizes the symbolism of Harold's watch?
Correct Answer
B. It symbolizes Harold's misguided rigidity.
Explanation
The correct answer is "It symbolizes Harold's misguided rigidity." This is because the watch is a representation of Harold's strict adherence to routine and his resistance to change. It becomes a symbol of his unwillingness to embrace spontaneity and live in the present moment.
12.
Why do you think Kay Eifel changes the ending to her book?
Correct Answer
A. She realizes that the good people in life are hard to come by.
Explanation
Kay Eifel changes the ending to her book because she realizes that the good people in life are hard to come by. This suggests that she wants to portray a more realistic and nuanced perspective in her writing, reflecting the challenges of finding genuine goodness in the world. By altering the ending, she may be aiming to highlight the complexities of human nature and create a deeper connection with her readers by presenting a more authentic portrayal of life.
13.
The movie ends with Kay Eifel, the narrator, stating:
“As Harold took a bite of Bavarian sugar cookie, he finally felt as if everything was going to be ok. Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies. And, fortunately, when there aren't any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction.”
This quote communicates all but which of the following themes?
Correct Answer
C. A person should not seek to change that which cannot be changed
Explanation
The quote emphasizes the importance of human interaction, close relationships, and finding comfort in small things in life. It also mentions the reassurance we can find in familiar gestures, encouragement, and offers of comfort. However, it does not mention anything about accepting things that cannot be changed. Therefore, the theme that is not communicated in the quote is that a person should not seek to change that which cannot be changed.