Question

An advertisement from the 1950s shows a smiling family eating dinner together with the slogan, “Nothing brings families closer than our new TV set!”

How might a modern audience interpret this message differently than audiences in the 1950s?

(3 points)
Responses

A modern audience might recognize it as ironic, since technology today can sometimes make people less connected.
A modern audience might recognize it as ironic, since technology today can sometimes make people less connected.

A modern audience might see it as showing how technology can connect families in new ways.
A modern audience might see it as showing how technology can connect families in new ways.

A modern audience would likely have the same reaction as audiences in the 1950s.
A modern audience would likely have the same reaction as audiences in the 1950s.

A modern audience might not understand what kind of technology is being advertised.
A modern audience might not understand what kind of technology is being advertised.
Question 9
In a Modernist novel, an older professor tries to guide a young writer but often admits he no longer believes in truth or progress.

How does this character represent a Modernist twist on the traditional “mentor” archetype?

(3 points)
Responses

He rejects the student completely and disappears from the story.
He rejects the student completely and disappears from the story.

He reflects a flawed mentor who questions his own wisdom, showing the uncertainty of the Modernist era.
He reflects a flawed mentor who questions his own wisdom, showing the uncertainty of the Modernist era.

He teaches traditional moral lessons that never change over time.
He teaches traditional moral lessons that never change over time.

He remains a perfect, all-knowing teacher who always leads the hero to success.
He remains a perfect, all-knowing teacher who always leads the hero to success.
Question 10
Read the passage below.

Answer 1

Q8: A modern audience might recognize it as ironic, since technology today can sometimes make people less connected.
- Today viewers are more likely to see TV and devices as sometimes isolating (phones, social media), so the ad’s claim reads as outdated or ironic.

Q9: He reflects a flawed mentor who questions his own wisdom, showing the uncertainty of the Modernist era.
- Modernist literature often presents mentors who are disillusioned or doubtful, undermining traditional faith in progress and absolute truth.