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Read the excerpt from Irving’s "The Adventure of the Mysterious Stranger."

Often, after we had returned from one of these scenes of revelry, I have entered his room, and found him lying on his face on the sofa: his hands clinched in his fine hair, and his whole countenance bearing traces of the convulsions of his mind.

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of narration on the story?
The narration reflects the revelry of the carnival.
The narration reflects the friend’s physical discomfort.
The narration suggests mounting helplessness and agony.
The narration suggests a physical altercation between the men.

11 answers

The statement that best describes the effect of narration on the story is: The narration suggests mounting helplessness and agony.

This interpretation is supported by the description of the friend's physical position (lying on his face, hands clenched in his hair) and the emotional turmoil indicated by "the convulsions of his mind." These details convey a sense of mental distress and helplessness.

Read the excerpt from "The Mysterious Stranger."

He seemed to be tormented by some strange fancy or apprehension. In spite of every effort to fix his attention on the conversation of his companions, I noticed that every now and then he would turn his head slowly round, give a glance over his shoulder, and then withdraw it with a sudden jerk, as if something painful had met his eye.
How does the excerpt exemplify Gothic fiction?
by describing a scene of blood and gore
by reminding the reader of the presence of evil
by depicting the triumph of reason over the irrational
by introducing a cast of odd characters

The excerpt exemplifies Gothic fiction by reminding the reader of the presence of evil.

The character's torment, strange fancies, and apprehensions, along with his fearful glances over his shoulder, suggest an underlying sense of dread or something sinister that is unsettling him. This aligns with the themes commonly found in Gothic literature, which often explores psychological distress, fear, and the presence of malevolent forces.

Which best explains why Irving sets "The Adventure of the Mysterious Stranger" in a land of “masks and gondolas”?
The setting is symbolic of the idea that a life of quiet study is the ideal pursuit.
The setting is symbolic of the idea that innocence cannot be outgrown.
The setting is symbolic of the idea that ease and affluence are available to all.
The setting is symbolic of the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

The best explanation for why Irving sets "The Adventure of the Mysterious Stranger" in a land of “masks and gondolas” is: The setting is symbolic of the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

Masks, in particular, serve as a powerful symbol in literature for hidden identities, facades, and the concealment of one's true self. The setting of masks and gondolas suggests an atmosphere where things are not as they seem, aligning with themes of mystery and deception characteristic of Gothic and other literary traditions.

Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Stranger," by Washington Irving.

When he found I really took an interest in him he threw himself entirely upon my friendship. He clung to me like a drowning man. He would walk with me for hours up and down the place of St. Mark—or he would sit until night was far advanced in my apartment.
What does this excerpt reveal about the narrator of the story?
It describes what the narrator knows from his past.
It describes what the narrator experiences in the story.
It provides an inference drawn by the narrator.
It provides a criticism voiced by the narrator.

This excerpt reveals about the narrator of the story that: It describes what the narrator experiences in the story.

The passage details the narrator's interactions with another character, illustrating the emotional connection and reliance that character has on him. It reflects the narrator's personal experiences and relationships as they unfold in the narrative.

Which best explains why Melville begins Chapter 41 of Moby-Dick with a detailed description of the White Whale?
Melville begins the chapter with a description of the White Whale because he wants readers to sympathize with it.
Melville begins the chapters with a description of the White Whale so that readers can understand Ahab’s motivation to pursue it.
Melville begins the chapter with a description of the White Whale so that readers can understand the whale species.
Melville begins the chapter with a description of the White Whale because he wants readers to recognize its lack of intelligence.

The best explanation for why Melville begins Chapter 41 of Moby-Dick with a detailed description of the White Whale is: Melville begins the chapters with a description of the White Whale so that readers can understand Ahab’s motivation to pursue it.

This description serves to highlight the significance of the White Whale in Ahab's life, illustrating not just its physical attributes but also its symbolic representation of Ahab's obsession, his struggles, and his quest for vengeance. Understanding Ahab's motivations is crucial for grasping the themes driving the narrative forward.

Read the excerpt from Chapter 41 of Moby-Dick.

The White Whale swam before him as the monomaniac incarnation of all those malicious agencies which some deep men feel eating in them, till they are left living on with half a heart and half a lung.

What theme of the novel does this excerpt best address?
nature’s indifference to humankind
humankind’s indifference to nature
the self-destructive nature of obsession
the personal empowerment that comes from obsession

The theme of the novel that this excerpt best addresses is: the self-destructive nature of obsession.

The description of the White Whale as "the monomaniac incarnation of all those malicious agencies" suggests that Ahab's obsessive focus on the whale represents his inner turmoil and psychological struggle. This obsession ultimately consumes him, leading to his emotional and physical deterioration, which aligns with the theme of how such fixations can be destructive.