ENG 2413: Introduction to Literature

Short Story and Drama Exam

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Place your choice on the blank to the left of the question. There will be only one
clear answer to each question. A choice of all means every answer is correct; none means none
of the options given are correct. Questions are worth 3 points each.
X

Using the diagram of

Freytags pyramid to the
right, answer questions
1-5.

1.

The climax or crisis of a plot would best be represented as which point on the pyramid?
a. Z
b. Y
c. X
d. W
e. V

2.

The rising action of a plot is represented by:

a. Z
b. Y
c. X
d. W
e. V

3.

The denouement is best represented by:

a. Z
b. Y
c. X
d. W

e. V

4.

The exposition or inciting moment is best represented by:

a. Z
b. Y
c. X
d. W
e. V

5.

The falling action is best represented by:

a. Z
b. Y
c. X
d. W

e. V

6.

A ________ character changes and evolves during the course of a short story.
a. protagonist b. static c. dynamic d. flat

7.

Which period of drama sees the most use of setting as an integral part of the play?
a. Ancient Greek
b. Elizabethan c. Modern
d. all

8.

An all-knowing narrator has _________ point of view.

a. omniscient
b. limited
c. out of control
d. all

9.

If a narrator is unreliable, we might question his ________.

a. honesty b. recollection c. objectivity
d. all

10.

Conflict is an element of ________________.

a. setting
b. plot c. dialogue d. point of view

11.

The theme of a short story or play is _____________.

a. the subject b. the sequence of events c. the conflict

12.

Which of the following can act as symbols in a short story?

a. plot b. character c. setting
d. all

d. the message

13.

Aristotle said that the only diction appropriate for tragedy was ____________.
a. formal/high b. low
c. rhyming d. Greek

14.

The narrators Southern accent in Why I Live at the P. O. is an example of _________.

a. conflict
b. diction
c. tone d. symbolism

15.

Dramatic irony is when the _________ knows something that the _______ doesnt.
a. hero/audience
b. protagonist/antagonist c. audience/character d. none

16.

Which pair of words can be used interchangeably?

a. protagonist/hero
b. antagonist/villain
c. all

17.

The fall of a characters status is an example of:

a. reversal b. change in fortune
c. scene of suffering

d. none
d. denouement

18.

Aristotle said that we watch tragedy to evoke feelings of fear and pity that lead to ____.
a. self-knowledge b. resolution
c. catharsis d. poetic justice

19.

The second most important element in Aristotles 6 Elements of Tragedy is ________.

a. character b. spectacle c. theme/thought d. plot

20.

A tragic hero must be a man of nobility and status, but his _______ must be average.
a. vices and virtues b. fortunes c. intelligence d. tragic flaw

21.

The three unities involve _____________.

a. action, time, conflict
b. theme, setting, character
reversal, discovery, catastrophe

c. action, time, place

22.

_____________ is a type of drama that tries to recreate reality, not idealize or vilify it.
a. satire b. romanticism c. tragedy
d. naturalism

23.

Aristotle considered ____________ to have written the most perfect tragedy.

a. August Wilson
b. Sophocles c. Aeschylus d. Shakespeare

24.

Greek plays were performed using ______.

a. dramatic masks b. elaborate costumes

25.

c. detailed backdrops

d. spotlights

Elizabethan plays were performed using _________.

a. dramatic masks b. elaborate costumes c. detailed backdrops

d. spotlights

d.

Short Answer Essay: choose one of the following short answer questions. Write your answer on the
back of the last page of the exam. Your answer is worth 25 points.
1.
How does the symbolic meaning change from beginning to end for each of the following
items:
a.
The necklace in The Diamond Necklace
b.
The rocking horse in The Rocking Horse Winner
c.
The fur in Miss Brill
2.

Of Oedipus, Othello, or Troy, who is the best example of a tragic hero? Include in your
answer a definition of tragic hero.

3.

What is the significance of the P. O. to the narrator in Thats Why I Live at the P.

O.?

4.
Is there a difference in the qualities of a protagonist in short stories and drama? Are we
supposed to identify with short story protagonists or do we maintain more
objectivity? Explain
and use two short story protagonists to support your point. Think
about the differences in
point of view and narrator between the two genres.
Bonus Questions: Answer 10 of the following questions for bonus (1 point each).
1.

What is peripeteia?

2.

What is anagnorisis?

3.

What is hamartia?

4.

What is the skene?

5.

What is the name of Aristotles work that discusses tragedy?

6.

Tragedies were performed at festivals for which Greek god?

7.

Othello is a member of what race?

8.
The most damning evidence of Desdemonas guilt that Iago presents to Othello is a present he
gave her. What is it?
9.

In Fences, Troys battle with death is symbolized by what?

10.

What did Colby do that made his friends want to kill him in Some of Us Have Been
Threatening Our Friend Colby?

11.

In The Rocking Horse Winner, what quality did Paul think made a person successful?

12.

What did the house whisper in The Rocking Horse Winner? (doesnt have to be exact)

13.

How did the husband supposedly die in Story of an Hour?

14.

Why does the grandfather turn against the narrator in Why I Live at the P.O.?

15.

Who wrote As I Stand Here Ironing?

16.

What does Ms. Brill do every Sunday?

17.

Why is the protagonist of The Diamond Necklace unhappy?

18.

Who takes over as king of Thebes when Oedipus is banished?

19. What is the traditional symbolism attached to Jocasta hanging herself and getting entangled in
the curtains of her marriage bed?
20.

Why does Iago say he hates Othello so much?