English 4 Semester 2

Unit 1 – Exploring the Shortcomings of Humanity through

Dystopian Literature

Plot, Literary Elements, and Author’s Craft (35 points)

Directions: Answer questions 1-3. Then choose four (4) more questions to answer (for
a total of seven). Include textual evidence from the story where appropriate.

Name of short story

Repent, Harlequin! Said the TickTockMan

1. How does the author use language to inform and shape the perception of readers?
Find a passage or some specific words and phrases that helped you create a
mental image integral to your understanding of the text or that helped reveal the
tone or theme of the story. Look for any specific literary devices that helped shape
the reading experience. Paste the passage or words and phrases below and
discuss their impact on you as a reader.

One example of how the author uses language to inform and shape readers' perception
is in the passage where the Ticktockman is first introduced: "The Ticktockman: very
much over six feet tall, often silent, a soft purring man when things went
timewise. The Ticktockman." The author's use of descriptive language helps to create a
mental image of the Ticktockman as a stern and authoritarian figure, reinforcing the
story's theme of the dangers of conformity and the importance of individuality.
Additionally, the repetition of "ticktock" throughout the story creates a sense of
urgency and the inevitability of time, reinforcing the Ticktockman's power and control
over society.

2. How does the author use literary devices to achieve specific purposes? Give 2
examples of literary devices and discuss their intended purpose.

The author uses the metaphor of time as a powerful force throughout the story to
emphasize the Ticktockman's control over society and to convey a sense of urgency in
the Harlequin's rebellion. This metaphor is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "tick
tock" throughout the story, which serves to heighten the tension and sense of impending
doom.

The author also employs irony to critique the oppressive nature of the Ticktockman's
regime. For example, the Ticktockman's slogan is "Time is a precious thing. Waste it

TEKS 4D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A, 8B, 8D, 8E, 8F
wisely," which is ironic given the severe punishments he doles out for even minor
infractions. This irony serves to highlight the hypocrisy and absurdity of the
Ticktockman's worldview, and to encourage readers to question the value of conformity
and obedience to authority.

3. At their heart, dystopias are cautionary tales. Discuss the author's purpose,
audience, and message in the story.

The author's purpose is to warn readers of the dangers of conformity and the importance
of individuality. The story's audience is likely anyone concerned about oppressive systems
of control. The story's message is that adherence to strict rules and conformity can lead
to the loss of personal freedom and creativity, and rebellion against oppressive systems is
necessary to maintain individuality and freedom.
4. Who is the protagonist of the story? How does the author characterize the
protagonist? How are these characteristics integral to the plot and/or theme of the
story?

The protagonist of the story is the Harlequin. The author characterizes him as a
rebellious and free-spirited individual who is willing to defy the Ticktockman's regime
and fight for individuality and creativity. These characteristics are integral to the plot and
theme of the story because they inspire the Harlequin's rebellion against the oppressive
system and serve as a representation of the importance of individuality and creativity in
a conformist society. The Harlequin's actions and beliefs embody the author's message
that rebellion against oppressive systems is necessary to maintain personal freedom and
creativity.

5. Plot: What is the inciting incident, the event that starts the conflict or problem in
the story? What is the climax, the event in the story where everything changes,
for better or worse? How is this conflict resolved? How does the conflict resolution
contribute to the theme of the story?

The Harlequin's decision to disrupt the Ticktockman's system is the inciting incident,
while the climax is the Harlequin's act of rebellion that stops time altogether. The
conflict is resolved with the Harlequin's punishment, underscoring the story's theme that
the struggle for personal freedom and creativity is worth fighting for, despite the
potential consequences.

6. Foreshadowing: Describe where in the story information is given to indicate or

suggest something that happened later in the story. How does this foreshadowing
help shape the plot?

TEKS 4D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A, 8B, 8D, 8E, 8F
Foreshadowing is present throughout the story, particularly in the repeated mention of
the Ticktockman's punishments for lateness, which suggests that the Harlequin's
rebellion against the system will result in severe consequences. This foreshadowing helps
to shape the plot by creating a sense of tension and urgency, and by underscoring the
high stakes of the Harlequin's rebellion. Additionally, the story's ending, in which the
Harlequin is punished for his actions, is foreshadowed by the Ticktockman's warning that
"nothing stops the Ticktockman," which suggests that the Harlequin's rebellion is
ultimately doomed to fail. This foreshadowing contributes to the story's themes of
rebellion and oppression, and reinforces the message that the struggle for personal
freedom and creativity is often fraught with danger and risk.

7. Discuss how characters' behaviors and underlying motivations contribute to moral

dilemmas that influence the plot and theme.

The characters' behaviors and motivations create moral dilemmas that highlight
conflicts between individuality and conformity, freedom and oppression. The
Ticktockman's rigid adherence to the rules creates a dilemma for the Harlequin, who
values personal freedom and creativity. Similarly, the Harlequin's rebellion creates a
dilemma for those who must choose between loyalty to the oppressive system and
support for the Harlequin's cause, underscoring the story's themes of individuality and
rebellion.

Submission
1. Save your document as a PDF by clicking File>Download>PDF Document
(.pdf).
2. Return to Blackboard and click the folder titled Unit 1 - Exploring the
Shortcomings of Humanity through Dystopian Literature
3. Click on the appropriate assignment link.
4. In the Assignment Submission section, click Browse My Computer.
5. Select the appropriate PDF and click Submit.

TEKS 4D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A, 8B, 8D, 8E, 8F