American Lit Final Exam
Minimalism/minimalist literature correct answers contemporary fiction written in a
deliberate flat, unemotional tone, wherein the author relies more on action, scene, and
dialogue than complex narration.
by giving the reader a bare minimum of information, he will figure out what's
underneath.
Examples of minimalist authors/works: correct answers Carver's "Cathedral" and Junot
Diaz's "Drown"
Noblesse Oblige and an example correct answers the inferred responsibility of
privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.
Example: Candy Marshall in Gaines's Gathering of Old Men, who takes it upon herself
to save Mathu from Fix and his gang.
Another example is Dean Sarah Daniels in Rebecca Gilman's Spinning into Butter.
Define/explain "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" correct answers Joyce Carol Oates
dedicated "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" to singer, songwriter Bob
Dylan after hearing his "haunting" song, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue."
The dedication also highlights the difference between the popular music Connie and her
friends enjoy and the somber lyrics of Dylan's song. In other words, Connie's world is
defined by movies, drive-in restaurants, and popular music of the 1960s, which would
be mindless, sentimental, and romantic. On the other hand, Dylan's topics (anti-war,
hunger, class consciousness, and poverty) stand out in bold contrast.
What is, "Tragedy and the Common Man" ? correct answers a short essay written by
Arthur Miller in 1949. He claims that few tragedies are written in the modern era, but he
affirms that the "common man" is a good subject for a tragedy.
Throughout the essay, Miller argues that the idea a tragic hero must be from a high rank
is nothing more than adhering to Aristotle's traditions for tradition's sake. Furthermore,
he explains that we all have tragic flaws and only those who are passive and refuse to
act to change their situations are "flawless"; in other words, being flawless is a bad
thing.
Miller also asserts that it is a misconception to link tragedy with pessimism; the
possibility of victory must be present in tragedy because tragedy involves a balance
between what is possible and what is impossible.
, The final line of the essay reads: "It is time, I think, that we who are without kings, took
up this bright thread of our history and followed it to the only place it can possible lead in
our time—the heart and spirit of the average man," which is a literal call to American
dramatists, for British dramatists have kings and queens.
Define paternalism and briefly explain its presence in one literary work we discussed.
correct answers The policy or practice of restricting the freedoms and responsibilities of
subordinates or dependants in what is considered or claimed to be their best interests.
Recent examples include Candy in A Gathering of Old Men and Sarah in Spinning into
Butter, where she says: "They point out that your desire to help minority students
doesn't have anything to do with a sense of justice or fair play. Instead it stems from
your 'plantation mentality.' Your paternalism. Your desire to help the noble savage" (72-
73).
Jhumpa Lahiri's short story "Sexy" takes place in what city? correct answers Boston
Rebecca Gilman's Spinning into Butter takes place at what fictional college in what
state? correct answers Belmont College in Belmont, Vermont
Ernest J. Gaines's novel A Gathering of Old Men takes place in what fictional city? (give
city and state) correct answers Bayonne, Louisiana
which is in Bayou country, a small region in Louisiana between New Orleans and Baton
Rouge.
Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" takes place in correct answers Southern Georgia
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman takes place mainly in the Loman's home, which is
located where? correct answers Brooklyn, NY
Joyce Carol Oates models Arnold Friend after this real-life serial killer. correct answers
Charles "Smitty" Schmid
also known as the Pied Piper of Tuscon
Name character, work, and significance of the following quote:
"'That's exactly what I used to think,' he said, his ten piggy fingers buried in his carpeted
steering wheel. 'But now I have a house, a car, a gun, and a wife. Discipline. Loyalty.
Can you say that you have those things? Even one?'" correct answers The southern
army recruiter in Junot Diaz's "Drown"
joining the army seems like one of Yunior's only viable options out of his current life
situation. In class, we discussed a variety of reasons why he wouldn't/couldn't jump at
the opportunity.
