Once Upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer

The narrator begins the story in fear. Why/what is she afraid of? (Hint: what she first THINKS it is, not what it actually is.)

• She was afraid that her house was shifting from the mine below.

• She was afraid that her house was being broken into.

• She was afraid that her story wouldn't catch anyone's attention.

• She was afraid of the bright lights scattering outside her window.

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How is the “Once upon a time” introduction related to THIS story’s theme?

• This is primarily a children's story, so the introductions relates to that.

• This is primarily a story about children, so the introduction relates to that.

• This story is primarily about unwarranted fear and paranoia, which children often employ.

• This is a purely fictional tale, and the beginning relates to the silliness of it.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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Why do people in the story build walls and fences?

• People build walls because they are scared that their homes will be broken into, and they will get robbed.

• The people are scared that their pets will come up missing.

• The people are scared that their children will come up missing.

• The people are scared that their servants will be attacked coming in to work.

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What effect do these safety measures have?

• The people feel safe within their walls and therefore are more able to have gatherings within the walls.

• The people feel safe and are able to live their lives normally.

• The people feel paranoid, and it prevents them from living their lives fully.

• The people feel paranoid, prevents them from living fully, and injures/possibly kills a child.

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What does the child symbolize?

• Paranoia

• Innocence

• Safety

• Ignorance

 What is NOT one of the themes of “Once Upon A Time” by Gordimer?

• Wealth inequality and fear of "others"

• Apartheid, racism, and property

• Separation and the illusion of security

• Familial influence

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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How is the sign YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ironic?

• The sign is ignored, and the home is robbed anyway.

• The sign is ignored, and the residents are harmed.

• The sign is a warning to those who pass by to keep going, but they sit outside starving and in need of work.

• The sign is a warning to the residents who put up the safety measures, but only create hazardous conditions.

What theme does Gordimer communicate through the ending of the story?

• animals know how to protect themselves

• actions motivated by extreme fear can be harmful

• parents should not read fairy tales to children

• children are more open-minded than adults

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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How is the use of the phrase “happily ever after” in this story different from its use in traditional fairy tales?

The story does not have a “happily ever after”.

The story is not made for little children.

The story does have a “happily ever after”.

The story means people are bad

• The story does not have a "happily ever after"

• the story is not made for little children

• the story means people are bad

What is the definition of "apartheid"?

• a law in South Africa which separates whites from non-whites

• a place where Nadine Gordimer lives

• a law which brought all races together

• a place where rich people and poor people are separated

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