“The Birthmark” ~ RL.3

Which type of character can Alymer best be described as?

• Protagonist and Flat

• Protagonist and Dynamic

• Antagonist and Flat

• Antagonist and Dynamic

Answer explanation

Alymer is our main character, and like most main characters, he is a protagonist going against an antagonist (i.e., a conflict), and changes in the story, so therefore he is also dynamic.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

Which characteristic BEST describes Alymer’s dominant trait?

• Funny

• Depressed

• Lonely

• Obsessive

Answer explanation

When reading the story, Alymer does not seem to be any of the other answer choices. One may say he seemed obsessed with science, and then became obsessive with his want to remove his wife's birthmark; "Aylmer saw the mark as a sign of his wife's eventual sadness, sickness and death. Soon, the birthmark caused him more pain than Georgiana's beauty had ever given him pleasure."

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Which character trait kills his wife?

• Funny

• Depressed

• Lonely

• Obsessive

Answer explanation

Again, Alymer became obsessed with "fixing" this birthmark, as well as proving himself scientifically. For example, "Blinded by a meaningless imperfection and an impossible goal, Aylmer had thrown away her life and with it his chance for happiness. In trying to improve his lovely wife, he had failed to realize she had been perfect all along."

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

How does Alymer change over the course of the text?

• He is completely obsessed with science and remains that way throughout the text.

• He can only focus on one thing at a time at the beginning, which is why he chooses a wife over his study of science, but by the end, he is saddened because science ultimately destroys his wife.

• He is depressed in the beginning and searching for a wife, but by the end, he is glad to be a scientist again.

• He can only focus on one thing at a time at the beginning, which is why he chooses a wife, but by the end, he is relieved to be a scientist so he can fix her.

Answer explanation

At the conclusion of the text, Alymer realizes his folly when he loses his wife over such a small thing in order to do, what he believes, would be a scientific feat.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

The closing life of this abridged copy of the story is: “In trying to improve his lovely wife, he had failed to realize she had been perfect all along.” Which story element is BEST emphasized in this line? Choose ALL that apply.

• Theme

• Conflict

• Climax

• Character Development

• Rising action

Answer explanation

 “In trying to improve his lovely wife, he had failed to realize she had been perfect all along.” In this line, Alymer learns a lesson, which provides the theme of the story. This, although sad, is the resolution of Alymer's conflict with beauty, and since our main character realizes this, it is also a form of character development.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

How does Alymer’s reaction to the birthmark differ from the other men who have known Georgina?

• The other men who knew Georgina found it ‘magical.’

• The other men are disgusted by it too.

• Alymer finds it beautiful and mysterious, but the other men don’t.

• The other men think it is a sign that no one should marry Georgina.

Answer explanation

In the text, it states, "Georgiana's past lovers used to say that the hand of a magical fairy had touched her face when she was born."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Which THREE quotes from the text emphasizes Alymer’s obsessive nature?

• “He had so totally given himself to scientific studies that he could not be weakened by a second love.”

• “He opened the window coverings to see her face in daylight.”

• “Life is not worth living while this hateful mark makes me the object of your horror.”

• “His love for his young wife could only be the stronger of the two if it could link itself with his love of science.”

• “Hours later, Aylmer returned carrying a crystal glass with a colorless liquid.”

Answer explanation

1) “He had so totally given himself to scientific studies that he could not be weakened by a second love.” This shows his obsession with his career.

2) “Life is not worth living while this hateful mark makes me the object of your horror.” This shows his irrational obsession with the birthmark.

3) “His love for his young wife could only be the stronger of the two if it could link itself with his love of science.” This quote is proof that his obsession with science and Georgina were matched.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

 How does the flaw in Alymer’s character emphasize the theme?

• It shows that we should keep working on things until we are satisfied.

• It emphasizes that striving for perfection, can hurt those around us.

• It emphasizes that science always triumphs over nature.

• It emphasizes that marriage and love are more valuable than science.

Answer explanation

"It emphasizes that striving for perfection, can hurt those around us." This answer choice and the definition of theme, is the underlying message to teach us, the reader. It is also the lesson our main character learns at the end.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE LIGHTNING ROUND

Identify one quote from the story that shows, Alymer being indirectly characterized by Georgiana’s thoughts. You only need to type out the quote!

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3