Analyzing Gothic and Magical Realism

Read the following excerpt from a Gothic literature text and determine the central idea. *"The old mansion stood at the edge of the cliff, its windows dark and empty, like eyes that had seen too much. The wind howled through the broken shutters, carrying with it the whispers of long-forgotten secrets."*

• The mansion is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

• The mansion represents isolation and mystery.

• The mansion is a place of joy and celebration.

• The mansion is a modern architectural marvel.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Analyze how the author unfolds the series of events in the following passage from a Magical Realism text: *"As Maria walked through the market, the colors of the fruits and vegetables seemed to dance around her. She could hear the whispers of the vendors, not in words, but in melodies that filled the air with a sense of enchantment."*

• The author describes the market in a straightforward, factual manner.

• The author uses vivid imagery and personification to create a magical atmosphere.

• The author focuses on the economic transactions in the market.

• The author emphasizes the historical significance of the market.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

Determine the author's point of view in the following passage: *"The city was a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden alleys, each corner holding a story waiting to be told. The author believed that every stone and brick had a voice, a memory of the past."*

• The author views the city as a place of confusion and chaos.

• The author sees the city as a living entity with its own stories and memories.

• The author considers the city to be a modern marvel of architecture.

• The author thinks the city is a dangerous place to live.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

Interpret the figurative meaning of the phrase "the whispers of long-forgotten secrets" in the context of Gothic literature.

• Literal whispers heard by the characters.

• Secrets that are being actively discussed by the characters.

• Hidden or mysterious past events that are not openly discussed.

• The sound of the wind through the trees.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5

Evaluate the impact of the word choice "howled" in the following sentence from a Gothic text: *"The wind howled through the broken shutters, carrying with it the whispers of long-forgotten secrets."*

• It creates a sense of calm and tranquility.

• It evokes a sense of fear and desolation.

• It suggests a gentle breeze.

• It indicates a busy and bustling environment.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Summarize the following passage objectively: *"In the heart of the forest, there was a small cottage where an old woman lived. She was known for her wisdom and her ability to heal the sick with her magical herbs. People from nearby villages often came to seek her help."*

• An old woman lived in a forest cottage and helped people with her magical herbs.

• The forest was a dangerous place where an old woman lived alone.

• The old woman was feared by the villagers and lived in isolation.

• The forest cottage was a place of mystery and danger.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Analyze the development of the central idea in the following passage: *"The town was once a bustling center of trade, but now it lay in ruins. The buildings were crumbling, and the streets were empty. Yet, there was a sense of history in the air, a reminder of what once was."*

• The town is described as a modern, thriving place.

• The town's decline is emphasized, but its historical significance is also highlighted.

• The town is depicted as a dangerous and uninhabitable place.

• The town is portrayed as a place of future potential and growth.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Identify the author's purpose in the following passage: *"Through the use of vivid imagery and detailed descriptions, the author paints a picture of a world where magic and reality coexist seamlessly. The purpose is to immerse the reader in a fantastical experience."*

• To inform the reader about historical events.

• To persuade the reader to believe in magic.

• To entertain the reader with a fantastical experience.

• To argue against the existence of magic.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

Interpret the connotative meaning of the word "labyrinth" in the following sentence: *"The city was a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden alleys, each corner holding a story waiting to be told."*

• A simple and straightforward layout.

• A complex and confusing network of streets.

• A well-organized and planned city.

• A dangerous and crime-ridden area.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5

Evaluate the impact of the word choice "enchantment" in the following sentence from a Magical Realism text: *"She could hear the whispers of the vendors, not in words, but in melodies that filled the air with a sense of enchantment."*

• It creates a sense of boredom and monotony.

• It evokes a feeling of magic and wonder.

• It suggests a chaotic and noisy environment.

• It indicates a serious and formal atmosphere.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.RL.9-10.4