Practice test

The best synonym for "elusive" in the sentence, “She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her. A clear and exalted perception enabled her to dismiss the suggestion as trivial. She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome. There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.”

• Clear

• Incomprehensible

• Fleeting

• Confusing

Answer explanation

The word 'elusive' suggests something that is difficult to grasp or fleeting. In the context, 'fleeting' captures the transient nature of joy and perception, making it the best synonym compared to the other options.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which literary device is primarily used in the sentence: “When the storm of grief had passed, she went into her room alone. She would have no one follow her.”

• Irony

• Metaphor

• Foreshadowing

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

The phrase "storm of grief" is a metaphor, comparing grief to a storm, suggesting its intensity and chaos. This device emphasizes the emotional turmoil the character experiences, making it the primary literary device used.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In The Story of an Hour, the ending where Mrs. Mallard dies upon seeing her husband alive is an example of which of the following literary devices?

• Verbal irony

• Dramatic irony

• Allegory

• Situational irony

Answer explanation

The ending of 'The Story of an Hour' is an example of situational irony because Mrs. Mallard experiences a profound sense of freedom upon her husband's presumed death, only to die from shock when he unexpectedly returns.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which theme is most clearly expressed through the sentence: 'She kept whispering under her breath: freedom, freedom, freedom!'?

• The oppression of marriage

• The joy of motherhood

• The inevitability of death

• The fragility of life

Answer explanation

The repetition of 'freedom' suggests a longing to escape constraints, highlighting the theme of the oppression of marriage, where the character feels trapped and yearns for liberation.

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

Which of the following best describes Mrs. Mallard's character development throughout the story?

• Mrs. Mallard becomes increasingly dependent on her husband as the story progresses.

• Mrs. Mallard remains in a state of despair throughout the story.

• Mrs. Mallard does not undergo any significant change in her emotions.

• Mrs. Mallard evolves from sadness to a brief sense of freedom before facing the harsh reality of her situation.

Answer explanation

Mrs. Mallard initially feels deep sadness over her husband's death, but she soon experiences a fleeting sense of freedom. Ultimately, she confronts the harsh reality of her life, highlighting her complex emotional journey.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which element of The Story of an Hour is most important in revealing the protagonist's internal conflict?

• Setting

• Plot

• Characterization

• Dialogue

Answer explanation

Characterization is crucial in revealing the protagonist's internal conflict in 'The Story of an Hour.' Through her thoughts and feelings, we see her struggle between societal expectations and her desire for freedom.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

How does Chopin's use of limited third person affect the story?

• It allows the reader to understand the thoughts of every character.

• It emphasizes Mrs. Mallard's personal experiences and emotions.

• It keeps the reader unaware of what Mrs. Mallard is feeling.

• It creates a sense of detachment from all the characters.

Answer explanation

Chopin's use of limited third person focuses on Mrs. Mallard's inner thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to deeply connect with her personal experiences and emotions, which is crucial to understanding the story's themes.

Which cultural or social norm does The Story of an Hour primarily challenge?

• The value of material wealth in society.

• The belief in traditional gender roles.

• The role of religion in coping with grief.

• The institution of marriage and its constraints on women's freedom.

Answer explanation

The Story of an Hour primarily challenges the belief in traditional gender roles and the institution of marriage, highlighting how these norms restrict women's freedom and individuality.

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

Which statement best reflects the historical context of Chopin's work The Story of an Hour?

• The story celebrates the joy of marriage in the 19th century.

• The story criticizes the oppressive nature of marriage in the 19th century.

• The story focuses on women's economic independence in the 20th century.

• The plot revolves around a man's perspective on love and loss.

Answer explanation

The story criticizes the oppressive nature of marriage in the 19th century by highlighting the protagonist's brief taste of freedom upon her husband's presumed death, revealing the constraints placed on women in that era.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

How does The Story of an Hour reflect the themes of early feminist literature?

• It depicts a man's struggle for personal freedom.

• The story reflects early feminist themes by portraying a woman's quest for identity and freedom from oppressive marriage.

• The story focuses entirely on societal expectations of men.

• The story emphasizes the importance of traditional marital roles.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights how the story illustrates a woman's struggle for identity and freedom from the constraints of marriage, a central theme in early feminist literature.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4