April Showers by Edith Wharton

What is Theodora's ultimate ambition/dream in the story "April Showers"?

• To become a mother
• To have her novel "April Showers" published
• To make her mother and father proud of her writing talent
• To become friends with "society novelist" Kathryn Kyd

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CCSS.RL.2.10

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How does Theodora feels about her writing/work?

• In the opening paragraph, the narrator's description makes it sound like Theodora is in love with her work/writing.
• She appears to think her writing is superior, vowing, "never would she...modify her work to suit the popular taste".
• She dares to compare herself to famous/published writers and says her work has "an emotional intensity never achieved."
• All of these descriptions, which satirize how a writer can become self-involved with the evaluation of her work.

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What is the purpose of Uncle James' character?

• He serves as an antagonist for Theodora's writing.
• He threatens to take all of Theodora's earnings from "April Showers". 
• He symbolizes the typical male gender role of that time period: a materialistic man who does not believe women should exercise creativity or work outside of the home.
• He disapproves of Theodroa's writing, and he notifies his brother, Dr. Dace, when Theodora suddenly takes off for Boston.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

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What is the final fate/outcome of Theodora's "April Showers" submission to the Home Circle magazine?

• There is a misunderstanding, and the magazine runs a story of the same title by the renowned Kathryn Kyd.
• The magazine accepts Theodora's novel and will publish it; she will earn $1,000.
• The magazine is going to run Dr. Dace, Theodora's father's, story instead of hers.
• There is a typographical error, and the story is published with the wrong name (Kathryn Kyd, instead of Gladys Glyn).

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CCSS.RL.2.10

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CCSS.RL.4.3

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What is the MOST significant theme that Edith Wharton wishes to express through her short story, "April Showers"?

• "With great power comes great responsibility."
• Women are destined to be bound to a life of domesticity (home/family life).
• Women and men both face similar struggles.
• With great ambition, comes the possibility of great disappointment.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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