The Great Silence

Which of the following best describes the main conflict in The Great Silence?

• The parrots are struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing environment of their rainforest home.

• The narrator grapples with the paradox of human interest in extraterrestrial intelligence while ignoring the intelligence of parrots.

• The parrots and humans are at odds over the use of Arecibo for searching for extraterrestrial life.

• The narrator seeks revenge on humans for their role in the near extinction of parrots.

Which detail in "The Great Silence" most strongly suggests that the narrator (the parrot) views humans as flawed in their perception of intelligence?

• Humans created an ear capable of hearing across the universe.

• We parrots can appreciate that. According to Hindu mythology, the universe was created with a sound: 'Om.'

• Humans like to think they're unique. But eventually Pepperberg convinced them that Alex wasn't just repeating words, that he understood what he was saying.

• If humans ever detect the Arecibo message being sent back to Earth, they will know someone is trying to get their attention.

How does the narrative point of view in The Great Silence affect the tone of the story?

• The first-person point of view, from the perspective of a parrot, creates a tone of wonder and innocence.

• The third-person omniscient perspective gives the story a neutral, distant tone.

• The first-person point of view, from the parrot's perspective, creates a tone of melancholy and frustration with humanity's lack of awareness.

• The third-person limited perspective makes the story feel emotionally detached and analytical.

The narrator's reference to the 'Great Silence' and the 'Fermi paradox' serves primarily to:

• Compare the silence of the universe to the quietude of the rainforest where the parrots live.

• Illustrate the isolation of the parrots in a universe that seems to ignore them.

• Explain the challenges humans face in finding extraterrestrial life.

• Suggest that humans are less capable of understanding the complexity of nature than parrots are.

Which of the following best describes the theme of 'The Great Silence'?

• The conflict between technology and nature.

• The search for extraterrestrial life and the neglect of earthly intelligence.

• The beauty of the rainforest and its inhabitants.

• The evolution of language and communication.

In 'The Great Silence', what is the significance of the Arecibo message?

• It represents human curiosity about the universe.

• It symbolizes the technological advancement of humans.

• It highlights the irony of humans ignoring intelligent life on Earth.

• It serves as a metaphor for the communication gap between species.

What literary device is predominantly used in 'The Great Silence' to convey the narrator's perspective?

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Irony

• Simile

How does the author use the setting of the rainforest in 'The Great Silence'?

• To contrast the natural world with human technology.

• To emphasize the beauty and diversity of life.

• To create a sense of mystery and wonder.

• To highlight the isolation of the parrots.

Which character in 'The Great Silence' serves as a symbol of misunderstood intelligence?

• The narrator parrot

• The scientist

• The rainforest

• The Arecibo telescope

What is the tone of 'The Great Silence' as expressed through the narrator's voice?

• Optimistic and hopeful

• Melancholic and contemplative

• Angry and accusatory

• Joyful and celebratory