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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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