Understanding 'A Wagner Matinee'

The video tutorial explores the unit on modernism, focusing on Willa Cather's short story 'A Wagner Matinee'. It provides an overview of the story, discusses Cather's background and literary contributions, and examines the emotional impact of music. The tutorial also delves into literary tools such as simile and point of view, and concludes with a review and questions to enhance understanding.

What era does the unit on modernism cover?

• 1900 to 1945

• 1850 to 1900

• 1800 to 1850

• 1945 to 2000

What is the main plot of 'A Wagner Matinee'?

• A young girl exploring the city

• A woman returning to the city after living on the prairie

• A man traveling to the west

• A family moving to a new country

Who was Wagner?

• An Italian sculptor

• A famous painter

• A German composer

• A French poet

What is a matinee?

• An afternoon performance

• A morning show

• An evening performance

• A late-night event

What is the essential question in 'A Wagner Matinee'?

• How does the setting influence the story?

• How is the narrator's point of view changed?

• What is the role of music in the story?

• How do characters develop over time?

Where did Willa Cather spend much of her life?

• By the sea

• In the mountains

• On the prairie

• In the city

What is Willa Cather known for in her stories?

• Stories about city life

• Strong male characters

• Stories about the sea

• Strong female characters

What emotions can music evoke according to the discussion?

• Only sadness

• Only happiness

• A wide range of emotions

• No emotions at all

What is a simile?

• A direct comparison

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'

• A metaphor

• A type of rhythm

What is the narrator's name in 'A Wagner Matinee'?

• Maggie

• Georgiana

• Howard

• Clark