WorksheetsDystopian Short Stories Unit Review
Total questions: 56
Worksheet time: 1hrs 15mins
The difference between the terms “utopia” and “dystopia” is
Utopia stands for one imperfect place and dystopia stands for many imperfect places
Utopia stands for places that have really existed, while dystopia stands for imaginative places
Utopia stands for imaginative places that are perfect while dystopian stands for imaginative places
that are horrible
None of these answers
In a dystopian novel, the protagonist is usually driven to
A. become a part of the elite and powerful
B. blend in and not stand cause a commotion
C. dismantle the corrupt society
D. create a better future
E. Both C and D
What kind of information and literature is used in dystopian societies in order to control what the citizens know and the information they have access to?
Propaganda
Newspapers
Control over the internet
Burn all the books
In Dystopian societies, what is one way the people in charge maintain the illusion of knowing everything that happens?
The citizens don't know, they are just afraid of what might happen if they are caught doing something bad or illegal
The people in charge follow the important citizens around and watch everything they do, even going to bed in their rooms
The citizens think they are under constant surveillance by spies, cameras, or other means
The citizens hear voices in their heads telling them that they are being watched
One way that dystopian societies keep their citizens in line is by "dehumanizing" them. Which of the following is NOT an example of this?
Citizens not always having basic needs met, like food and shelter
Citizens not having access to loved ones like family and/or mates
Citizens wearing assigned clothing and working at assigned jobs
Citizens being allowed to have civil rights and make choices for themselves
When stories, legends, or rumors in a society are told in order to keep people from wanting to leave, they are creating this
People who are not brave
Fear of the outside world
Oral stories because the books are taken away
reasons that citizens should explore outside for themselves
What does it mean for a society to have the "Illusion of Utopia"?
It means citizens in the society didn't want to live in a dystopia anymore because they were unhappy, so they moved to a utopia
The "Illusion of Utopia" is a magic trick that is often performed by the leaders in a dystopian society to entertain the children and old people
"Illusion of Utopia" does not exist in any societies
It means that the people in the society believe they are living in the best kind of society, better than what existed before and better than what else could exist now
Which of the following is NOT an example of a dytopian novel?
The Giver
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Hunger Games
Maze Runner
Dystopian societies typically
restrict free thought
cherish nature
encourage individualism
celebrate life
Why did Harrison show up at the ballet while it was live?
To get famous
To scare people
For his parents to see him on tv
To expose the government
To open the eyes of the public
In "Harrison Bergeron" what did the noises from George's headphones do?
They help him think
They play music
They are comfortable
They stop him from thinking intelligently
How does Harrison’s removal of his handicaps develop the plot of the story?
Harrison inspires people to rebel against the government.
Harrison briefly shows people what is possible without handicaps
Harrison’s violent outburst makes the audience believe that handicaps are good.
Harrison makes his parents proud that he stood up for what is right.
Which statement best expresses the theme of this short story "Harrison Bergeron"?
Attempting to achieve complete equality will only result in widespread dissatisfaction and lack of creativity.
The government should encourage everyone to hide their differences in order to have a more peaceful and equal society.
Forcing uniformity on people doesn't result in equality, but rather causes conflict and unhappiness.
People don't realize how important individuality is until they have what makes them different taken away.
What do the words “unceasing vigilance” suggest about the type of society that Vonnegut creates in this short story?
suggest that the people in this society cannot do anything without the government being aware.
suggest that the society is always working for the betterment of its people.
suggest that the society is protective and looks out for the safety of its citizens.
What effect does the word “finally” have on the meaning of the 1st paragraph of "Harrison Bergeron"?
The process of creating absolute equality was a measurement of society’s degradation and failure
The process of creating absolute equality was a long process that the society struggled to achieve
The process of creating absolute equality was a simple task that took only a few years.
“And then, neutralizing gravity with love and pure will, they remained suspended in air inches below the ceiling, and they kissed each other for a long, long time.”
How does Vonnegut use the term “neutralizing” to emphasize his point?
“neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s will to succeed is strong enough to overpower gravity, showing that people can do anything if they put their mind to it.
“neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s love is strong enough to overcome gravity and the rules, showing that love can be a powerful force.
“neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s rebellion is strong enough to render gravity useless, showing how powerful freedom is when people live to their full unique potential
Harrison and the ballerina break free of their handicaps and dance What is the effect of the figurative language in this scene?
creates a magical and surreal mood, highlighting Vonnegut’s approval of Harrison’s desire to be great and reach his full potential.
creates a silly and humorous mood, highlighting Vonnegut’s jest about the need to reform the government.
creates a tense and frightening mood, highlighting Vonnegut’s belief that the government is harming the citizens by creating this “equality.”
creates a formal and somber mood, illustrating Vonnegut’s belief in the seriousness of the situation.
Reread the following excerpt which comes immediately after the scene in which Harrison and the Ballerina break free from their handicaps and kiss the ceiling.
“It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor”.
How does the shift in tone from the previous description to this one support the theme?
The tone shifts from one of criticism and condemnation to serious and realistic, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of Harrison’s behavior where he disobeys all of the laws of his society to fulfill his own purpose.
The tone shifts from one of awe and amazement to shock and sadness, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of the oppressive role of the government that continues to instill equality, at all costs, stifling the individualism of its people
The tone shifts from one of shock and fright to lighthearted and humorous, illustrating the satirical nature of Vonnegut’s short story; while government reform could benefit some people, this is a simple story told to entertain his audience.
The tone shifts from one of absurdity and humor to realistic and straightforward, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of Harrison’s behavior; suggesting that the government should be obeyed at all times.
“Clanking, clownish, and huge, Harrison stood in the center of the studio. The knob of the uprooted studio door was still in his hand. Ballerinas, technicians, musicians, and announcers cowered on their knees before him, expecting to die.”
What is the effect of the imagery used to characterize Harrison in this excerpt? You may choose more than one. The characterization of Harrison demonstrates how the government has labeled Harrison and his greatness as something to be feared.
The characterization of Harrison demonstrates that Vonnegut is making a joke out of this situation and it can’t be taken seriously.
The characterization of Harrison makes him larger than life and something to be feared showing that when one person doesn’t follow the laws of the government, everyone suffers.
The characterization of Harrison makes him larger than life and almost unrealistic which helps to emphasize how powerful an individual can be if he is allowed to live to his full potential.
What is Vonnegut saying about today’s society and the role a government can play in achieving equality among people?
Vonnegut is warning readers that the government is fully within its rights to murder its citizens in order to maintain equality among its people.
Vonnegut is warning readers that a society that discourages true thought and emotion, even in the name of ‘equality,’ must do so through fear and oppression, and ultimately sacrifices humanity itself.
Vonnegut is showing readers that a government that creates absolute equality for its people will benefit everyone, except those who try to rebel.
Vonnegut is showing readers that a society that creates equality for its citizens will save them from worry and fear, ultimately helping people in the long run.
From "Harrison Bergeron":
"He had outgrown hindrances faster than the H-G men could think them up."
Hindrance means...
old clothing that is now too small
something that obstructs or stops you
occuring at the same time
something that gives you an advantage over others
From "Harrison Bergeron":
"Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set."
Consternation means...
big applause and cheers of joy
the barking of a pack of wild dogs
feeling pleased and satisfied
feelings of anxiety toward something unexpected
What is ironic about the setting in the story "The Lottery"?
This happens to take place in summer, which is typically a time of joy and happiness
School just let out for the summer
Everyone was able to attend the lottery
There just happened to be stones lying around
In the story, the lottery is put in the same category as "the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program" and other "civic activities" (lines 38-40). Based on these ideas, how do you expect the winner of the lottery to feel?
bored
curious
fearful
happy
Which statement best describes the history of the lottery in the village?
It is a ritual unchanged since its beginnings.
It is a tradition as old as the village itself.
It is a recent plan to raise money for the village.
It is a tradition unique to this particular village.
What phrase best describes the mood Shirley Jackson tries to create in "The Lottery"?
dread and surprise
excitement and happiness
peace and anticipation
sadness and boredom
When talking about people who suggest the lottery should be given up, Old Man Warner says, "Used to be a saying about 'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.' First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns" (lines 197-199). What can you infer about the purpose of the lottery from these lines?
It provides money to support farmers.
It tells farmers when to plant.
It determines what crops should be planted.
It helps ensure a good harvest.
In "The Lottery", why does Mrs. Hutchinson say that the lottery drawing is unfair?
Her family is excluded from the drawing.
She arrives too late to draw a slip of paper.
She knows the result of the lottery is bad
She wants her friend to have another chance.
What human trait does Shirley Jackson criticize in this story?
Arrogance
Conformity
Curiosity
Greed
What do phrases such as "grassy seams," "buckling concrete walk," and "lumpy walk" imply from "The Pedestrian"?
The entire city is old and falling apart
No one uses the sidewalks much and they are therefore untended
There was a recent earthquake that damaged much of the walkways
How does Mr. Mead contrast with his surroundings in "The Pedestrian"?
He appears to be creative and personable whereas his surroundings are dull and lifeless
His house is lit up whereas the surrounding houses are described as "tomb-like" buildings
His lungs "blaze like a Christmas tree inside" whereas the night is cool and frosty
All of the above
In "The Lottery", how many policemen were in the police car?
None
One
Two
It's not mentioned
Why is it ironic that Leonard Mead is the only one walking in the city in the story, "The Pedestrian" ?
Everyone in the city is dead
Leonard is arrested by the police
It is a city of three million people
Leonard kives in the city alone
The tone of "The Pedestrian" can be described as
humorous and sly
romantic and optimistic
cynical and chilling
matter-of-fact
Leonard Mead chooses to walk instead of watching television because he
dislikes television quiz shows
owns only a black-and-white television set
is secretly plotting against society
wants to experience life firsthand
Leonard Mead is taken to the psychiatric center because
the police assume he is crazy for walking
the police take everyone there
he is no longer married
the police think he is drunk
Which of the following quotations reveals the theme of "The pedestrian"?
"There was a good crystal frost in the air; it cut the nose and made the lungs blaze like a Christmas tree inside....."
"... he could imagine himself upon the center of a plain, a wintry, windless Arizona desert with no house in a thousand miles,..."
"The tombs, ill-lit by television light, where the people sat like the dead, the gray or multi-colored lights touching their faces, but never really touching them."
"Was that a murmur of laughter from within a moon-white house?"
3. In "The Pedestrian", why does Bradbury refer to the people in their homes as “gray phantoms?”
A. he’s implying that they are full of life
B. he’s implying that they are lifeless
C. he’s implying that they are curious
D. he’s implying that they are scared
From "The Pedestrian"
Identify the figurative language in this sentence: “It was not unequal to walking through a graveyard.”
alliteration
personification
simile
metaphor
From the short story, "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury, why does the first sentence turn out to be ironic?
In the living room the voice-clock sang, "Tick-tock, seven o'clock, time to get up, time to get up, seven o'clock!" as if it were afraid that nobody would."
It really isn't 7:00.
There is no one in the house to get up or hear the clock.
The clock says tick tock instead of actually ticking.
The story is set in the future, but clocks are still used.
From "There Will Come Soft Rains", which sentence contains personification?
The room was ablaze in an instance.
The wall sprays let down showers of mechanical rain.
At ten o'clock the house began to die.
The quenching rain ceased.
Which of the following is a theme from Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains"?
Technology is amazing and should be used whenever possible.
Nuclear weapons are essential to survival.
Humans should be wary of technology and it's potential to make humans disposable.
Eat lots of bacon.
Bradbury's "There WIll Come Soft Rains?"
What type of figurative language is the following sentence?
"It quivered at each sound, the house did."
imagery
personification
oxymoron
allusion
What eventually causes the house "to die" at the end of the story "There Will Come Soft Rains" ?
The dog knock over a shelf of books that fall into the fireplace.
the stove overcooks dinner and the kitchen curtains catch on fire after the food starts burning.
The robot mice malfunction and their circuits catch on fire after the food starts smoking.
A falling tree branch crashes through the kitchen window, causing flammable cleaning liquids to spill all over.
Sara Teasdale - 1884-1933
(War Time)
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white,
Robins will wear their feathery fire
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;
And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.
Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree
If mankind perished utterly;
And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn,
Would scarcely know that we were gone.
What does Sara Teasdale's poem have to say about nature's attitude toward mankind?
Nature will preserve; its power is greater than that of humans, and nature is ambivalent toward humans.
Nature's power is insignificant compared to the powerful technology mankind created.
Nature will die out without mankind to protect it.
Nature cares greatly for humans and will mourn our loss.
"And frogs in the pools singing and night,
And the wild plum trees in tremulous white."
What do the words in red, have to do with the Bradbury short story?
What was Bradbury's purpose in choosing Sara Teasdale's poem to include in the text and to take its title?
The poem shows a post-apocalyptic world in which nature is unaffected by the loss of humanity.
The poem shows how easily mankind's influence on the world can be destroyed and how nature will be affected by our loss.
The poem shows that mankind's power is greater than nature and will endure after humans are gone.
The poem shows a world where mankind is unaffected by the loss of nature.
