EXTEND – An arranged marriage #639538 - Prove ed esercizi Zanichelli

STEP 5 Think further and prepare for your test: family

Read the text which explores Dickens's reputation as a writer of domestic values. Decide if the statements are true or false. Then look at the prompts below and write some extra reflections in your exercise book. You can use the final text as revision material for your test.

- Refer to section 7.4 in your textbook and, in particular, the paragraph 'Family and sexual repression', in order to list the values of the typical Victorian family.
- Refer to STEP 3 to explain how utilitarianism disrupted the Gradgrinds' familial harmony.
- Refer to section 7.15 in your textbook and, in particular, the paragraph 'Plot', to explain how domestic bliss is eventually restored in the Gradgrind household.

A:

The passage shows that Dickens was praised as a writer of domestic happiness and harmony by both commentators and readers.

B:

The families in Dickens's novels are often memorable because they fail to live up to the domestic ideal.

C:

The portrayal of dysfunctional families in Dickens's fiction serves to challenge the existence of any domestic ideal.

D:

The apparent contradiction between Dickens's reputation and his fiction is presented as unresolved in the passage.

E:

According to the passage, Dickens's interest in fractured families reinforces, rather than negates, his support of domestic values.

Extend

Vero o falso

STEP 2 Reading between the lines

Choose the correct alternative to complete Dickens's intended meaning in some key expressions of the passage.

1 Louisa insisting that her reply be repeated 'word for word' indicates ________.
2 Gradgrind asking whether Louisa has 'entertained in secret any other proposal' ________.
3 Louisa's series of rhetorical questions emphasise ________.
4 Louisa unconsciously opening her hand 'as though she were releasing dust or ash' symbolises ________.
5 The final lines in the passage suggests Gradgrind ________.

Extend

Completamento chiuso

STEP 4 Recognise the key themes

Match each theme to the quote that best demonstrates it. Write the correct letters (A-D) in the gaps.

1 Adherence to utilitarian principles      ________
2 Corruption of childlike fancy and emotions      ________
3 Lack of personal agency and aspirations      ________
4 Constraints of facts and rationality      ________

A Let it be so. Since Mr. Bounderby likes to take me thus, I am satisfied to accept his proposal.
B I merely wished to discharge my duty.
C What escape have I had from problems that could be demonstrated, and realities that could be grasped?
D You have dealt so wisely with me, father, from my cradle to this hour, that I never had a child's belief or a child's fear.

Extend

Completamento aperto

STEP 1 Skim for gist and find out more about reason and emotion

Read the passage and select the statements that correctly describe the events in this scene.

A:

Gradgrind briefly hesitates instead of immediately approving Louisa's answer.

B:

Louisa begins to openly question her father's beliefs.

C:

Louisa presents her decision as inevitable rather than chosen.

D:

The narrator mainly draws attention to Gradgrind's emotional response rather than his reasoning.

E:

Physical gestures occasionally replace logical argument.

F:

Gradgrind abandons his belief in facts and reason.

Extend

Scelta multipla

STEP 3 Utilitarianism in practice

Louisa and Mr Gradgrind demonstrate utilitarian beliefs differently. Complete their character descriptions with the words given.

Louisa speaks and acts with quiet submission. Even when faced with a ________ decision, she relies on her father's ________, accepting what he thinks is most ________ for her in terms of social position and financial security. Though she shows no outward ________, her words heartbreakingly reveal the ________ she has developed through a lifetime of facts and duty.
Mr. Gradgrind approaches Louisa's answer about marrying Bounderby as if it were a problem in ________. Her rhetorical questions and reflections on her own lack of experience leave him ________: he neither questions his principles nor her complete ________. Though he briefly hesitates, he takes pride in her ________ response and in the absence of fanciful emotion, seeing her restraint as proof of a successful ________.

Extend

Posizionamento