English IIb: World Literature: Short Story: "Subha" By Rabindranath Tagore

Read the excerpt below from the story "Subha" by Rabindranath Tagore and answer the question that follows. The bridegroom came with a friend to inspect the bride. Her parents were dizzy with anxiety and fear when they saw the god arrive to select the beast for his sacrifice. What is ironic about the use of "god" in this passage?

What is verbal irony?

What should be considered when trying to discover the theme of a piece of literature?

Which moral dilemma do the characters in "Subha" face?

Read the excerpt below from the story "Subha" by Rabindranath Tagore and answer the question that follows. Her two elder sisters had been married with the usual cost and difficulty, and now the youngest daughter lay like a silent weight upon the heart of her parents. All the world seemed to think that, because she did not speak, therefore she did not feel; it discussed her future and its own anxiety freely in her presence. Which point of view does this passage reveal?

Read the excerpt below from the story "Subha" by Rabindranath Tagore and answer the question that follows. Once upon a time, late on a night of a full moon, she slowly opened her door and peeped out timidly. Nature, herself at full moon, like lonely Subha, was looking down on the sleeping earth. Her strong young life beat within her; joy and sadness filled her being to its brim; she reached the limits even of her own illimitable loneliness, nay, passed beyond them. Her heart was heavy, and she could not speak. At the skirts of this silent troubled Mother there stood a silent troubled girl. Which possible topic does the above excerpt address?

Read the excerpt below from the story "Subha" by Rabindranath Tagore and answer the question that follows. Banikantha's house looked out upon the stream. Every hut and stack in the place could be seen by the passing boatmen. I know not if amid these signs of worldly wealth any one noticed the little girl who, when her work was done, stole away to the waterside and sat there. But here Nature fulfilled her want of speech and spoke for her. The murmur of the brook, the voice of the village folk, the songs of the boatmen, the cry of the birds and the rustle of trees mingled and were one with the trembling of her heart. They became one vast wave of sound which beat upon her restless soul. Which device does this passage illustrate best?

What is point of view?

Which of the following represent elements of an author's style?

How can a reader determine the theme of a piece of literature?

Brahmin:

characterization:

Renaissance man/woman:

structure:

style:

verbal irony:

Which scenario is an example of direct characterization? A. A character rushes into the room and shoves another character into a wall. B. A character says, "I don't care what you say, I won't dirty my hands with that!" C. The narrator describes a character as small, thin, and meek. D. Another character describes someone as boisterous and rude.

What is ironic about Subha`s name? What would have been a better name for her?

How does "Subha" illustrate this culture`s view of women?

What does the husband do before he marries again?

Which of the following is a moral dilemma faced by characters in the story "Subha"? A. the birth of a "dumb" child B. the parents' problem of what to do with Subha C. Subha's desire to be with Pratap D. Pratap's love for Subha

Which excerpt is an example of irony in the story "Subha"? A. "Nature was the dumb girl's language." B. "From the trees, where the cicalas chirped, to the quiet stars . . ." C. "And in the deep mid-noon, when the boatmen and fisherfolk had gone to their dinner . . ." D. "The marriage took place on an auspicious day."