2. HSC Texts - Truman Show, JK Rowling, DMD, The Pedestrian

Question 1

Front

Answer 1

Back

Question 2

What is the setting of ‘Past the Shallows’?

Answer 2

A remote coastal town in Tasmania, Australia.

Question 3

Who are the main characters in the novel?

Answer 3

Brothers Harry, Miles, and Joe.

Question 4

What themes are prominent in ‘Past the Shallows’?

Answer 4

Family dynamics, grief, masculinity, and the harshness of nature.

Question 5

How does the sea function symbolically in the novel?

Answer 5

It represents both a livelihood and a source of danger, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life.

Question 6

What narrative perspective is used in ‘Past the Shallows’?

Answer 6

Third-person limited, focusing on the brothers’ viewpoints.

Question 7

How does Parrett depict the theme of loss and isolation?

Answer 7

Through the characters’ experiences with their dysfunctional family and the environment.

Question 8

What is the central premise of ‘The Truman Show’?

Answer 8

A man named Truman Burbank unknowingly lives in a constructed reality TV show.

Question 9

How does Christof justify the manipulation of Truman’s life?

Answer 9

He believes it provides hope and inspiration to millions.

Question 10

What is the significance of Truman’s catchphrase, ‘In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night’?

Answer 10

It highlights his genuine nature and becomes a powerful statement of his autonomy at the film’s end.

Question 11

How does the film explore the theme of reality vs. artificiality?

Answer 11

By contrasting Truman’s authentic emotions with the fabricated world around him.

Question 12

Quote: ‘We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.’

Answer 12

Speaker: Christof; Idea: Commentary on passive acceptance and control.

Question 13

How does product placement function in the film?

Answer 13

It satirizes commercialism and the exploitation of Truman’s life for profit.

Question 14

What does the character Sylvia represent in Truman’s journey?

Answer 14

She symbolizes truth and encourages Truman to seek reality.

Question 15

How does Truman begin to realize his world is fabricated?

Answer 15

Through inconsistencies and repetitive patterns he observes in his daily life.

Question 16

What cinematic techniques are used to convey Truman’s entrapment?

Answer 16

Use of close-up shots, diegetic cameras, and the manipulation of the environment.

Question 17

How does the film end, and what is its significance?

Answer 17

Truman chooses to leave the show, asserting his free will and challenging the ethics of the producers.

Question 18

What is the setting of ‘The Pedestrian’?

Answer 18

A dystopian future society in the year A.D. 2053.

Question 19

What activity makes Leonard Mead unusual in the story?

Answer 19

He takes solitary walks at night in a society where everyone stays indoors.

Question 20

How does the story critique technology?

Answer 20

By showing how over-reliance on technology leads to isolation and loss of humanity.

Question 21

Quote: ‘The streets were silent and long and empty.’

Answer 21

Technique: Imagery; Idea: Desolation and societal emptiness.

Question 22

What happens to Leonard Mead at the end of the story?

Answer 22

He is taken away by an automated police car to a psychiatric center.

Question 23

How does Bradbury use symbolism in ‘The Pedestrian’?

Answer 23

Walking symbolizes individualism and resistance to conformity.

Question 24

What is the main focus of Garner’s essay ‘Dear Mrs Dunkley’?

Answer 24

Reflecting on her relationship with a strict and intimidating schoolteacher.

Question 25

How does Garner’s perception of Mrs. Dunkley change over time?

Answer 25

She moves from fear and resentment to a more empathetic understanding.

Question 26

Quote: ‘Mrs Dunkley was an ogre.’

Answer 26

Technique: Metaphor; Idea: Childhood perception of authority.

Question 27

What themes are explored in the essay?

Answer 27

Authority and rebellion, complexity of human relationships, and reflection on memory.

Question 28

How does Garner blend narrative and reflection in her essay?

Answer 28

By interweaving personal anecdotes with broader thoughts on education.

Question 29

What is the tone of ‘Dear Mrs Dunkley’?

Answer 29

Reflective and introspective with elements of humor and seriousness.

Question 30

What was the context of J.K. Rowling’s speech ‘The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination’?

Answer 30

A commencement address at Harvard University in 2008.

Question 31

What does Rowling identify as the benefits of failure?

Answer 31

Failure teaches resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of focusing on essential matters.

Question 32

Quote: ‘Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.’

Answer 32

Idea: Using adversity as a catalyst for personal growth.

Question 33

How does Rowling describe the importance of imagination?

Answer 33

As a powerful tool for empathy and innovation.

Question 34

What message does Rowling impart about personal choices?

Answer 34

Our choices define who we are more than our abilities.

Question 35

How does Rowling encourage the graduates to use their influence?

Answer 35

By advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves and working towards social justice.

Question 36

What rhetorical techniques does Rowling employ in her speech?

Answer 36

Use of personal anecdotes, humor, and direct address to engage the audience.