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english literature > An englishman's home > Flashcards

An englishman's home Flashcards

1
Q

What is An Englishman’s Home about?

A

It is a play that explores themes of national security, patriotism, and the vulnerability of ordinary citizens to invasion.

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2
Q

Who wrote An Englishman’s Home?

A

Guy du Maurier.

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3
Q

When was An Englishman’s Home first performed?

A

In 1909.

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4
Q

Why did An Englishman’s Home cause a public reaction?

A

It played on fears of invasion and raised concerns about Britain’s lack of military preparedness.

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5
Q

How does the play reflect early 20th-century anxieties?

A

It reflects fears of foreign invasion, national security, and the need for stronger defense policies.

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6
Q

What is the significance of the title An Englishman’s Home?

A

It refers to the proverb ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle,’ emphasizing security, privacy, and national pride.

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7
Q

Who is the main character in An Englishman’s Home?

A

Mr. Brown, a typical Englishman representing the ordinary citizen.

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8
Q

What happens to Mr. Brown and his family?

A

They are caught up in an invasion by an unnamed foreign enemy, symbolizing Britain’s vulnerability.

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9
Q

What is the role of the invaders in the play?

A

They represent an anonymous external threat, heightening fears of a possible attack on Britain.

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10
Q

What was the political impact of An Englishman’s Home?

A

It contributed to discussions about national defense and the need for military reform in Britain.

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11
Q

How did the British public react to the play?

A

Many were alarmed, and it fueled debates about the country’s military strength and preparedness.

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12
Q

What is the central theme of the play?

A

National security and the responsibilities of citizens in protecting their country.

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13
Q

How does the play use propaganda?

A

It encourages patriotism and the idea that ordinary citizens should be prepared to defend Britain.

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14
Q

How does the play portray the British government?

A

It suggests that the government is unprepared for an invasion, increasing public anxiety.

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15
Q

Why is the identity of the invaders left vague?

A

To create a universal sense of fear and to avoid directly naming a specific enemy country.

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16
Q

What dramatic techniques does An Englishman’s Home use?

A

It uses suspense, realism, and patriotic appeals to evoke strong emotions.

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17
Q

How does the play reflect Edwardian concerns about war?

A

It highlights fears of Germany’s growing power and Britain’s potential vulnerability.

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18
Q

How does the setting contribute to the play’s message?

A

The setting—a peaceful English home—contrasts with the sudden invasion, showing how quickly security can be lost.

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19
Q

What historical context influenced the play?

A

Tensions in Europe before World War I and the growing concern about Britain’s military readiness.

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20
Q

How does the play compare to other invasion literature of the time?

A

Like The Battle of Dorking and The Riddle of the Sands, it warns of potential foreign threats.

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21
Q

What was the role of the press in the play’s impact?

A

Newspapers amplified the play’s message, increasing public concern about national defense.

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22
Q

What does the play suggest about the role of civilians in war?

A

It implies that civilians cannot rely solely on the military and should be ready to take action.

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23
Q

How does An Englishman’s Home contrast with later war literature?

A

Unlike later works that depict the horrors of war, it focuses on the fear of invasion and national duty.

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24
Q

How does the play end?

A

It ends tragically, reinforcing the idea that Britain must strengthen its defenses.

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25
Q

What message does the play give about patriotism?

A

It promotes the idea that all citizens must be vigilant and ready to defend their country.

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26
Q

Why was An Englishman’s Home considered controversial?

A

It stirred fear and political debate about Britain’s lack of military preparation.

27
Q

How did the play influence military recruitment?

A

It encouraged some people to support conscription and national service.

28
Q

What literary genre does An Englishman’s Home belong to?

A

It is an invasion play, a genre that plays on fears of a foreign attack.

29
Q

How did later historical events validate the play’s warnings?

A

World War I broke out a few years later, proving that Britain’s security concerns were justified.

30
Q

What does the play suggest about the complacency of British society?

A

It critiques the British public for being too complacent about national security and unprepared for potential threats.

31
Q

How does Mr. Brown’s character reflect the average British citizen?

A

He represents the ordinary Englishman who believes his home is safe, unaware of the looming dangers.

32
Q

What does the invasion symbolize in the play?

A

The invasion symbolizes the vulnerability of Britain and the need for military preparedness.

33
Q

How does the play build tension?

A

It builds tension through an ordinary setting being disrupted by sudden conflict, making the threat feel real.

34
Q

What is the significance of Mr. Brown’s resistance?

A

It highlights themes of patriotism and the belief that every citizen has a duty to protect their homeland.

35
Q

How does the play portray the British army?

A

It suggests that the British army is unprepared or insufficient, reinforcing the need for stronger national defense.

36
Q

How do critics interpret the ending of the play?

A

Many see it as a warning about Britain’s future if military reforms are not made.

37
Q

What social class does Mr. Brown belong to, and why is this important?

A

He is a middle-class man, showing that invasion is a threat to all citizens, not just the ruling elite.

38
Q

How does the title relate to the theme of security?

A

The phrase ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’ suggests safety and independence, but the play challenges this idea.

39
Q

What role does Mrs. Brown play in the story?

A

She represents the domestic side of British life, which is shattered by the invasion, showing war’s impact on families.

40
Q

Why is the enemy never named?

A

By keeping the enemy anonymous, the play maintains a universal sense of fear and urgency.

41
Q

How does An Englishman’s Home reflect pre-World War I tensions?

A

It mirrors growing fears of European conflicts and Britain’s vulnerability to attack.

42
Q

What does the setting of the play contribute to its themes?

A

The peaceful, domestic setting contrasts with the chaos of invasion, highlighting how unprepared civilians are for war.

43
Q

How does the play address the idea of duty?

A

It suggests that national defense is a shared duty between the government, army, and civilians.

44
Q

What dramatic techniques are used to create fear?

A

Techniques such as foreshadowing, sudden action, and an unresolved conclusion heighten fear and urgency.

45
Q

What historical events made the play more relevant?

A

The rise of German militarism and fears of European war made its message more urgent.

46
Q

How does the play reflect contemporary attitudes towards war?

A

It reflects both fear and a sense of duty, suggesting that Britain must take war threats seriously.

47
Q

What emotions does the play evoke in its audience?

A

Fear, urgency, patriotism, and concern for national security.

48
Q

How does An Englishman’s Home differ from other war literature?

A

Unlike war literature that depicts battles, this play focuses on invasion fears and national defense.

49
Q

What literary techniques does the play use to convey its message?

A

Symbolism, realism, irony, and suspense are key techniques used in the play.

50
Q

What impact did the play have on British defense policies?

A

It contributed to the debate on conscription and military reform in Britain.

51
Q

What role does fear play in the audience’s reaction to the play?

A

Fear makes the message more effective, compelling the audience to take national security seriously.

52
Q

How does the play contrast the safety of home with the dangers of war?

A

It shows that even private homes are not safe when a country is unprepared for war.

53
Q

Why is An Englishman’s Home still relevant today?

A

It raises timeless questions about national security, patriotism, and government responsibility.

54
Q

What was the public’s response to the play when it was first staged?

A

Many were shocked, and it fueled debates about Britain’s military strength.

55
Q

How does the play portray masculinity and duty?

A

It suggests that men have a duty to defend their families and country.

56
Q

What is the significance of the play’s lack of resolution?

A

It leaves the audience unsettled, reinforcing the idea that Britain’s future is uncertain.

57
Q

How does the play reflect British nationalism?

A

It promotes patriotism and the belief that Britain must remain strong to avoid invasion.

58
Q

Why does the play focus on an ordinary family rather than soldiers?

A

It makes the threat feel personal, showing that war affects everyone, not just the military.

59
Q

How is irony used in the play?

A

The irony lies in the idea that an Englishman’s home is supposed to be his castle, yet in the play, it is easily invaded.

60
Q

Why might the government have been concerned about the play?

A

It highlighted Britain’s weaknesses, which could have led to criticism of national policies.

61
Q

How does An Englishman’s Home compare to The War of the Worlds?

A

Both play on invasion fears, but one is realistic while the other uses science fiction.

62
Q

What was the long-term influence of the play?

A

It contributed to discussions about military readiness and inspired other invasion literature.

63
Q

How does the play reflect Edwardian society?

A

It captures concerns of the middle class and their faith in the British Empire’s strength.

english literature (18 decks)

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