five twenty Flashcards
Who wrote Five-Twenty?
Patrick White.
What is the main theme of Five-Twenty?
Routine, aging, dissatisfaction, and the desire for change.
Who are the main characters in Five-Twenty?
Ella and Royal Natwick.
What is the significance of the title Five-Twenty?
It refers to the bus that Ella watches daily, symbolizing her monotonous routine.
How does the story depict routine in Ella’s life?
Ella’s life revolves around repetitive daily activities, such as watching the five-twenty bus.
What does the five-twenty bus symbolize?
It symbolizes predictability, routine, and Ella’s feeling of being trapped in a monotonous life.
How does Ella feel about her marriage to Royal?
She feels stuck and unfulfilled, as Royal is emotionally distant and controlling.
What is Royal’s personality like?
He is grumpy, self-absorbed, and resistant to change.
How does Patrick White use setting to reflect the characters’ emotions?
The suburban setting mirrors the dull, unchanging life of Ella and Royal.
What role does the bus driver play in the story?
He represents an escape from routine and a symbol of change for Ella.
How does Ella’s relationship with the bus driver differ from her relationship with Royal?
Unlike Royal, the bus driver seems lively and offers Ella a sense of hope and excitement.
How does Five-Twenty explore gender roles?
It portrays Ella as a passive housewife trapped in societal expectations, while Royal dominates the household.
How does Royal react to aging?
He becomes more irritable and insecure, resisting any change in his life.
What is the significance of Ella’s decision at the end of the story?
It represents her breaking free from her monotonous existence.
How does Patrick White use symbolism in Five-Twenty?
The bus symbolizes routine, while Ella’s changing feelings symbolize her desire for a new life.
What is the tone of Five-Twenty?
Melancholic, reflective, and subtly critical of societal norms.
How does Ella’s perception of the bus change throughout the story?
At first, it represents monotony, but later, it becomes a symbol of possibility and change.
How does White use irony in Five-Twenty?
Ella dreams of escape but remains trapped in a cycle, reflecting the irony of her situation.
How does the story comment on middle-class life?
It critiques the dull, repetitive nature of suburban existence and the lack of emotional fulfillment.
What does Royal’s declining health symbolize?
It reflects his loss of control and the inevitable passage of time.
How does White portray emotional repression in Five-Twenty?
Both Ella and Royal suppress their feelings, leading to a lack of true connection.
What is the significance of Ella watching the bus every day?
It highlights her longing for change and the contrast between routine and possibility.
How does Five-Twenty depict the theme of escapism?
Ella finds solace in watching the bus and imagining a different life.
What is the impact of the final scene in Five-Twenty?
It leaves the reader questioning whether Ella will truly escape her dull life or remain trapped.
