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english literature > five twenty > Flashcards

five twenty Flashcards

1
Q

Who wrote Five-Twenty?

A

Patrick White.

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2
Q

What is the main theme of Five-Twenty?

A

Routine, aging, dissatisfaction, and the desire for change.

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3
Q

Who are the main characters in Five-Twenty?

A

Ella and Royal Natwick.

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4
Q

What is the significance of the title Five-Twenty?

A

It refers to the bus that Ella watches daily, symbolizing her monotonous routine.

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5
Q

How does the story depict routine in Ella’s life?

A

Ella’s life revolves around repetitive daily activities, such as watching the five-twenty bus.

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6
Q

What does the five-twenty bus symbolize?

A

It symbolizes predictability, routine, and Ella’s feeling of being trapped in a monotonous life.

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7
Q

How does Ella feel about her marriage to Royal?

A

She feels stuck and unfulfilled, as Royal is emotionally distant and controlling.

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8
Q

What is Royal’s personality like?

A

He is grumpy, self-absorbed, and resistant to change.

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9
Q

How does Patrick White use setting to reflect the characters’ emotions?

A

The suburban setting mirrors the dull, unchanging life of Ella and Royal.

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10
Q

What role does the bus driver play in the story?

A

He represents an escape from routine and a symbol of change for Ella.

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11
Q

How does Ella’s relationship with the bus driver differ from her relationship with Royal?

A

Unlike Royal, the bus driver seems lively and offers Ella a sense of hope and excitement.

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12
Q

How does Five-Twenty explore gender roles?

A

It portrays Ella as a passive housewife trapped in societal expectations, while Royal dominates the household.

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13
Q

How does Royal react to aging?

A

He becomes more irritable and insecure, resisting any change in his life.

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14
Q

What is the significance of Ella’s decision at the end of the story?

A

It represents her breaking free from her monotonous existence.

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15
Q

How does Patrick White use symbolism in Five-Twenty?

A

The bus symbolizes routine, while Ella’s changing feelings symbolize her desire for a new life.

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16
Q

What is the tone of Five-Twenty?

A

Melancholic, reflective, and subtly critical of societal norms.

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17
Q

How does Ella’s perception of the bus change throughout the story?

A

At first, it represents monotony, but later, it becomes a symbol of possibility and change.

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18
Q

How does White use irony in Five-Twenty?

A

Ella dreams of escape but remains trapped in a cycle, reflecting the irony of her situation.

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19
Q

How does the story comment on middle-class life?

A

It critiques the dull, repetitive nature of suburban existence and the lack of emotional fulfillment.

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20
Q

What does Royal’s declining health symbolize?

A

It reflects his loss of control and the inevitable passage of time.

21
Q

How does White portray emotional repression in Five-Twenty?

A

Both Ella and Royal suppress their feelings, leading to a lack of true connection.

22
Q

What is the significance of Ella watching the bus every day?

A

It highlights her longing for change and the contrast between routine and possibility.

23
Q

How does Five-Twenty depict the theme of escapism?

A

Ella finds solace in watching the bus and imagining a different life.

24
Q

What is the impact of the final scene in Five-Twenty?

A

It leaves the reader questioning whether Ella will truly escape her dull life or remain trapped.

25
Q

How does Five-Twenty relate to existentialism?

A

It explores themes of routine, dissatisfaction, and the search for meaning in daily life.

26
Q

How does White use realism in Five-Twenty?

A

He presents everyday life and mundane routines with psychological depth and subtle symbolism.

27
Q

What does the contrast between Ella and Royal reveal?

A

It shows how people react differently to aging and routine—Royal resists change, while Ella craves it.

28
Q

How does Five-Twenty depict loneliness?

A

Ella’s emotional isolation within her marriage reflects the loneliness of routine and aging.

29
Q

What message does Five-Twenty convey about marriage?

A

That marriage can become stagnant if both partners stop communicating and growing together.

30
Q

How does Patrick White explore psychological depth in Five-Twenty?

A

Through Ella’s internal thoughts and reflections on her life.

31
Q

What role does fate play in Five-Twenty?

A

Ella’s routine makes her feel powerless, as though her life is predetermined.

32
Q

How does White use foreshadowing in Five-Twenty?

A

Ella’s fixation on the bus hints at her desire for escape and change.

33
Q

What does the bus driver represent in Ella’s mind?

A

Hope, new possibilities, and an alternative to her routine life.

34
Q

How does the ending reflect the story’s themes?

A

It leaves open the question of whether Ella can break free or if she is doomed to repetition.

35
Q

How does Five-Twenty reflect post-war Australian society?

A

It critiques suburban conformity and the struggles of aging individuals in a changing world.

36
Q

How does White use character development in Five-Twenty?

A

Ella undergoes subtle changes in her perspective, while Royal remains static.

37
Q

What is the role of repetition in Five-Twenty?

A

It reinforces the monotony of Ella’s life and her desire to break free.

38
Q

How does Five-Twenty explore disappointment?

A

Ella’s dreams of escape contrast with her reality, emphasizing unfulfilled desires.

39
Q

What does the story suggest about personal agency?

A

That people often feel trapped in routine, but small choices can lead to change.

40
Q

What literary techniques does White use in Five-Twenty?

A

Symbolism, realism, irony, and psychological depth.

41
Q

How does White’s writing style contribute to the story?

A

His descriptive yet subtle style highlights the emotional undercurrents in Ella’s life.

42
Q

What is the significance of time in Five-Twenty?

A

It emphasizes routine, aging, and the inevitability of change or stagnation.

43
Q

How does Ella’s character challenge traditional gender roles?

A

She begins to question her passive role and desires something more.

44
Q

How does White present social criticism in Five-Twenty?

A

He critiques the emptiness of suburban life and the expectations placed on women.

45
Q

How does Five-Twenty differ from a typical love story?

A

Instead of romance, it focuses on routine, aging, and missed opportunities.

46
Q

What emotions does the story evoke in the reader?

A

A mix of sympathy, frustration, and contemplation about the nature of routine.

47
Q

How does the title reflect Ella’s life?

A

Just like the bus follows the same path every day, Ella’s life is stuck in predictable repetition.

48
Q

What does Five-Twenty suggest about aging?

A

That it can lead to stagnation if people stop seeking new experiences.

49
Q

How does the story relate to modern readers?

A

It resonates with anyone who has felt stuck in routine and longed for change.

english literature (18 decks)

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