Mysterious Lit Flashcards
Q: What role does sound play in Parini’s poem Some Effects of Global Warming in Lackawanna County
A: Parini uses sound to reinforce the chaos and disruption caused by global warming, such as the scramble” of birds and the “drumming” of teachers’ fingers, reflecting both nature’s distress and human frustration.”
Q: How does Parini contrast human joy and nature’s distress in his poem
A: While the children enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, nature is shown to be in distress, with trees sweating and roots sobbing, emphasizing the disconnect between human perception and environmental reality.
Q: How does the man’s death in To Build a Fire” serve as a cautionary tale”
A: His death illustrates the dangers of hubris and the need to respect the power of nature, serving as a warning against underestimating the natural world.
Q: How does the metaphor of the ladder” in Harjo’s poem represent humanity’s potential for redemption”
A: The ladder symbolizes the steps humanity can take to rise above its past mistakes and rebuild a more perfect, harmonious world through collective action and compassion.
Q: What does the title Once the World Was Perfect” suggest about Joy Harjo’s poem”
A: The title reflects a time of balance and harmony between humans and nature, before human flaws like greed and discontent led to the world’s destruction.
Q: What is the primary goal of Greta Thunberg’s speech at the UN Climate Action Summit
A: Thunberg’s goal is to call out world leaders for their lack of action on climate change and demand immediate, concrete steps to address the crisis and protect future generations.
Q: How does class disparity affect the characters in Woodland””
A: The wealthy are able to experience artificial nature in leisure facilities, while the poor suffer the real consequences of environmental degradation, reflecting the unequal impacts of climate change.
Q: How does London use the cold as a metaphor in To Build a Fire””
A: The extreme cold serves as a metaphor for the harshness of nature and the indifference of the natural world to human existence, reinforcing the theme of man vs. nature.
Q: How does class division manifest in Woodland””
A: The wealthy are able to escape the consequences of climate change by experiencing nature in artificial environments, while the poor are left to endure the real, deteriorating world, highlighting the unequal impacts of
Q: How does the imagery of light and dark function in Once the World Was Perfect””
A: Light represents hope, renewal, and positive human qualities, while darkness symbolizes destruction, negativity, and the consequences of human flaws.
Q: How does the tone shift in Some Effects of Global Warming in Lackawanna County””
A: The tone shifts from one of initial joy at the warmth to fear and realization as the speaker understands the deeper consequences of climate change, reflecting humanity’s shifting awareness of global warming.
Q: How does Woodland” use the theme of survival in a post–climate change world”
A: The narrator survives in a world where nature has been lost, reflecting on the loss of her brother and the artificiality of the environment around her, showing the emotional and physical toll of living in a degraded w
Q: How does Joy Harjo use personification in Once the World Was Perfect””
A: Harjo personifies negative emotions like doubt and jealousy, portraying them as powerful forces that contributed to the world’s downfall.
Q: How does the theme of survival play out in To Build a Fire””
A: The man’s fight to survive in the extreme cold highlights the fragile line between life and death in nature, and the importance of respecting nature’s power.
Q: How does Jack London explore the theme of knowledge vs. instinct in To Build a Fire””
A: The man relies on his knowledge, believing it will save him, while the dog relies on its instinct, understanding the true danger of the cold. The story suggests that instinct is often more reliable in extreme situatio
Q: What does the narrator in Woodland” reflect on regarding the loss of nature”
A: The narrator reflects on how humanity has allowed nature to disappear, replacing it with artificial environments, and mourns the loss of real, natural landscapes and experiences.
Q: How does Attenborough describe the current state of the planet in his #COP26 speech
A: He describes the planet as being at a critical tipping point, where immediate action is needed to prevent irreversible damage to the environment and ensure a sustainable future.
Q: How does David Attenborough connect climate change to global equity in his #COP26 speech
A: He points out that the poorest countries, which contribute the least to global emissions, are often the most affected by climate change, making climate action a matter of global equity and justice.
Q: What role does instinct play in To Build a Fire””
A: Instinct, represented by the dog, is crucial for survival. The dog’s understanding of the cold contrasts with the man’s lack of respect for nature, showing that survival often requires more than knowledge—it requires
Q: What role does biodiversity play in Attenborough’s #COP26 message
A: Attenborough stresses the importance of protecting biodiversity, noting that the loss of species and ecosystems is not only tragic but also accelerates climate change.
Q: How does Jack London use natural imagery to convey danger in To Build a Fire””
A: London’s descriptions of the freezing cold, the vast emptiness of the wilderness, and the biting wind emphasize the harshness and danger of the environment, creating a sense of foreboding.
Q: What message of hope does Joy Harjo convey in Once the World Was Perfect””
A: Despite the world’s destruction, Harjo suggests that through kindness, unity, and action, humanity can rebuild a better world and restore balance.
Q: What does the dog’s behavior in To Build a Fire” suggest about survival instincts”
A: The dog instinctively knows the danger of the cold and is hesitant to continue the journey, contrasting with the man’s overconfidence and lack of respect for nature’s power.
Q: How does Jay Parini use imagery to convey the effects of global warming in his poem
A: Parini uses vivid imagery of trees sweating” and “sobbing roots” to show the unnatural changes in the environment due to global warming, highlighting the distress of nature.”
Q: How does the artificial nature in Woodland” represent humanity’s failure to protect the environment”
A: The artificial nature environments highlight humanity’s reliance on technology to recreate what was lost, symbolizing the failure to protect the natural world when it was still possible.
Q: How does the future depicted in Woodland” serve as a warning”
A: The dystopian future warns of a world where nature has been almost entirely replaced by artificial experiences, showing the consequences of continuing environmental neglect.
Q: What does the narrator’s longing for her lost brother symbolize in Woodland””
A: The narrator’s grief for her lost brother mirrors the grief for the lost natural world, representing the personal and collective losses caused by climate change and environmental destruction.
Q: What is the significance of the children playing in warm weather in Parini’s poem
A: The children’s unawareness of the environmental changes reflects humanity’s indifference or ignorance toward the subtle but dangerous shifts caused by global warming.
Q: What does the man’s repeated failure to build a fire symbolize in To Build a Fire””
A: His failure to build a fire symbolizes the futility of trying to conquer nature with human arrogance and ignorance. It marks the turning point where his survival chances plummet.
Q: How does the man in To Build a Fire” represent overconfidence”
A: The man believes that his knowledge and experience are enough to survive the extreme cold, ignoring warnings and underestimating the power of nature, which leads to his death.
Q: How does Greta Thunberg frame the issue of climate change in terms of fairness
A: She argues that climate change is an issue of intergenerational fairness, as younger generations will bear the brunt of the damage caused by current inaction, while older leaders benefit from the current system.
Q: What does David Attenborough emphasize about human potential in his #COP26 speech
A: Attenborough emphasizes that human ingenuity and technology have the potential to solve the climate crisis if we act quickly and invest in sustainable practices.
Q: How does To Build a Fire” depict the theme of isolation”
A: The man’s isolation in the wilderness emphasizes his vulnerability and insignificance in the face of nature’s immense power, highlighting the dangers of being unprepared and alone.
Q: How does Bea’s relationship with her father influence her actions in Melt””
A: Bea’s strong relationship with her father drives her to clear his name when he is falsely accused of industrial espionage, showing her loyalty and determination to seek justice.
Q: How does David Attenborough inspire hope in his #COP26 speech
A: He highlights past successes, such as the reduction of ozone–depleting chemicals, as examples of how global cooperation can address environmental challenges, showing that it’s not too late to reverse climate damage.
Q: How does the theme of bullying manifest in Bea’s story in Melt””
A: Bea is bullied by Stella and her friends at school, representing her emotional struggles and feelings of isolation, which mirror the larger theme of overcoming personal and environmental challenges.
Q: How does Thunberg use facts and statistics to strengthen her argument at the UN
A: She references scientific reports and statistics on rising carbon emissions and temperature increases to back up her claims, showing the real and imminent threat of climate change.
Q: What rhetorical strategy does Greta Thunberg use to emphasize urgency in her speech
A: Thunberg uses repetition, particularly the phrase How dare you,” to underscore her anger and frustration with political leaders’ failure to act on climate change.”
Q: How does Bea’s friendship with Yutu evolve throughout Melt””
A: Bea and Yutu’s friendship grows as they help each other survive in the Arctic, symbolizing how mutual support and understanding can overcome both personal and environmental obstacles.
Q: How does Greta Thunberg appeal to emotions in her UN speech
A: She uses an emotional appeal by speaking on behalf of young people and future generations, emphasizing how they will suffer the consequences of climate inaction.
Q: How does Attenborough’s COP26 speech frame climate action as a global responsibility
A: He stresses that climate change affects everyone and that global cooperation is essential, making it clear that no country can solve the crisis alone.
Q: How does Ele Fountain use metaphors to deepen the themes in Melt””
A: The melting ice and Yutu’s journey represent the larger themes of environmental fragility and survival, with the ice acting as a metaphor for the precarious balance between human and natural worlds.
Q: How is imagery used to create a sense of place in Melt””
A: Vivid descriptions of the icy, unforgiving Arctic landscape contrast with Bea’s urban life, emphasizing the environmental stakes and helping readers visualize the effects of climate change.
Q: How does the Miyawaki method address climate change
A: By encouraging rapid forest growth, the Miyawaki method helps absorb carbon dioxide, restore biodiversity, and combat deforestation, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Q: How does To Build a Fire” explore the theme of man vs. nature”
A: The story depicts the man’s struggle against the forces of nature, emphasizing his underestimation of nature’s power and the consequences of failing to respect its dangers.
Q: How do Bea’s school struggles contribute to the survival theme in Melt””
A: Bea’s emotional survival against bullying and isolation parallels Yutu’s physical survival in the Arctic, showing that survival isn’t only about enduring harsh environments but also overcoming personal challenges.
Q: What does Attenborough highlight as key to reversing environmental damage
A: He advocates for immediate, coordinated action that focuses on protecting biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, and investing in green energy.
Q: How does Bea handle her father being accused of industrial espionage in Melt””
A: Bea refuses to believe her father is guilty and convinces her mother not to contact the police. She investigates on her own and uncovers evidence that clears her father’s name.
Q: What does the future setting of Lydia Millet’s Woodland” warn readers about”
A: It warns about the long–term consequences of environmental neglect, depicting a world where nature has been almost entirely lost and replaced with artificial environments for the wealthy.
Q: What message does Shubhendu Sharma convey about individual action in his TED Talk
A: Sharma emphasizes that individuals have the power to create change by planting forests in their own backyards, contributing to a larger environmental movement.
Q: What is the significance of the man traveling alone in To Build a Fire””
A: His decision to travel alone, despite warnings, symbolizes human arrogance and overconfidence, leading to his eventual demise when he cannot survive the harsh environment.
Q: What is the significance of the Arctic setting in Melt””
A: The Arctic setting highlights the impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems and indigenous communities, making the environment a key antagonist in the novel.
Q: How does Jack London use the cold as a symbol in To Build a Fire””
A: The extreme cold represents both the literal danger of the environment and the figurative coldness of nature’s indifference to human survival.
Q: What does Attenborough say about the role of younger generations in his COP26 speech
A: He emphasizes that younger generations will inherit the consequences of today’s actions, urging current leaders to act responsibly to secure a livable future for youth.
Q: How does David Attenborough emphasize the role of science in solving the climate crisis in his COP26 speech
A: Attenborough highlights the importance of scientific innovation and technology in reversing environmental damage, calling for investment in green technologies to create sustainable solutions.
Q: How does Lydia Millet use symbolism in Woodland” to comment on environmental degradation”
A: The artificial nature environments in the story symbolize humanity’s commodification of nature and the loss of authentic, untouched wilderness due to climate change.
Q: How does Craig Santos Perez use metaphor in Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier””
A: Perez uses metaphors like the melting glacier to represent the larger impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and the destruction of ecosystems.
Q: How does Ele Fountain use the motif of flight in Melt””
A: Bea’s ability to fly her father’s plane symbolizes freedom, independence, and the ability to escape danger, contrasting with the grounded struggles of Yutu in the Arctic.
Q: How does Woodland” reflect on humanity’s disconnection from nature”
A: The story shows how humans have become so detached from the natural world that they now experience it through artificial means, underscoring the loss of authentic connections to nature.
Q: What key message does David Attenborough convey about global cooperation
A: Attenborough stresses that only through collective, global cooperation can we effectively tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
Q: How does Shubhendu Sharma’s method contribute to environmental restoration
A: The Miyawaki method allows individuals and communities to actively participate in reforestation, helping to combat climate change by restoring ecosystems.
Q: How does Bea’s father’s work in oil exploration contribute to the environmental themes in Melt””
A: His work represents the conflict between economic development and environmental preservation, showing how human actions can contribute to the destruction of natural ecosystems.
Q: What role does foreshadowing play in the first half of Melt””
A: The tension between tradition and modernity, as well as hints about the environmental dangers in Yutu’s village, foreshadow the challenges both characters will face when their paths eventually cross.
Q: What role does class division play in Woodland””
A: The story highlights how the wealthy can afford to experience artificial nature, while the poor are left to deal with the real consequences of environmental degradation.
Q: How does the climax of Bea and Yutu’s journey in the Arctic highlight their growth
A: The survival challenges they face together force both Bea and Yutu to use their unique skills, reflecting their emotional and physical growth and their ability to rely on each other for support.
Q: What does the fire symbolize in Jack London’s To Build a Fire””
A: The fire symbolizes life and hope. Its failure reflects the man’s loss of control and his inevitable death as he succumbs to nature’s unforgiving power.
Q: How does Bea’s father’s return at the end of Melt” impact the story”
A: His return brings resolution to the espionage plot, allowing the family to confront the corporate greed that led to his framing, and reinforces the novel’s theme of standing up for environmental and social justice.
Q: How does climate change create danger in Yutu’s village in Melt””
A: Melting ice and rising temperatures make traditional survival methods, such as hunting and navigating the landscape, increasingly dangerous, threatening Yutu’s village and way of life.
Q: How does Bea’s adventurous spirit contrast with her emotional struggles in Melt””
A: While Bea is adventurous, as shown by her ability to fly a plane, she faces emotional challenges such as isolation and bullying, highlighting the internal and external battles she must overcome.
Q: How does the alternating narrative structure in Melt” affect the reader’s understanding of the characters”
A: The alternating perspectives of Bea and Yutu allow the reader to see how their different lives converge, highlighting themes of cultural contrast and shared challenges in the face of climate change.
Q: What lesson about survival does To Build a Fire” convey”
A: The story illustrates that survival requires respect for nature’s power and that arrogance and overconfidence in human abilities can lead to failure.
Q: How does Jack London create a sense of isolation in To Build a Fire””
A: London uses the vast, empty wilderness and the man’s solitude to create an atmosphere of isolation, emphasizing the man’s vulnerability against the overwhelming forces of nature.
Q: How does Yutu’s character in Melt” represent the theme of tradition vs. modernity”
A: Yutu respects the traditional ways of his Arctic village but also feels the pull of modern education and opportunities, creating a tension between maintaining cultural heritage and adapting to a changing world.
Q: How does Jack London use irony in To Build a Fire””
A: The irony lies in the man’s confidence that he can survive the cold with his knowledge, but his refusal to respect nature leads to his failure and death, revealing his hubris.
Q: What does Grandma Miki symbolize in Melt””
A: Grandma Miki symbolizes the wisdom of traditional ways and the deep connection between indigenous cultures and their environment. She represents the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst changing times.
Q: How does Harjo’s poem transition from destruction to hope
A: The poem shifts from describing humanity’s mistakes to a message of hope, suggesting that kindness and unity can rebuild the world if we learn from our past errors.
Q: How does the fire symbolize hope in To Build a Fire””
A: The fire represents the man’s hope for survival, and when he fails to keep it burning, it symbolizes his loss of control and impending death.
Q: What does Esau Sinnok’s interview reveal about the social consequences of climate change
A: It highlights how climate change disrupts not just the environment but also the social fabric of communities, forcing people to abandon traditional lands and ways of life.
Q: What is the role of fear in Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier””
A: Fear is used to reflect humanity’s growing anxiety about the unpredictability of climate change and its irreversible consequences, as represented by melting ice and rising seas.
Q: How does nature function as a character in To Build a Fire””
A: Nature is portrayed as indifferent and powerful, neither benevolent nor malevolent, simply existing as a force that the man fails to respect or understand.
Q: What is the main theme of Woodland” by Lydia Millet”
A: The story explores humanity’s disconnection from nature and the environmental consequences of this separation, warning of a future where nature is lost and only artificial versions remain.
Q: What innovative solution does Shubhendu Sharma discuss in his TED Talk
A: Sharma presents the Miyawaki method, which enables people to create dense, biodiverse forests in small spaces, growing ten times faster than traditional methods.
Q: What innovative solution does Ermias Kebreab propose in his TED Talk
A: Kebreab discusses adding seaweed to cow feed to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, as a method to combat climate change.
Q: How does David Attenborough use historical context in his #COP26 speech
A: He reflects on past environmental successes, like reducing ozone depletion, to show that humanity has the power to come together and solve global crises if we act in time.
Q: How does Joy Harjo’s Once the World Was Perfect” explore the theme of collective guilt”
A: The poem suggests that humanity’s flaws, such as doubt, jealousy, and greed, led to the destruction of a perfect world, and that these flaws continue to harm the environment and human society.
Q: How does Ermias Kebreab’s TED Talk connect individual actions with global environmental impacts
A: He shows how changing small practices in agriculture, such as introducing seaweed into cow diets, can have significant, positive effects on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: How does Melt” depict the tension between tradition and modernity in Yutu’s life”
A: Yutu is torn between his respect for traditional Arctic ways and his desire for education and modern opportunities, reflecting the broader theme of adapting to a changing world.
Q: How does the shift in tone from joy to fear in Parini’s poem reflect the emotional impact of climate change
A: The speaker’s initial joy at warmer weather turns to fear as they recognize the deeper environmental consequences of global warming, mirroring humanity’s ambivalence toward climate change.
Q: What literary device does Joy Harjo use to emphasize humanity’s impact on the world
A: Harjo uses personification, giving human qualities to abstract concepts like Doubt” and “Discontent,” to show how these forces have shaped the world’s destruction.”
Q: What does Bea’s discovery of the hidden USB symbolize in Melt””
A: The USB, hidden on her cat, represents hidden truths and how corporate greed can obscure the reality of environmental destruction, ultimately helping Bea expose the truth.
Q: How is man’s arrogance portrayed in To Build a Fire””
A: The man’s arrogance is shown through his belief that he can conquer the natural world, but his ignorance of nature’s power ultimately leads to his death.
Q: How does Ermias Kebreab’s solution address the problem of methane emissions
A: By adding seaweed to cows’ diets, methane emissions from livestock are significantly reduced, helping to mitigate one of the key contributors to global warming.
Q: What does the friendship between Bea and Yutu symbolize in Melt””
A: Their friendship represents hope and cooperation in the face of both personal and environmental challenges, showing that human connection is vital for survival and resilience.
Q: What is the role of the dog in To Build a Fire””
A: The dog represents instinctual wisdom, understanding the dangers of the cold better than the man, and survives because it respects nature’s power.
Q: How does Sinnok’s story mirror the struggles depicted in Melt””
A: Just like Yutu’s village in Melt,” Sinnok’s community faces the threat of losing their homes and way of life due to the melting Arctic and rising waters.”
Q: What is David Attenborough’s call to action at #COP26
A: He calls for immediate, large–scale changes in policy, technology, and global cooperation to combat climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Q: What does Bea’s discovery of the USB files symbolize in Melt””
A: The files represent the hidden truth about corporate greed and environmental destruction, emphasizing the theme of social responsibility and the need to hold corporations accountable.
Q: What does the ladder metaphor represent in Once the World Was Perfect””
A: The ladder represents humanity’s ability to rise above its flaws and rebuild a better, more perfect world through collective action and compassion.
Q: What real–world impact of climate change is highlighted in Esau Sinnok’s interview
A: Sinnok discusses how rising sea levels are forcing his Alaskan village to relocate, reflecting the real and immediate consequences of climate change on indigenous communities.
