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english literature > reported on the threatened city > Flashcards

reported on the threatened city Flashcards

1
Q

Who is the narrator of ‘Report on the Threatened City’?

A

“The story is narrated by alien visitors who observe and report on a city threatened by disaster.”

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2
Q

What is the main theme of ‘Report on the Threatened City’?

A

“The main themes include human ignorance

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3
Q

How do the aliens communicate their warning to the humans?

A

“The aliens attempt to warn humans in various ways

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4
Q

What is the significance of the aliens using children to deliver their message?

A

“Children are seen as innocent and open-minded

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5
Q

What disaster threatens the city in the story?

A

“The exact nature of the disaster is left ambiguous

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6
Q

How do the authorities react to the aliens’ warnings?

A

“The authorities dismiss the warnings

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7
Q

What does the aliens’ failure to convince humans symbolize?

A

“It symbolizes humanity’s arrogance

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8
Q

How does the story criticize human nature?

A

“It critiques human complacency

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9
Q

What is the role of the media in ‘Report on the Threatened City’?

A

“The media in the story manipulates information

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10
Q

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

A

“The city represents any modern society that ignores warnings about impending doom

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11
Q

What literary techniques does Doris Lessing use in the story?

A

“Lessing uses irony

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12
Q

What is the significance of the title ‘Report on the Threatened City’?

A

“The title suggests an objective

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13
Q

How does the story fit into the genre of speculative fiction?

A

“It uses an alien perspective to examine human society

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14
Q

What is the effect of the story being written as a report?

A

“The report format creates a sense of detachment and scientific objectivity

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15
Q

How does the story reflect Cold War anxieties?

A

“The story was written during the Cold War

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16
Q

What role does irony play in the story?

A

“Irony is central

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17
Q

How do the aliens view human society?

A

“They see humans as irrational

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18
Q

What is the ultimate fate of the city?

A

“Though the story does not explicitly state the city’s fate

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19
Q

How does Lessing’s background influence the story?

A

“Doris Lessing was known for her political activism and critiques of authority

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20
Q

Why is the use of an alien perspective effective in the story?

A

“It allows for a fresh

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21
Q

What does the story suggest about leadership and power?

A

“Leaders in the story prioritize control and dismiss outside perspectives

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22
Q

How does the story explore the conflict between logic and emotion?

A

“The aliens use logic to present their warnings

23
Q

How is the story an allegory?

A

“It serves as an allegory for real-world issues like climate change

24
Q

How does ‘Report on the Threatened City’ compare to other dystopian literature?

A

“Like other dystopian works

25
Q

What message does Lessing leave the reader with?

A

“She warns that societies that ignore threats and reject change are doomed to destruction

26
Q

What is the main conflict in ‘Report on the Threatened City’?

A

“The conflict is between the aliens

27
Q

How do humans react to the aliens in the story?

A

“Humans react with fear

28
Q

What is the significance of the aliens’ advanced intelligence?

A

“Their intelligence highlights the limitations of human thinking

29
Q

How does Lessing portray government and authority figures in the story?

A

“She portrays them as resistant to change

30
Q

What does the aliens’ struggle to communicate symbolize?

A

“It symbolizes how revolutionary or uncomfortable truths are often ignored or suppressed by society.”

31
Q

What role does propaganda play in the story?

A

“The media distorts the aliens’ message

32
Q

Why do the aliens choose to observe rather than force humans to act?

A

“They respect free will and believe in logical persuasion

33
Q

How does the story explore human arrogance?

A

“Humans refuse to accept warnings from an advanced species

34
Q

What literary devices does Lessing use to emphasize her themes?

A

“She employs irony

35
Q

How does the story reflect attitudes toward outsiders?

A

“The aliens

36
Q

How does Lessing’s use of satire enhance the story?

A

“It mocks the absurdity of human ignorance and resistance to change

37
Q

Why is the city left unnamed in the story?

A

“The unnamed city makes the story universal

38
Q

What parallels can be drawn between the aliens and whistleblowers?

A

“Like whistleblowers

39
Q

What historical or political events may have influenced Lessing’s writing?

A

“The Cold War

40
Q

How does Lessing’s portrayal of human behavior relate to climate change denial?

A

“The story parallels climate change denial

41
Q

How does the ending of the story reinforce its message?

A

“The aliens ultimately fail

42
Q

What does the use of children as messengers reveal about communication?

A

“It highlights that truth can come from unexpected sources but is often dismissed when it challenges authority or conventional thinking.”

43
Q

What does the phrase ‘threatened city’ imply about human society?

A

“It suggests that all societies are at risk when they ignore warnings and resist necessary change.”

44
Q

How does the structure of the story affect its impact?

A

“The report format adds a sense of detachment

45
Q

What is the relationship between fear and control in the story?

A

“Leaders use fear to maintain control

46
Q

How does the story critique scientific skepticism?

A

“It shows how scientific truths can be ignored when they are inconvenient or challenge existing beliefs.”

47
Q

What does the story say about humanity’s ability to recognize truth?

A

“It suggests that humans often reject truth if it does not fit their pre-existing beliefs or if it threatens established power structures.”

48
Q

How does Lessing create tension in the story?

A

“By showing the growing desperation of the aliens and the increasing hostility of the humans

49
Q

What does the failure of communication in the story symbolize?

A

“It represents the broader human failure to learn from history

50
Q

How does the story reflect on human self-destruction?

A

“It suggests that humanity’s own ignorance

51
Q

What is the significance of the aliens’ neutrality?

A

“They do not interfere forcefully

52
Q

How does Lessing’s background as a political writer influence the story?

A

“Her focus on government control

53
Q

How does the story compare to dystopian fiction?

A

“It shares themes with dystopian literature

54
Q

What lesson does ‘Report on the Threatened City’ teach about responsibility?

A

“It suggests that people must take responsibility for their own future instead of blindly following authority or ignoring evidence.”

english literature (18 decks)

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