SONS VETOP Flashcards
1
Q
What does ‘veto’ mean?
A
To reject or prohibit something
A veto is often used in a political context where a decision or proposal is blocked.
2
Q
What themes does ‘The Son’s Veto’ explore?
A
- Social class
- Duty
- Freedom
3
Q
When is ‘The Son’s Veto’ set?
A
Late 19th century
4
Q
Who is Sophy in ‘The Son’s Veto’?
A
A working-class woman who works as a parlour maid
5
Q
What is Mr. Twycott’s social status?
A
Higher social class
6
Q
What significant decision does Mr. Twycott make?
A
He marries Sophy despite social taboo
7
Q
What is the name of Sophy and Mr. Twycott’s son?
A
Randolph
8
Q
What is Randolph’s attitude towards his mother’s social standing?
A
Embarrassed
9
Q
What happens to Sophy after Mr. Twycott’s death?
A
She lives on a modest income and feels lonely and isolated
10
Q
Who does Sophy meet again after marrying Mr. Twycott?
A
Sam Hobson
11
Q
What does Randolph force Sophy to do regarding her relationship with Sam?
A
Swear she will not marry him without his consent
12
Q
What are Sophy’s feelings towards her vow to Randolph?
A
She feels bound by her promise and experiences loneliness and regret
13
Q
What critique does Hardy make through Sophy’s story?
A
Critique of the rigid social hierarchy and moral values of Victorian society
14
Q
What is the Victorian social class system characterized by?
A
Rigid and hierarchical with clear distinctions
15
Q
What three main categories are used to divide the Victorian social class system?
A
- Upper class
- Middle class
- Working class
16
Q
What was seen as a societal sin during the Victorian era?
A
Marriage between different social classes
17
Q
What does Mr. Twycott describe marrying someone from a lower class as?
A
Social suicide
18
Q
What does Sophy reflect on while conversing with her son?
A
Whether she shaped her life wisely
19
Q
What does the interaction over grammar between Sophy and Randolph reveal?
A
Commentary on social class, education, and familial dynamics
20
Q
What does Sophy’s hair symbolize in the story?
A
A sense of futility
21
Q
What is the atmosphere of Sophy’s childhood home, Gaymead?
A
Remote and rural
22
Q
What significant event occurs in Gaymead related to Sophy’s life?
A
The death of Mr. Twycott’s first wife
23
Q
What is the primary focus of the lesson exploring ‘The Son’s Veto’?
A
Symbolism
24
Q
What does symbolism refer to in literature?
A
The use of representational imagery to convey complex ideas
25
Fill in the blank: The story critiques the _______ social hierarchy and moral values of Victorian society.
Rigid
26
True or False: Sophy ultimately marries Sam Hobson.
False
27
What is Sophy's occupation at the beginning of 'The Son's Veto'?
Parlour maid
28
What does Sophy prioritize over love and attraction?
Home and security
29
True or False: Sam is respectful and reserved in his approach to Sophy.
False
30
What does Sophy later regret regarding her relationship with Sam?
Wondering what her life would have been like had she married Sam
31
Who is Mr. Twycott?
A widowed vicar of about forty years of age
32
How is Mr. Twycott's lifestyle described after his wife's death?
Secluded existence
33
What event leads to Sophy's physical injury?
She slipped down the stairs while carrying a tray
34
What does Sophy's injury symbolize in the narrative?
Paralysis of her life and social mobility
35
Sophy marries Mr. Twycott out of _______.
[Respect and admiration]
36
How is the marriage between Sophy and Mr. Twycott characterized?
Secretive and lacking guests
37
What does Mr. Twycott fear regarding his reputation after marrying Sophy?
He committed social suicide
38
What are the two main settings contrasted in 'The Son's Veto'?
Gaymead and London
39
How is Gaymead described in contrast to London?
Full of life and associated with hard work and rural simplicity
40
What does Sophy's braided hair symbolize?
Useless monotony of her life
41
How does Sophy feel about her new life in London?
Isolated and confined
42
What does the term 'deficiencies' suggest about Sophy?
Flaws and imperfections in fitting her role as a lady
43
Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is _______.
[Contrary to what is expected]
44
Provide an example of situational irony in 'The Son's Veto'.
Sophy's marriage leads to her isolation instead of happiness
45
What does Sophy waste hours doing that reflects her dissatisfaction?
Braiding her hair
46
How does Mr. Twycott's attitude towards Sophy change over time?
He attempts to educate her to fit into upper-class society
47
What is implied by Sophy's inability to regain her strength after her injury?
Her loss of freedom and mobility in life
48
What does the village of Gaymead symbolize for Sophy?
Freedom
49
What is the situational irony in Sophy's marriage to Mr. Twycott?
The marriage, which should have elevated her social standing and happiness, actually leads to her isolation and unhappiness.
## Footnote
Sophy finds herself unable to fit into her new social class.
50
What are Sophy and Mr. Twycott's hopes for their son Randolph?
They believe that his education and upbringing will secure him a respectable position in society.
## Footnote
This reflects their desire for upward social mobility.
51
How does Randolph's education impact his relationship with Sophy?
It alienates him from her, making him adopt snobbish attitudes towards her lower-class background.
## Footnote
This creates a widening emotional and social gap between them.
52
What narrative perspective is used in 'The Son's Veto'?
Third person omniscient.
## Footnote
This allows the narrator to know the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
53
How does the narrative perspective affect the portrayal of Sophy?
It provides deep insights into her thoughts and feelings, creating sympathy and pity towards her.
## Footnote
The narrator is subjective and biased in favor of Sophy.
54
What does Sophy's description in the narrative suggest about her character?
She is portrayed as 'a young woman with features of a pronounced, regular type, and a shy, though not rustic, grace.'
## Footnote
This hints at her complexity as a character.
55
True or False: Mr. Twycott's death leaves Sophy in control of her life.
False.
## Footnote
She has zero control over her life even after her husband's death.
56
What symbolizes Sophy's feelings of entrapment after Mr. Twycott's death?
The villa is described as her prison.
## Footnote
It reflects her isolation and lack of agency.
57
Fill in the blank: Sophy favors _______ over how she is perceived.
relationships.
58
How does Randolph's attitude towards his mother reflect class distinctions?
He is judgmental and embarrassed by her lower social status.
## Footnote
This highlights the conflict between their differing values.
59
What does Gaymead symbolize in Sophy's life?
Freedom.
## Footnote
It represents her yearning for a simpler, rural life.
60
How does Sophy cope with her dreary life after her husband's death?
She often looks out at the suburban road, reflecting on her past.
## Footnote
This shows her longing for her former life.
61
Who does Sam Hobson represent in Sophy's life?
Her old life and past choices.
## Footnote
His reappearance evokes feelings of nostalgia and regret in Sophy.
62
What is the significance of the night-time vegetable wagons in the narrative?
They symbolize Sophy's isolation and connection to her past.
## Footnote
The wagons represent a life that is distinct from her current existence.
63
How does Sophy's conversation with Sam reveal her internal conflict?
She expresses a longing to return home while acknowledging her duty to her son.
## Footnote
This highlights her struggle between personal desires and maternal responsibilities.
64
Fill in the blank: Sophy feels she will never be a _______.
lady.
65
What does Sophy's longing for her home indicate about her emotional state?
She feels unhappy and trapped in her current situation.
## Footnote
This illustrates her deep sense of loss and regret.
66
How is Sophy presented in 'The Son's Veto'?
Sophy is presented as an isolated character living in a villa and looking out 'through the railings'.
## Footnote
This imagery signifies her entrapment and lack of freedom.
67
What does the noun 'railings' symbolize in Sophy's situation?
The noun 'railings' has connotations of entrapment and emphasizes Sophy’s imprisonment.
## Footnote
It represents the invisible boundaries of social class and gender that dictate her life.
68
What does the preposition 'through' signify in the context of Sophy's character?
'Through' underscores Sophy’s position of isolation and longing, highlighting her passive role in her life.
## Footnote
This creates sympathy for her as she is reduced to a spectator.
69
What situational irony is present in Sophy's life?
Sophy's marriage and elevated social status should have improved her life, but instead, she experiences regret and passive isolation.
## Footnote
This irony evokes deep sympathy from the reader.
70
What does Sam represent in 'The Son's Veto'?
Sam represents the freedom Sophy has been denied through both marriage and widowhood.
## Footnote
His presence allows Sophy to feel liberated and more physically able.
71
Fill in the blank: Sophy initially refuses to go with Sam due to her _______.
[internalized social values]
72
What change occurs in Sophy when she is with Sam?
Sophy feels happy and free, experiencing a return of youth and life.
## Footnote
This signifies a momentary escape from her isolation.
73
What does Sophy express concern over when considering marrying Sam?
Sophy is concerned about her relationship with Randolph and how he would react to her remarrying.
## Footnote
This highlights her conflict between personal happiness and duty as a mother.
74
What does Sophy feel about her son Randolph in relation to her late husband?
Sophy feels that Randolph belongs more to his dead father than to her, feeling unworthy of being his mother.
## Footnote
This reflects her feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
75
How does Randolph react to the idea of Sophy remarrying?
Randolph's initial reaction is acceptance, but he becomes distraught when he learns Sam is not of their social class.
## Footnote
This highlights his superficial values based on social status.
76
True or False: Sophy readily blames herself for Randolph's reaction to her potential remarriage.
True
77
What does Randolph claim about Sophy's potential new husband?
Randolph claims that Sophy's new husband would degrade him in the eyes of all gentlemen of England.
## Footnote
This showcases his concern for social standing over family bonds.
78
What decision does Randolph impose on Sophy regarding her happiness?
Randolph's veto prevents Sophy from pursuing a chance at happiness, highlighting the situational irony of her continued isolation.
## Footnote
Her desires are sacrificed for the sake of social appearances.
79
What does Randolph do to his mother regarding her happiness?
He vetoes her decision to pursue happiness, prioritizing social standing over her desires.
## Footnote
This highlights the cruel situational irony in Sophy's life.
80
What is the impact of Randolph's actions on Sophy's life?
Sophy experiences continued unhappiness and isolation due to her son's pride.
## Footnote
Her desires are sacrificed for the sake of social appearances.
81
How long did Sophy plead to revive her relationship with Sam?
Four or five long years.
## Footnote
This indicates her persistent longing for a happier life.
82
What argument does Sophy use regarding her son’s future?
She argues that once he is ordained, he will have a home of his own and she would be an encumbrance.
## Footnote
This reflects her feelings of inadequacy.
83
What does Randolph force Sophy to do in front of his altar?
He makes her kneel and swear not to marry Samuel Hobson without his consent.
## Footnote
This shows his manipulative control over her life.
84
How does Sophy's physical condition relate to her emotional state?
Sophy’s physical paralysis increases alongside her mental paralysis, leading to isolation and loneliness.
## Footnote
This connection emphasizes her overall despair.
85
What does Sophy murmur to herself when alone?
'Why mayn't I say to Sam that I'll marry him? Why mayn't I?'
## Footnote
This reveals her internal struggle and longing for freedom.
86
What is the setting when a middle-aged man stands at the fruiterer's shop?
He is at the largest fruiterer's shop in Aldbrickham, wearing a black suit, and the shop's window is partly shuttered.
## Footnote
This setting indicates a somber mood, likely connected to a funeral.
87
What does the young priest in the mourning coach do as he passes the shopkeeper?
He looks black as a cloud at the shopkeeper.
## Footnote
This suggests tension or disapproval between the characters.
88
Fill in the blank: Sophy’s lameness became more ______ as time went on.
confirmed
89
True or False: Randolph shows grief for Sophy's situation.
False
90
What emotion does Sam show in response to Sophy’s situation?
Grief, as indicated by his wet eyes.
## Footnote
This contrasts with Randolph's lack of emotion.
91
What is the narrative perspective described in relation to Sophy?
The narrative perspective becomes more distant.
## Footnote
This distancing may reflect Sophy's isolation.
92
What does the funeral procession signify in the narrative?
It signifies loss and mourning, impacting the characters emotionally.
## Footnote
The procession passing the fruiterer's shop underscores themes of grief.
