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english literature > The son's veto > Flashcards

The son's veto Flashcards

1
Q

Who is the author of The Son’s Veto?

A

Thomas Hardy.

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2
Q

What is the main conflict in The Son’s Veto?

A

The conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly between Sophy and her son Randolph.

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3
Q

Who is Sophy in the story?

A

Sophy is the protagonist, a former maid who marries Reverend Twycott.

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4
Q

What is Sophy’s physical condition?

A

Sophy has a disability resulting from an accident that leaves her with a limp.

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5
Q

How does Sophy meet Reverend Twycott?

A

She works as a maid in his household.

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6
Q

Why does Reverend Twycott marry Sophy?

A

Out of kindness and affection, despite the class difference.

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7
Q

How does society view Sophy and Reverend Twycott’s marriage?

A

It is considered socially inappropriate due to their differing social classes.

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8
Q

Who is Randolph in the story?

A

Randolph is Sophy’s son, a product of her marriage to Reverend Twycott.

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9
Q

What role does Randolph play in Sophy’s life?

A

He becomes a controlling figure, prioritizing social status over his mother’s happiness.

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10
Q

How does Randolph react to his mother’s behavior?

A

He is critical and condescending, especially about her grammar and lack of sophistication.

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11
Q

What does Sophy want later in life that causes conflict with Randolph?

A

She wants to marry Sam Hobson, a former suitor and greengrocer.

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12
Q

Who is Sam Hobson?

A

A former sweetheart of Sophy, who proposes to her after Reverend Twycott’s death.

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13
Q

Why does Randolph veto Sophy’s marriage to Sam?

A

He feels it would disgrace his social standing as a clergyman.

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14
Q

How does Sophy feel about Randolph’s veto?

A

She is heartbroken but submits to his wishes, sacrificing her happiness.

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15
Q

How does Thomas Hardy critique Victorian society in the story?

A

Hardy critiques the rigid class system and societal expectations that prioritize status over personal happiness.

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16
Q

What is the significance of Sophy’s physical disability?

A

It symbolizes her lack of agency and her struggle to navigate societal and familial constraints.

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17
Q

How does Sophy’s background influence her character?

A

Her humble beginnings make her modest and submissive, contrasting with Randolph’s arrogance.

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18
Q

What is Randolph’s occupation?

A

He becomes a clergyman, reflecting his desire for social status and respectability.

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19
Q

How does Hardy portray the relationship between class and power?

A

He shows how class distinctions grant power to those like Randolph, allowing them to control others.

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20
Q

What is the tone of the story?

A

The tone is tragic and critical, highlighting the societal and personal injustices faced by Sophy.

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21
Q

What is the setting of the story?

A

The story is set in rural England and later in London.

22
Q

How does the rural setting contrast with the urban setting?

A

The rural setting represents simplicity and authenticity, while the urban setting symbolizes social ambition and rigidity.

23
Q

What role does the church play in the story?

A

The church is a symbol of authority and tradition, influencing Randolph’s values and decisions.

24
Q

How does Randolph’s education affect his attitude toward Sophy?

A

It makes him feel superior, leading to his critical and controlling behavior.

25
Q

What is the significance of Sophy’s grammar errors?

A

They symbolize her lower-class origins and become a source of embarrassment for Randolph.

26
Q

How does Hardy use Sam Hobson’s character to critique class distinctions?

A

Sam’s honesty and love for Sophy contrast with Randolph’s pride, showing the unfairness of judging people based on class.

27
Q

What is the central theme of The Son’s Veto?

A

The central theme is the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.

28
Q

How does Hardy portray Sophy’s inner conflict?

A

Through her longing for happiness with Sam and her submissive acceptance of Randolph’s control.

29
Q

How does Sophy’s story end?

A

She dies unfulfilled and alone, unable to marry Sam or assert her independence.

30
Q

What does the story suggest about maternal sacrifice?

A

It critiques the excessive demands placed on mothers to prioritize their children’s desires over their own happiness.

31
Q

How does Hardy use irony in the story?

A

It is ironic that Randolph, Sophy’s son, dictates her life and contributes to her misery, despite being her child.

32
Q

What is the significance of the title The Son’s Veto?

A

The title emphasizes Randolph’s control over Sophy’s life and highlights the power imbalance in their relationship.

33
Q

How does the story explore the theme of gender roles?

A

It critiques the submissive role expected of women, as seen in Sophy’s compliance with both her husband and son.

34
Q

How does Reverend Twycott justify his marriage to Sophy?

A

He views it as an act of benevolence and takes steps to avoid scandal by moving to London.

35
Q

Why does Randolph feel ashamed of his mother?

A

He feels her lower-class background and lack of refinement undermine his social standing.

36
Q

What is the role of social mobility in the story?

A

Social mobility is shown to be both a blessing and a curse, as Sophy’s rise in class isolates her from her past and her happiness.

37
Q

How does Hardy portray the Victorian class system?

A

As rigid and oppressive, preventing individuals like Sophy from pursuing their desires.

38
Q

What is the narrative perspective of the story?

A

The story is told by a third-person omniscient narrator.

39
Q

What does the bird imagery in the story symbolize?

A

It symbolizes freedom and entrapment, reflecting Sophy’s constrained life.

40
Q

How does Sophy’s death affect Randolph?

A

Randolph shows little remorse, indicating his prioritization of societal values over personal loss.

41
Q

What does Sophy’s hair symbolize in the story?

A

It symbolizes her vitality and youth, which are diminished as her life becomes more restricted.

42
Q

How does Sam Hobson react to Sophy’s rejection?

A

He remains understanding and kind, contrasting with Randolph’s controlling nature.

43
Q

How does Hardy critique Victorian ideals of propriety?

A

By showing how they cause unnecessary suffering and prevent people from living authentically.

44
Q

What is the significance of Reverend Twycott’s decision to move to London?

A

It reflects his awareness of societal judgment and his attempt to shield himself and Sophy from scandal.

45
Q

What role does education play in Randolph’s character development?

A

It fuels his arrogance and sense of superiority over his mother.

46
Q

How does Sophy’s marriage to Reverend Twycott affect her relationship with her hometown?

A

It alienates her from her roots and isolates her in an unfamiliar social class.

47
Q

What is the significance of Sophy’s compliance with Randolph’s wishes?

A

It highlights her internalized submission and the societal expectation for women to prioritize others.

48
Q

How does Hardy use Sam’s profession to contrast with Randolph’s values?

A

Sam’s modest profession symbolizes authenticity, while Randolph’s clerical role emphasizes societal pretense.

49
Q

What does Sophy’s grave symbolize at the end of the story?

A

It symbolizes her unfulfilled life and the tragic consequences of societal and familial oppression.

50
Q

How does Hardy portray the relationship between love and duty?

A

He shows how societal notions of duty often conflict with personal desires, leading to tragedy.

english literature (15 decks)

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