The Teddy Bear's Picnic Flashcards
What is the main theme of ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’?
Themes of social class, marital conflict, and complexities of human behavior
The story delves into how these themes manifest through the characters and their interactions.
Who are the main characters in the story?
- Edwin Chalm
- Deborah Chalm
- Mrs. Chalm
- Mr. Ainley-Foxleton
- Mrs. Ainley-Foxleton
These characters drive the plot and illustrate the themes of the story.
What is Edwin Chalm’s profession?
Stockbroker
This profession aligns with his upper-middle-class status.
How long have Edwin and Deborah been married?
Six months
Their relatively short marriage is marked by conflict.
What is Deborah’s occupation?
Secretary at a law firm
This reflects her position within the upper-middle class.
What event does Deborah get invited to?
A ‘teddy bear’s picnic’
This event is a tradition from her youth.
How does Edwin initially feel about the teddy bear’s picnic?
He finds it childish and improper
This leads to an argument between him and Deborah.
What happens to Mr. Ainley-Foxleton at the picnic?
He falls and dies after Edwin nudges him
This incident marks a turning point in the story.
What is Edwin’s behavior during the picnic?
He drinks excessively and becomes drunk
His inebriation leads to reckless actions.
What does Edwin sing after the incident with Mr. Ainley-Foxleton?
‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ song
This shows his detachment from the gravity of the situation.
How is Edwin described physically?
Athletic, with short black hair and an alligator-like face
His appearance reflects his character traits.
What character flaw does Edwin exhibit?
Self-absorbed and lacks empathy
These traits contribute to his sociopathic behavior.
How does Deborah perceive Edwin?
She genuinely loves him but fails to see his serious flaws
This naivety impacts their relationship.
What does Mrs. Chalm think of Deborah?
She considers her pretty but not intelligent
This reflects the social class tensions in the story.
True or False: The Ainley-Foxletons have hosted the teddy bear’s picnic since 1956.
True
This tradition highlights the nostalgia associated with the event.
Fill in the blank: The story explores the theme of ________ and the importance of propriety.
social class
This theme is central to the characters’ motivations.
What does Edwin’s mother worry about regarding his marriage?
His inability to compromise
This concern foreshadows marital conflict.
What does Edwin’s behavior ultimately lead to?
The murder of Mr. Ainley-Foxleton
This act represents the culmination of his sociopathic tendencies.
What does Deborah worry about regarding her friends?
What they might think if she attends the picnic without Edwin
This concern reflects her desire to maintain social appearances.
What is the significance of the teddy bear in the story?
Represents childhood innocence and later becomes a reminder of death
This duality underscores the story’s themes.
What kind of marriage do Edwin and Deborah have?
Conflict-ridden and lacking compromise
Their struggles exemplify the theme of marital conflict.
What does Edwin think about the teddy bear’s picnic?
He finds it ridiculous
His disdain for the event highlights his character’s elitism.
