Wider Reading Summaries

Question 1

Farewell to Arms (Ernest hemingway 1929)

Answer 1

Plot: semi-autobiographical WW1 ambulance driver falls in love with a nurse, attempt to run away from war. Catherine and son die, purpose of pursuit is lost.

Themes: Anti Militarism , pursuit of happiness, Lost Faith in Humanity, romance , and Gender roles

Not linked to race.

Question 2

A Farewell To Arms Quotes

Answer 2

“ I’ll do what you want and say what you want and then I’ll be a great success, won’t I?” - Catherine fears losing Henry and attempts to be the perfect women for him.

“It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.” - Henry’s pessimism on the war through his convo with the priest.

Question 3

Manhattan Transfer (John Dos Passos 1925)

Answer 3

Plot: Manhattan Transfer tells the story of multiple characters as they make their way in New York. Their stories illustrate that what is most important in New York City are shallow qualities, such as wealth, youth, and material possessions.

Themes:
American Dream - pursuit of success, wealth, and happiness in the city. Characters strive to achieve their aspirations but often encounter obstacles and disillusionment along the way.
George Baldwin is a lawyer who climbs the ranks of his firm.
Ellen Thatcher is an aspiring actress who dreams of achieving fame and recognition in the competitive world of theatre.
Social Inequality - stark contrasts between the rich and the poor.
Ellen Thatcher’s experiences highlight the challenges faced by women and artists trying to break into the entertainment industry, where opportunities are limited, and success often depends on connections and patronage.
Bud Korpenning is a labour organiser who fights for the rights of workers in New York City’s industrial landscape. shed light on the plight of the working class, who endure harsh working conditions, low wages, and exploitation by powerful corporations and employers.
Urban Alienation - Alienating effects of modern urban life leads to a lack of purpose and direction. Estrangement.

Question 4

Manhattan Transfer quotes

Answer 4

“Once you got money you can do what you like,”

“The terrible thing about having New York go stale on you is that there’s nowhere else. It’s the top of the world.”

Question 5

Sister Carrie (Theodore Dreiser 1900)

Answer 5

Plot: Carrie gains notoriety through acting and connections, while George loses wealth due to Carrie (suicide).
Themes:
Rags to riches, riches to rags, materialism, land of opportunity, gender roles, naturalism (products of their time) and pursuit of happiness.

Question 6

Sister Carrie quotes

Answer 6

“ambitious to gain in material things”

“Here come the moths, in endless procession, to bask in the light of the flame”