Police Academy-- Silas Test tomorrow

SILAS MARNER STUDY GUIDE
1/3/12

Plot:

List the events in the major plot, Silas’s story. Next list the events in the minor plot, the Cass brother’s story. Then chart both of these story lines showing where the two meet each time they do.

 Symbolism:

List and explain the symbolism Eliot uses in Silas Marner (at least three examples).

 Irony:

Think back over the novel and list at least three examples of irony.

 Foreshadowing:

Now that the events are known, skim back over the novel and note examples of foreshadowing (at least three).

Considering the events in the novel, answer each of the following questions (we did them in groups before we started the book).

• What are the consequences of being the victim of lies, gossip, or rumors?

• If you had three minutes to evacuate your home because of a fire, what would you try to save? Explain your
choices.

• How does home environment influence people? Give examples.

• What is essential for happiness? Defend your choices.

• Some people are lucky while others never have good fortune. True or false? Explain.

• What connections does social class have with happiness or with responsibility, both personal or social?

Vocabulary (see posters)

Listing Activities (these questions ask for exhaustive lists, but you just need to make sure you have three examples of each from different parts of the novel—this is designed to make you think about some of the major ideas (possibly prepare you for an essay question))

 List each mention of (1) Molly Farren and of (2) Godfrey’s actions regarding her. What is your assessment of Godfrey in relation to Molly? Should Godfrey have confessed everything to Nancy before he asked her to marry him?

• Make a list of the evidence of class distinction made throughout the novel. What class distinctions are evident in our society today? Compare the distinctions made in the novel with those found today.

• From time to time George Eliot includes statements of general truths about life. Make a list of these statements. For each statement explain how that truth operated in the novel. Cite examples of their operation in today’s world.

**Most questions taken from the Signet Classic study guide