Inferred Meaning in The Outsider

H.P Lovecraft wrote a series of short stories and novellas in a new genre that is called...

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

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Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Themes present in the test

,

(b) Themes that are NOT present

• Social or Political Commentary

• Love and Romance:

• Adventure

• Nature and the Environment

• Conflict or Struggle

• Isolation and Loneliness:

• Supernatural Elements

• Friendship

• The Passage of Time

• Gothic Atmosphere

• Fear and Sadness

• Mystery and Uncertainty

Answer explanation

1. Isolation and Loneliness: The protagonist lives in a dark and dismal castle, isolated from the outside world. They have no human interaction and are surrounded by eerie, lifeless elements.

3. Fear and Sadness: The memories of the protagonist's childhood bring fear and sadness, emphasizing the emotional turmoil they experience.

5. Gothic Atmosphere: The setting of the story is a gothic castle with dark, damp corridors, high ceilings, and a sense of decay, creating a gothic and eerie atmosphere.

7. Mystery and Uncertainty: The protagonist's origins and the nature of the castle are shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. They do not know where they were born or who cared for them.

9. Supernatural Elements: The mention of gods, grotesque trees, and the unknown outer sky hints at supernatural or otherworldly aspects in the story.

11. The Passage of Time: The protagonist is unable to measure time accurately, suggesting a timeless or distorted perception of time in the castle.

Themes not present in the extract:

1. Love and Romance: There is no mention of love or romantic relationships in the extract.

3. Adventure: The protagonist's situation seems more focused on confinement and introspection rather than adventure.

5. Friendship: The protagonist's isolation and lack of human interaction do not allow for the theme of friendship to be explored.

7. Conflict or Struggle: While there is an internal struggle hinted at in the protagonist's emotions, there is no external conflict or struggle presented in this passage.

9. Nature and the Environment: Although the passage mentions grotesque trees and vine-encumbered trees, it does not delve into a deeper exploration of nature or environmental themes.

11. Social or Political Commentary: The passage primarily focuses on the protagonist's personal experiences and does not touch upon broader social or political issues.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.2

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The protagonist associates (a)   with childhood.

• Happy and joyful memories
• Fearful and sad memories
• Exciting and adventurous memories
• Peaceful and serene memories

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

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What can be inferred about the protagonist's living conditions from the description of the castle?

• The protagonist lives in a clean, well-maintained environment

• The protagonist's surroundings are bright and cheerful

• The protagonist's living conditions are gloomy and neglected

• The protagonist lives in a spacious and luxurious setting

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

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CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can be inferred by the "dark and dingy" description?

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What can be inferred about the protagonist's feelings towards the trees in the twilight groves, considering the themes of perception and interpretation?

• They find them to be beautiful and enchanting, suggesting a theme of appreciation for nature

• They perceive them as small and delicate, indicating a theme of vulnerability

• They view them as grotesque and gigantic, hinting at themes of fear and intimidation

• They see them as bare and lifeless, pointing towards themes of desolation and decay

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

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Draw a grotesque and mysterious tree!

What can be inferred about the protagonist's emotional connection to their past, based on their feelings towards their memories?

• They are indifferent and apathetic, suggesting a lack of emotional connection.

• They are annoyed and frustrated, indicating a negative emotional connection.

• They are content yet desperate, implying a complex emotional connection.

• They are nostalgic and sentimental, indicating a strong positive emotional connection.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

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Based on the description, what can be inferred about the atmosphere of the castle?

• It is well-maintained and comfortable

• It is bright and welcoming

• It is gloomy and neglected

• It is clean and pleasant

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

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CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Based on the narrative, what can you infer about the types of creatures that cohabit the castle with the protagonist?

• The castle is home to domestic animals like cats and dogs

• The castle is inhabited by woodland creatures like birds and squirrels

• The castle is a dwelling place for nocturnal creatures like rats and bats

• The castle is a sanctuary for insects like butterflies and bees

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