1ª AVALIAÇÃO

DISCIPLINA: PROSA EM LÍNGUA INGLESA

PROFESSOR: JIVAGO ARAÚJO

ALUNA (O): CAMILA MARIA SILVA PACHECO

Obs.: cada questão valerá 2,5 pontos. Caso haja plágio de fonte não citada ou identificação
de utilização de ferramenta de Inteligência Artificial na elaboração de quaisquer das
respostas, à prova da (o) aluna (o) será atribuída nota 0,00 (zero).

1. In what sense can one consider “realism” a proper term to describe the beginning of
the novel in Britain? Discuss the matter connecting it to Daniel Defoe’s Robinson
Crusoè.

The term “realism” is apt to describe the work of early novelists like Defoe, but it
encompasses more than just portraying life from a brave perspective. Instead, the realism
found in novels like Defoe's Robinson Crusoe lies in their portrayal of the human
experience, encompassing a diverse range of perspectives beyond those that conform to a
specific literary mold. Defoe's novels are considered noteworthy because they break with
traditional plot sources and instead prioritize the presentation of life in a realistic manner,
marking a significant departure in the history of fiction.

2. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) claimed that he was a misanthrope, one who hates
humanity. Critics have debated this issue for centuries, some defending Swift as more
moralistic than misanthropic. What do you think? Cite evidence from the excerpts
from Gulliver's Travels read in class to support Swift's assertion or to argue against it.

Side note: I couldn't find the exact book mentioned in Sigaa's class, but the excerpts
mentioned were found in Gulliver's travels - reading and exercises file.

Although Jonathan Swift claimed to be a misanthrope, there are plenty of excerpts

from Gulliver's Travels that shows a moralist side of him. For instance, despite being in a
vulnerable and potentially dangerous situation, the protagonist demonstrates patience,
hospitality, and even attempts to communicate with and understand the other characters.

Furthermore, as an example the protagonist, despite being bound and attacked, shows
patience and restraint. He decides to lie still and not retaliate. "When this shower of
arrows was over, I fell a groaning with grief and pain; and then striving again to get loose,
they discharged another volley larger than the first, and some of them attempted with
spears to stick me in the sides; but, by good luck, I had on me a buff jerkin,which they
could not pierce. I thought it the most prudent method to lie still; " (Swift, 2003, p. 592).

Also, when offered food and drink, the protagonist accepts it graciously, showing
appreciation for the hospitality extended to him. ""I then made another sign that I wanted
drink. They found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me; and being a
most ingenious people, they slung up with great dexterity one of their largest hogsheads;
then rolled it towards my hand, and beat out the top; I drank it off at a draft, whichI might
well do, for it hardly held half a pint, and tasted like a small wine of Burgundy, but much
more delicious" (Swift, 2003 p. 593).

Moreover, despite the language barrier, the protagonist tries to communicate, making
gestures and attempting to speak in a submissive manner. "I answered in a few words, but
to no purpose, and made a sign with my hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but
over his Excellency's head, for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to my own head
and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It appeared that he understood me well
enough; for he shook his head by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to
show that I must be carried as a prisoner" (Swift, 2003, p. 593).

Finally, the protagonist engages in conversations with understanding and empathy.

"This prince took a pleasure in conversing with me, inquiring into the manners, religion,
laws, government, and learning of Europe; wherein I gave him the best account I was able"
(Swift, 2003, p. 603).

3. Read the following excerpt about Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The strange case of Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”:

[…]this novel was written in the Victorian era, in the year 1885. During the last years of
the XIX Century, England went through very important changes both at economical
and social levels as well as religious ones. It seems that the great success of Jekyll and
Hyde was due to the fact that the novel was able to capture all the fears that Victorian
society was facing, and also the feeling that Victorian society was in fact really fragile
and almost hypocritical. (Adapted from the web)

Now, discuss the passage referring to the elements of the literary text mentioned
above (and read in class):

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores themes such as the duality of human nature, the conflict
between good and evil, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. Furthermore,
the work raises questions about the nature of sin, morality and the consequences of
violating social norms, reflecting the religious anxieties of the time. The characters of Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Jekyll represent the socially acceptable facade, while Hyde symbolizes
repressed desires and darker impulses. Through their interaction, Stevenson explores the
complexities of human identity and morality.

4. The first half of the 20 th century can be considered a time of radical changes
concerning the understanding of the human mind and behavior brought about by the
field of psychology. Many other events took place during this period and added up to a
reformulation of old certainties concerning “human nature”. Taking that into account,
analyze Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” in terms of a literary representation of its
time and don’t forget to make reference to the literary text.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf is a quintessential modernist novel that reflects the post-
World War I era. Set over a single day in 1923, it investigates the psychological
consequences of war through characters such as Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren
Smith. Their contrasting experiences illustrate the dissonance between the outward
appearance of normalcy and the inner turmoil of individuals traumatized by war.
Furthermore, Mrs. Dalloway reflects the changing social landscape of the time, particularly
in its depiction of gender roles and sexuality. Woolf challenges traditional notions of
femininity through characters like Clarissa, who seeks autonomy and agency within the
confines of her social role as wife and hostess. In short, through its exploration of the
trauma of war, shifting gender norms, and innovative narrative techniques, Woolf's novel
remains a timeless exploration of the complexities of the human experience.