Study Notes
Alice Munro's "Night" is a semi-autobiographical story from her collection "Dear Life", focusing on a fourteen-year-old Munro experiencing existential angst after an appendectomy. The story explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and dark thoughts, culminating in a significant conversation with her father.
- Existential Crisis — a period of deep questioning about one's existence and responsibilities.
Example: Alice Munro experiences this after gaining newfound freedom post-surgery. - Anadiplosis — a rhetorical device where the last word of a sentence is repeated at the beginning of the next.
Example: "A growth. A growth, my mother said..." - Pathetic Fallacy — attributing human emotions to nature to reflect a character's mood.
Example: Blizzards accompanying medical emergencies in the story.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Existential Crisis
- Anadiplosis
- Pathetic Fallacy
Common Confusions
- Confusing existential crisis with simple anxiety
- Misunderstanding anadiplosis as mere repetition
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the significance of Alice's conversation with her father? It provides her with a sense of calm and understanding.
- How does Munro use pathetic fallacy in the story? She uses blizzards to reflect the crises faced by the family.
- What role does freedom play in Alice's existential crisis? It leads her to confront her responsibilities and dark thoughts.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of literary devices like anadiplosis and pathetic fallacy
- Analysis of character development and themes
- Ability to connect plot events with thematic elements