Excerpt from The Musician's Daughter
by Susanne Dunlap
I thought a lot, at the beginning, about my father playing the violin. I still remember the first time I ever saw a concert. I was very small, and we had just come to Esterhaza, a magnificent palace in Sopron, Hungary, when the prince's household moved there from his winter palace, at Eisenstadt, near Vienna. I think it may have been the first concert Papa took part in there. I had a new dress for the occasion, and Mama looked beautiful. I don't think Toby was born yet, or if he was, he was a small baby and stayed in our rooms with a nurse.
The palace at Esterháza was so new that it still smelled of raw wood and paint. The rooms were very grand. I had never seen so many candles in one place before. And they were expensive wax candles, not foul-smelling tallow. We stood to the side to watch the fine ladies enter. I thought they looked like dolls; their faces were so perfect. Later my mother told me that they painted them with white lead to make their skin artificially smooth and pale, and then rubbed rouge into their cheeks and lips, and drew lines of charcoal around their eyes so they would appear larger. And the headdresses-in those days the fashion was to have hair that towered up, stuck into place with diamond combs, with ribbons and pearls festooned around. And no matter what color it was naturally, ladies powdered their hair to snowy whiteness, so that the light of the candies was magnified by the glow from the people themselves.
And the men, too, were powdered and patched. Their gold buttons and lace were almost as gaudy as the ladies' finery. But the enormous panniers that held the ladies' skirts out to the side so far that they had to move sideways through doorways fascinated me most of all. I could barely be persuaded to turn my eyes to the orchestra when the concert started.
We were not seated with the guests. In fact, I think we were tucked away in an anteroom. The door was open so we could see through, and everyone pushed me forward to let me watch my father, who looked up now and again from the music and gave me a quick smile. The candlelight danced over the rich wood of his violin, the beautiful Italian instrument, an old Amati, that my grandfather had given him. Kapellmeister Haydn-who was also my godfather-sat at the harpsichord, smiling broadly all the time, waving one hand in the air to direct, then putting it back on the keys and instead using his head, bobbing and nodding to bring the winds in, or to indicate the entrance for the cellos. He looked like the music, 1 remember thinking. I wish I could bring that particular sound to my mind, but it has since blended with countless, other concert. I’ll always remember what it looked like, though. The light shimmering glow of everything and everyone.
What technique does the author use to reveal the narrator's perspective about the ladies at the concert?
- A. She compares the ladies to perfectly decorated dolls.
- B. She repeats descriptive words to show the ladies' perfection.
- C. She exaggerates the appearance of the ladies.
- D. She describes two extremes of the ladies' dresses.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The author's technique of comparing the ladies to perfectly decorated dolls effectively illustrates the narrator's perspective, highlighting their superficial beauty and lack of depth. This metaphor emphasizes the idealized and artificial nature of the ladies, suggesting a critique of societal standards. Option B, while focusing on repetition, does not capture the nuanced perspective as effectively as the metaphor does. Option C, exaggeration, may convey a sense of irony but lacks the specific imagery that reinforces the narrator's view. Option D introduces contrast but does not fully encapsulate the narrator's overall impression of the ladies’ superficiality.
The author's technique of comparing the ladies to perfectly decorated dolls effectively illustrates the narrator's perspective, highlighting their superficial beauty and lack of depth. This metaphor emphasizes the idealized and artificial nature of the ladies, suggesting a critique of societal standards. Option B, while focusing on repetition, does not capture the nuanced perspective as effectively as the metaphor does. Option C, exaggeration, may convey a sense of irony but lacks the specific imagery that reinforces the narrator's view. Option D introduces contrast but does not fully encapsulate the narrator's overall impression of the ladies’ superficiality.
Other Related Questions
How are the newsletter and the letter to the editor different with respect to their intended audiences?
- A. The newsletter is intended for a more knowledgeable audience.
- B. The newsletter is intended for a younger audience.
- C. The newsletter is intended for a smaller audience.
- D. The newsletter is intended for a more diverse audience.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
Which statement accurately compares the tones of the first paragraph of 'Community Garden Newsletter' and of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods'?
- A. One is relieved, while the other is angry.
- B. One is excited, while the other is indignant.
- C. One is insistent, while the other is remorseful.
- D. One is urgent, while the other is pleading.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In 'Community Garden Newsletter,' the tone is excited, reflecting enthusiasm for community engagement and the benefits of local gardening. This positivity contrasts sharply with the tone of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which conveys indignation about the lack of support for local food initiatives. Option A is incorrect as neither tone strongly conveys relief or anger. Option C misinterprets the tones; neither paragraph expresses insistence or remorse. Option D is also inaccurate; while one tone may seem urgent, the other does not convey a pleading sentiment but rather a passionate call to action.
In 'Community Garden Newsletter,' the tone is excited, reflecting enthusiasm for community engagement and the benefits of local gardening. This positivity contrasts sharply with the tone of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which conveys indignation about the lack of support for local food initiatives. Option A is incorrect as neither tone strongly conveys relief or anger. Option C misinterprets the tones; neither paragraph expresses insistence or remorse. Option D is also inaccurate; while one tone may seem urgent, the other does not convey a pleading sentiment but rather a passionate call to action.
Why are Aristotle's conclusions mentioned in the text?
- A. to show why Burl is becoming frustrated by working with his bees
- B. to emphasize that Burl thinks bees are superior to humans
- C. to suggest that bees effectively demonstrate laws of nature
- D. to compare two different philosophies on the nature of bee behavior
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 suggests that Don Quixote believes that Sancho
- A. fails to trust in the abilities of an experienced knight.
- B. relies on outside help rather than personal strength.
- C. prefers harmless realities to exciting adventures
- D. lacks the confidence to face a potential danger.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 indicates that Don Quixote perceives Sancho as someone who favors the comfort of familiar, safe experiences over the thrill of adventure. This preference highlights Sancho's inclination towards stability rather than embracing the uncertainties of knightly quests. Option A is incorrect as the text does not imply that Sancho distrusts Don Quixote's abilities. Option B misinterprets Sancho’s character; he often shows resourcefulness and courage. Option D suggests a lack of confidence in facing danger, but the text emphasizes Sancho's practical nature rather than fearfulness.
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 indicates that Don Quixote perceives Sancho as someone who favors the comfort of familiar, safe experiences over the thrill of adventure. This preference highlights Sancho's inclination towards stability rather than embracing the uncertainties of knightly quests. Option A is incorrect as the text does not imply that Sancho distrusts Don Quixote's abilities. Option B misinterprets Sancho’s character; he often shows resourcefulness and courage. Option D suggests a lack of confidence in facing danger, but the text emphasizes Sancho's practical nature rather than fearfulness.