- Understand the structure and characteristics of short stories.
- Analyze the themes of violence, solitude, and love in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works.
- Explore the concept of magical realism as depicted in Marquez's narratives.
- Examine the role of dreams as a narrative device in 'I Sell My Dreams'.
- Discuss the significance of character development and plot organization in short stories.
- Evaluate the use of emphasis in sentence structure and its impact on meaning.
I Sell My Dreams
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
Chapter Notes: I Sell My Dreams
Introduction to Short Stories
- A short story is a prose narrative of limited length.
- Organizes action and thoughts of characters into a plot.
- Can be comic, tragic, romantic, or satiric.
- The central incident reveals the protagonist's life and character.
- Thematic variation includes fantasy, reality, alienation, and personal choice.
Key Themes in 'I Sell My Dreams'
- Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a prominent Latin American writer.
- Style: Rich in magical realism, blending reality with fantasy.
- Main Character: Frau Frieda, who claims to sell her dreams.
- Plot Elements:
- The story reflects on dreams and their interpretations.
- Explores the impact of dreams on personal lives and relationships.
Vocabulary and Grammar
- Phrases related to 'sell':
- sell-by date
- selling-point
- sell-out
- selling price
- seller's market
- Phrases related to 'dream':
- dream on
- dream something away
- (not) dream of doing something
- dream something up
- look like a dream
Emphasis in Sentences
- The position of a word or phrase indicates its emphasis:
- Most emphatic: End of the sentence.
- Next: Beginning of the sentence.
- Least: Middle of the sentence.
- Example Sentence:
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
He was indifferent
B.
He was intrigued
C.
He was frightened
D.
He was amused
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The narrator was intrigued by the snake ring and its emerald eyes.
A.
He received a job offer in Rome.
B.
He was influenced by her conviction and believed in her prophetic dream.
C.
He was afraid of being caught in a political upheaval.
D.
He wanted to escape the harsh Viennese winter.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The narrator was so influenced by Frau Frieda's conviction in her dream about him that he left Vienna immediately, believing in the potential danger she foresaw.
A.
A peaceful and quiet city.
B.
A paradise of black marketeering and international espionage.
C.
A bustling metropolis full of tourists.
D.
A city known for its art and culture.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The narrator described Vienna as a paradise of black marketeering and international espionage, reflecting its complex post-war atmosphere.
A.
As a genuine supernatural ability.
B.
As a clever survival strategy.
C.
As mere coincidence without any real impact.
D.
As a form of entertainment for the family.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The author perceived Frau Frieda's dreams as a stratagem for surviving, suggesting that her dreams were more about maintaining her position and influence than actual supernatural ability.
A.
They ignored her predictions.
B.
They relied on her predictions as the sole authority.
C.
They were skeptical but curious.
D.
They only followed her advice occasionally.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
During the war years, the family relied on Frau Frieda's predictions as the sole authority due to the sinister reality of the time.
A.
They relied on her dreams to guide their daily actions.
B.
They ignored her predictions.
C.
They asked her to leave their home.
D.
They consulted her only for financial advice.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
During the war years, the family relied on Frau Frieda's dreams to guide their daily actions.
A.
She was a musician
B.
She sold her dreams
C.
She was a writer
D.
She was a painter
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda claimed that her only trade was selling her dreams.
A.
Her ability to speak multiple languages fluently.
B.
Her skill in playing Romantic chamber music.
C.
Her talent for interpreting dreams with prophetic qualities.
D.
Her expertise in financial investments.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Frau Frieda's unique ability was her talent for interpreting dreams, which she used as a stratagem for surviving.
A.
Metaphor
B.
Personification
C.
Hyperbole
D.
Simile
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The sentence uses personification by attributing the human action of 'picking up' to the wave.
A.
Political satire and realism
B.
Fantasy, reality, and the problem of choice
C.
Historical accuracy and documentary style
D.
Pure fantasy and science fiction
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works, including 'I Sell My Dreams', often explore themes of fantasy, reality, and the problem of choice.
A.
Science and technology
B.
Fantasy, reality, alienation, and the problem of choice in personal life
C.
Historical events and figures
D.
Political ideologies
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Short stories often explore themes such as fantasy, reality, alienation, and the problem of choice in personal life.
A.
He narrowly escaped a natural disaster.
B.
Frau Frieda's dream convinced him to leave Vienna, which he believed saved him from an unknown disaster.
C.
He survived a car accident in Havana.
D.
He was rescued from a sinking ship.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The author considered himself a survivor because Frau Frieda's dream convinced him to leave Vienna, which he believed saved him from an unknown disaster.
A.
As mere entertainment
B.
As a form of art
C.
As a daily guide for their actions
D.
As irrelevant
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The family viewed Frau Frieda's dreams as a guide for their daily actions.
A.
A huge wave embedded a car in the side of the hotel.
B.
An earthquake shook the building.
C.
A fire broke out in the kitchen.
D.
A robbery occurred in the lobby.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The panic was caused by a huge wave that picked up several cars and embedded one in the side of the hotel.
A.
To manifest the protagonist's life and character
B.
To introduce multiple subplots
C.
To provide a detailed background setting
D.
To conclude the narrative with a moral lesson
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The central incident in a short story is selected to manifest, as much as possible, the protagonist's life and character, contributing to the development of the plot.
A.
It was a family heirloom
B.
It was a symbol of wealth
C.
It was a clue to her identity
D.
It was a fashion statement
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The snake ring was a crucial piece of information that linked the woman to the narrator's past, serving as a clue to her identity.
A.
Cooking
B.
Dreaming
C.
Teaching
D.
Writing
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda claimed that her only trade was dreaming.
A.
Sell-by date
B.
Seller's market
C.
Selling-point
D.
Sell-out
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A 'seller's market' is a condition where sellers have an advantage over buyers.
A.
He ignored her advice.
B.
He left Vienna immediately.
C.
He consulted another dream interpreter.
D.
He stayed in Vienna for another year.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The narrator was so influenced by Frau Frieda's conviction that he left Vienna immediately after she told him about her dream.
A.
The beginning
B.
The middle
C.
The end
D.
The subject
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
In a sentence, the most emphatic place is generally its end, followed by the beginning, with the middle being the least emphatic.
A.
They were a source of entertainment.
B.
They determined the daily actions and decisions of the family.
C.
They were used to predict the stock market.
D.
They were dismissed as mere superstitions.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's dreams were taken seriously and determined the daily actions and decisions of the family, especially during the war years.
A.
It was a symbol of her wealth and status.
B.
It linked her to the narrator's past encounter in Vienna.
C.
It was a family heirloom passed down through generations.
D.
It had magical properties that protected her.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The snake ring linked the woman to the narrator's past encounter in Vienna, where he had met a woman with a similar ring.
A.
She could predict the future through her dreams.
B.
She was a skilled musician.
C.
She was a talented painter.
D.
She could speak multiple languages fluently.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Frau Frieda's unique talent was her ability to predict the future through her dreams.
A.
It was a symbol of wealth and power.
B.
It was a crucial piece of information linking the woman to the protagonist's past.
C.
It was a family heirloom passed down through generations.
D.
It was a gift from the Portuguese ambassador.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The snake ring with emerald eyes was significant as it linked the woman found in the car to the protagonist's past, evoking memories of a woman he had met in Vienna.
A.
She could predict the future through her dreams.
B.
She was an excellent cook.
C.
She was a talented musician.
D.
She could speak multiple languages fluently.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Frau Frieda was known for her ability to predict the future through her dreams, which she used to influence the lives of those around her.
A.
Beginning
B.
Middle
C.
End
D.
All parts receive equal emphasis
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The middle of a sentence usually receives the least emphasis, while the beginning and end are more emphatic.
A.
She could predict the weather accurately.
B.
She had prophetic dreams that guided the family's daily decisions.
C.
She was an expert in financial investments.
D.
She was a talented musician who entertained the family.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's unique ability was her prophetic dreams, which she used to guide the family's daily decisions, making her an essential part of their lives.
A.
Indifference
B.
Amusement
C.
Intrigue
D.
Fear
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The narrator was intrigued by the snake ring and its emerald eyes.
A.
The beginning
B.
The middle
C.
The end
D.
The subject
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The most emphatic place in a sentence is its end, as it is the position where the most important fact is usually placed.
A.
To introduce multiple characters
B.
To manifest the protagonist's life and character
C.
To provide a detailed background
D.
To describe the setting
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The central incident is selected to manifest the protagonist's life and character.
A.
She was a mere servant with no influence.
B.
Her dreams became the sole authority in the house.
C.
She was a financial advisor to the family.
D.
She was respected but her dreams were often ignored.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's dreams became the sole authority in the house, dictating the actions and decisions of the family.
A.
It was a family heirloom passed down through generations.
B.
It was a symbol of Frau Frieda's mysterious past.
C.
It was a gift from the Portuguese ambassador.
D.
It was a magical artifact with special powers.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The snake ring was significant as it symbolized Frau Frieda's mysterious past and was a key element in the narrator's recollection of her.
A.
Comic
B.
Tragic
C.
Romantic
D.
Mathematical
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Short stories typically have plot forms that are comic, tragic, romantic, or satiric. Mathematical is not a plot form.
A.
Seller's market
B.
Sell-out
C.
Selling-point
D.
Sell-by date
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
A 'seller's market' is a condition where sellers have an advantage over buyers, often due to high demand and low supply.
A.
One morning at nine o'clock
B.
while we were having breakfast on the terrace of the Havana Riviera Hotel under a bright sun
C.
a huge wave picked up several cars that were driving down the avenue along the seawall or parked on the pavement
D.
and embedded one of them in the side of the hotel
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The most emphatic part of a sentence is usually at the end, which in this case is 'and embedded one of them in the side of the hotel'.
A.
To cook meals for the family
B.
To decipher the family's daily fate through her dreams
C.
To manage the household finances
D.
To educate the children
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's role was to decipher the family's daily fate through her dreams, which became the sole authority in the house.
A.
Comic
B.
Tragic
C.
Romantic
D.
Scientific
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The plot of a short story can be comic, tragic, romantic, or satiric, but not scientific.
A.
A huge wave picked up several cars
B.
driving down the avenue along the seawall
C.
embedded one of them in the side of the hotel
D.
one morning at nine o'clock
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The most emphatic part of a sentence is usually at the end. In this sentence, 'embedded one of them in the side of the hotel' is the most emphasized part as it is at the end.
A.
She was a housekeeper
B.
She deciphered the family's daily fate through her dreams
C.
She was a financial advisor
D.
She was a music teacher
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's primary role was to decipher the family's daily fate through her dreams, which became the sole authority in the house.
A.
Fantasy and reality
B.
Mathematics and science
C.
History and geography
D.
Economics and politics
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Short stories often explore themes such as fantasy, reality, alienation, and the problem of choice in personal life.
A.
It caused minor damage to the facade.
B.
It embedded a car into the side of the hotel, causing panic and destruction.
C.
It flooded the hotel lobby but left the structure intact.
D.
It was a gentle wave that merely wet the pavement.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The wave was so immense that it picked up several cars and embedded one into the side of the hotel, causing panic and destruction.
A.
She was a housekeeper who managed daily chores.
B.
She was a fortune teller who predicted the family's future.
C.
She was a tutor for the children.
D.
She was a chef who prepared meals.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda's role in the family was to predict the family's future through her dreams, which became the sole authority in the house.
A.
Comic
B.
Tragic
C.
Romantic
D.
Mystery
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The introduction mentions comic, tragic, romantic, and satiric as plot forms, but not mystery.
A.
She was a musician
B.
She sold her dreams
C.
She was a teacher
D.
She was a writer
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Frau Frieda claimed that her trade was selling her dreams.
A.
It was a family heirloom passed down for generations.
B.
It was a unique ring that linked her to a past acquaintance of the narrator.
C.
It was a symbol of her wealth and status.
D.
It was a gift from the Portuguese ambassador.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The snake ring with emerald eyes was significant because it reminded the narrator of an unforgettable woman he met in Vienna, who wore a similar ring.
A.
Scientific exploration and innovation
B.
Violence, solitude, and the overwhelming human need for love
C.
Political intrigue and espionage
D.
Technological advancements and futuristic settings
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works often explore themes of violence, solitude, and the overwhelming human need for love.
A.
dream on
B.
sell-out
C.
seller's market
D.
selling price
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The phrase 'dream on' is listed under the vocabulary section for 'dream'.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The excerpt states that a short story is a prose narrative of limited length, and the longer ones fall between the tautness of the short narrative and the expansiveness of the novel.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The protagonist took Frau Frieda's warning seriously and never returned to Vienna.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt states that Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works are rich and lucid, mixing reality with fantasy.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Pablo Neruda expressed his belief that only poetry is clairvoyant, dismissing the idea of prophetic dreams.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The excerpt mentions the narrator could not find out on which finger the woman wore the snake ring.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The wave was described as being like an explosion of dynamite that sowed panic on all twenty floors of the building.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The position of a word, phrase, or idea within a sentence usually indicates the emphasis it receives. Generally, the most emphatic place in the sentence is its end.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The woman found in the car was identified as the housekeeper for the new Portuguese ambassador and his wife.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was brought up by his grandparents in Northern Columbia.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
A short story is a prose narrative of limited length, distinct from the expansiveness of a novel.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The most emphatic part of a sentence is usually at the end, followed by the beginning, and the least emphatic is the middle.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The wave is described as causing panic and destruction similar to an explosion, emphasizing its intensity.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works, including the story 'I Sell My Dreams', are known for their rich mix of reality and fantasy, characteristic of Latin American magical realism.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Pablo Neruda did not believe in prophetic dreams, asserting that only poetry is clairvoyant.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is widely regarded as a master of Latin American magical realism, blending fantasy with reality in his narratives.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Frau Frieda was born in Colombia and moved to Austria as a child to study music and voice.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt mentions that Pablo Neruda announced he did not believe in prophetic dreams.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Pablo Neruda did not believe in prophetic dreams, stating that only poetry is clairvoyant.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Frau Frieda was known for her prophetic dreams, which she used to predict the future for the family she lived with in Vienna.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt states that the term 'short story' covers a great diversity of prose fiction, right from the really short 'short story' of about five hundred words.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The author expresses skepticism about Frau Frieda's dreams, suggesting they were more of a survival tactic than true prophecies.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The most emphatic position in a sentence is usually at the end, not the beginning.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The protagonist was so influenced by Frau Frieda's warning that he never returned to Vienna.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is widely considered the greatest living Latin American master of narrative and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The term 'short story' covers a range of prose fiction, including very short stories of about five hundred words.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
During the war years, Frau Frieda's predictions became the sole authority in the household where she worked.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
A short story is a prose narrative of limited length and can cover a great diversity of themes, including fantasy, reality, alienation, and personal choice.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The plot of a short story can take various forms, including comic, tragic, romantic, or satiric.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The excerpt states that Gabriel Garcia Marquez was brought up by his grandparents in Northern Columbia because his parents were poor and struggling.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The term 'short story' covers a great diversity of prose fiction, from the really short 'short story' of about five hundred words to longer and more complex works.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
While Frau Frieda's dreams were influential, they were sometimes seen as a stratagem for surviving, indicating that their accuracy could be questioned.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The position of a word, phrase, or idea within a sentence usually indicates the emphasis it receives. The most emphatic place in the sentence is its end, followed by its beginning, and the least emphatic is the middle.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The position of words and phrases within a sentence affects the emphasis they receive, with the end of the sentence being the most emphatic position.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The plot form of a short story may be comic, tragic, romantic, or satiric, as mentioned in the introduction to short stories.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Frau Frieda's unique ability was to interpret dreams, which she used as her means of living.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The story describes a massive wave that embedded a car into the side of the hotel.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The ring worn by the woman found in the car was described as a gold ring shaped like a serpent with emerald eyes.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Frau Frieda's control over the family was absolute as her predictions dictated what each family member should do each day.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Neruda is quoted in the story as saying 'Only poetry is clairvoyant,' indicating his disbelief in prophetic dreams.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The narrator believed that Frau Frieda's dreams were no more than a stratagem for surviving.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The most emphatic place in a sentence is its end, followed by the beginning, with the middle being the least emphatic.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The story reflects Gabriel Garcia Marquez's style, which mixes reality with fantasy, characteristic of magical realism.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is widely recognized for his contributions to Latin American magical realism.