The Lamp at Noon by Sinclair Ross
Class activities, discussion, and writing tasks. Take your own notes independently as you discuss the questions. Be ready to present your ideas to the class.
1. Read the first two paragraphs once more. How does the description of the wind establish an atmosphere and what is that atmosphere? Look specifically at the verbs and adjectives used. Look up their meanings. How would you categorize these words? What does this imply?
2. Look at all the descriptive language referring to the dust storm. Find SIX examples of descriptive diction. How does this description affect the atmosphere?
3. What does Ellen worry about before Paul returns for the noon meal? What parallels can you find between the “two” winds and the young couple? What is the basic conflict? What does the wind represent?
4. Why does Paul retreat to the barn?
5. The house does not provide what Ellen needs. How does she want to feel about her house? How does she feel about the house? How is this ironic?
6. When Paul finds Ellen she is “crouched down against a drift of sand as if for shelter.” Identify and analyse the simile. What has Ellen been seeking? Why is the last line ironic?
7. What does the lamp symbolize?
The Lamp at Noon by Sinclair Ross
Class activities, discussion, and writing tasks. Take your own notes independently as you discuss the questions. Be ready to present your ideas to the class.
1. Read the first two paragraphs once more. How does the description of the wind establish an atmosphere and what is that atmosphere? Look specifically at the verbs and adjectives used. Look up their meanings. How would you categorize these words? What does this imply?
2. Look at all the descriptive language referring to the dust storm. Find SIX examples of diction. How does this description affect the atmosphere?
3. What does Ellen worry about before Paul returns for the noon meal? What parallels can you find between the “two” winds and the young couple? What is the basic conflict? What does the wind represent?
4. Why does Paul retreat to the barn?
5. The house does not provide what Ellen needs. How does she want to feel about her house? How does she feel about the house? How is this ironic?
6. When Paul finds Ellen she is “crouched down against a drift of sand as if for shelter.” Identify and analyse the simile. What has Ellen been seeking? Why is the last line ironic?
7. What does the lamp symbolize?
“The Lamp at Noon” Vocabulary
Page 73
Wizened - withered; shriveled
Muslin - a cotton fabric made in various degrees of fineness and often printed, woven, or embroidered in patterns, esp. a cotton fabric of plain weave, used for sheets and for a variety of other purposes
Parched - To make extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat
Page 74
Aloof - at a distance, esp. in feeling or interest; apart
Assailed - To attack with or as if with violent blows; assault
Haggard - having a gaunt, wasted, or exhausted appearance, as from prolonged suffering, exertion, or anxiety; worn
Page 75
Dubiously - doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
Virility - the state or quality of being virile; manly character, vigor, or spirit; masculinity
Indignation - strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger
Page 76
Contemptuous - the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn
Pauper - a person without any means of support, esp. a destitute person who depends on aid from public welfare funds or charity
Page 77
Disdain - to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn
Page 78
Smock - a loose, lightweight over garment worn to protect the clothing while working
Stupor - suspension or great diminution of sensibility, as in disease or as caused by narcotics, intoxicants, etc.
Contentious - tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome
Tenacity - holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold
Ebbing - To fall away or back; decline or recede
Gelding - a castrated male animal, esp. a horse
Page 79
Forelocks - A lock of hair that grows from or falls on the forehead, especially the part of a horse's mane that falls forward between the ears
Page 80
Scourge - a whip or lash, esp. for the infliction of punishment or torture
Sheathed - A case for a blade, as of a sword
Page 81 Wan - of an unnatural or sickly pallor; pallid; lacking color