Students’ Questions about Literature

The frame narrative of The Canterbury Tales is set up as a story within a story. The narrator, Chaucer, is on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral with a group of other pilgrims. As they travel, they take turns telling stories to pass the time.

One reason the Scarlet Letter is banned is because it is set in Puritan society, which some people find controversial. Additionally, the book deals with themes of adultery and sin, which some people believe are inappropriate for young readers.

The conflict in Diary of a Wimpy Kid is that Greg is trying to figure out how to be popular in middle school.

The ducks symbolize Holden’s innocence and desire for companionship. He is fascinated by them and their simple way of life.

Pearl is the daughter of Hester Prynne, the protagonist of the novel. She is a symbol of Hester’s sin, and her name reflects her role in the novel.

The title character, Faust, sells his soul to the devil because he is discontented with his life and wishes to experience more.

Voltaire’s novel Candide is a satire on the optimism of the philosopher Leibniz. The novel has been praised for its wit and humor.

Cyrano de Bergerac was a French dramatist, duellist, and poet. He is best known for his innovative and controversial plays.

The forest is a symbol of freedom and isolation. It is a place where people can go to escape the judgement of society.

The Communist Manifesto had a profound and long-lasting impact on the history of the twentieth century. The Manifesto popularized the idea of socialism, which was then adopted by many different political parties across the world.