Anticipating the Future through Texts: Visions — Cumulative exam

Question 45 • Hopkins FA American Literature (2026-2027)

Which excerpt is part of the exposition of “The Snow-Queen”?

Answer

Kay and Gerda were looking at one of their picture-books—the clock in the great church-tower had just struck five, when Kay exclaimed, “Oh! something has stung my heart, and I've got something in my eye!”

In the winter they could not do this, but then they put hot pennies against the frozen window-panes, and made round holes to look at each other through.

His little sledge hung on fast, and it went on like the wind.Then he cried out, but nobody heard him. He was dreadfully frightened.

“Look in the glass, Gerda! Just see how regular they are! They are much more interesting than real flowers. Each is perfect; they are all made according to rule. If only they did not melt!”

Explanation

Exposition introduces the characters and their ordinary lives before the main conflict begins. The detail about Kay and Gerda looking through holes in the frozen window-panes shows their childhood closeness and winter routine. The other excerpts describe events after the story’s conflict starts, such as Kay being struck by something in his eye or being carried away on a sledge.

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