Question 1: What does the flickering candle symbolize in the passage?

Answer: Hope amidst despair

Question 2: Describe how the author uses imagery to emphasize the theme of resilience.

Answer: The imagery of the flickering candle and the shadows dancing highlight resilience by symbolizing hope and strength in dark times.

Question 3: Identify one literary device used in the passage and explain its effect.

Answer: Symbolism; it emphasizes hope as a fragile but persistent force.

Question 4: Which words in the passage suggest a sense of mystery or secrecy?

Answer: Shadowed corridors, whispering secrets, silent stories

Question 5: Why do you think the author chose a candle as a symbol in this story?

Answer: Because a candle represents light in darkness, hope, and fragile resilience.

Question 6: How does the setting contribute to the overall mood of the passage?

Answer: The old mansion, shadows, and wind create a mysterious, somber mood that emphasizes themes of memory and hope.

Question 7: Identify and explain the significance of the phrase 'beacon for the few.'

Answer: It suggests that the candle’s light offers guidance and hope to those who seek it, symbolizing resilience and illumination.

Question 8: Based on the passage, discuss how symbolism enhances the story’s theme.

Answer: Symbolism enhances the story's theme by providing a deeper layer of meaning; the candle as a symbol of hope illustrates how even the smallest light can make a significant difference in dark circumstances, emphasizing resilience and the enduring power of hope.