Essay Questions

What is the psychological implication of: “ Tapka get Clonchik”? (“Tapka”)

The sentence gives a picture of the efficacy of Classic Conditioning because, “without fail, Tapka got Clonchik.” Tapka has been classically conditioned to construe the words as a command to go in pursuit of the Clonchik.

What type of learning does Mark go through during his first spring in Canada? (“Tapka”)

Mark explains , “By the end of May I could sing the ABC song. Television taught me to say “What’s up, Doc?” and “superduper.” The playground introduced me to “shithead,” “mental case,” and “gaylord,” and I sought every opportunity to apply my new knowledge.”Mark’s learning progress would be categorized as Observational Learning. Mark’s capabilities of singing and articulating English words are credited to observation and listening to others.

What conclusion can be drawn from the last paragraph of “Tapka”? (Apply Lacanian Psychoanalysis)

In the resolution of “Tapka”, “The swaying replied: There is reality and then there is truth. The reality is that Tapka will live. But let’s be honest, the truth is you killed Tapka. Look at Rita; look at Misha. You see, who are you kidding? You killed Tapka and you will never be forgiven.” The swaying’s replies (which are personified) are ambivalent towards Mark’s assertion that Tapka would survive. The resolution demonstrates that Mark’s unconscious is tormenting him for contributing to Tapka’s accident. The ‘reality’ , according to Lacanian Theory, refers to the Symbolic Order (which comprises of the material repercussions) that will follow after the accident. In as much as Mark’s Imaginary Order ( which gives him the illusion that Tapka will survive and their relationship will not be impacted adversely) cajoles him to overlook the ramifications of Tapka’s accident, the Symbolic Order makes him conscious of the likelihood of a crumbled relationship between him and the Nahummovskys’ after that incident whether Tapka makes it alive or not.

Compare the status of the apple cake when Roman’s arrive at Kornblum’s house and when they leave the house. What is the significance of the difference? (“Roman Berman, Massage Therapist”)

The narrator writes, upon arrival at the Kornblum’ the cake is warm. However, later after concluding the visit, the narrator realizes that the cake is cold. Evidently, the temperature of the cake changes from warm to cold. Figuratively, the change in temperature denotes the family’s outlooks about their fate. The rejection of the cake triggers detached pessimism which casts doubt on the odds of prospering in Canada.

What does the lines: “ We needed luck and were susceptible to the wildest irrationality. Rightly or wrongly, the cake was now tainted. My mother handed it to me and pointed down the street toward a Dumpster” communicate about mindsets? (“Roman Berman, Massage Therapist”)

The lines denote the resolution of “Roman Berman, Massage Therapist”. The lines make it blatant that superstitions impact the initiation of mindsets. The superstition relating to the correlation between a rejected cake and bad luck triggers the narrator’s mother’s decision to dispose of the cake that cost so much to prepare. The narrator abides by his mother’s order. The narrator’s parents condition his mindset by proving to him that success intersects with superstition and luck, which is an object lesson that the narrator will espouse all his life.