Elements of Fiction & Literary Lenses Review

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'oxymoron' refer to in literature?

A form of understatement that belittles something.

A type of irony that expresses a situation contrary to expected outcomes.

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. (correct)

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Which type of literary analysis focuses on class struggles and economic power dynamics?

Marxist Lens (correct)

Feminist Lens

Psychoanalytical Lens

Historical Lens

What is the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization?

Direct characterization can only be found in first-person narratives, while indirect characterization is present in third-person narratives.

Direct characterization shows a character's traits through dialogue, while indirect characterization explicitly states them.

Direct characterization explicitly describes a character, while indirect characterization reveals traits through actions and dialogue. (correct)

Direct characterization involves showing a character's emotions, while indirect characterization involves telling them.

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'satire'?

A comedic play that mocks societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

In literature, what is meant by the term 'tone'?

The author's attitude toward the subject matter. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of internal conflict in literature?

A character deciding whether to tell a painful truth. Signup and view all the answers

How does a psychoanalytical lens analyze literature?

It examines motivations and behaviors based on psychological theories. Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device involves extreme exaggeration?

Hyperbole Signup and view all the answers

What central theme is explored in Emily Dickinson's poem 'Because I Could Not Stop for Death'?

The inevitability of death Signup and view all the answers

Which poet is known for exploring the theme of the powerlessness of death in 'Death Be Not Proud'?

John Donne Signup and view all the answers

In Robert Frost's 'The Road Not Taken,' what theme is primarily addressed?

The consequences of choices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of Walt Whitman's 'I Sit and Look'?

The importance of reflection Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is highlighted in Gwendolyn Brooks' 'We Real Cool'?

The fleeting nature of youth Signup and view all the answers

What theme does Shakespeare explore in 'Sonnet 18'?

The enduring nature of love Signup and view all the answers

In 'Fire & Ice' by Robert Frost, what duality is investigated?

Desire and hatred Signup and view all the answers

What theme is addressed in Edna St. Vincent Millay's 'What Lips My Lips Have Kissed and Where and Why'?

The transient nature of love Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mortality does John Milton's 'Sonnet CIV' primarily explore?

The beauty found in fleeting moments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poets is associated with the theme of gratitude in 'An Ode We Owe'?

Various poets Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a character's excessive pride leading to their downfall?

Hubris Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device involves giving human traits to non-human elements?

Personification Signup and view all the answers

What is implied information that is suggested but not directly stated called?

Implicit Signup and view all the answers

In poetry, which device refers to a comparison using 'like' or 'as'?

Simile Signup and view all the answers

What is the rhyme scheme typically found in a Shakespearean sonnet?

ABABCDCDEFEFGG Signup and view all the answers

Which type of conflict involves a character struggling against nature?

Man vs. Nature Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the central idea or message in a work of literature?

Theme Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'anagnorisis' in a tragedy?

A moment of critical discovery Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of enjambment in poetry?

To continue a sentence without a pause Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words?

Alliteration Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'catharsis' refer to in Aristotle’s definition of tragedy?

Emotional release for the audience Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the overall theme of a poem through the author's attitude?

Tone Signup and view all the answers

Which poetic device is characterized by exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally?

Hyperbole Signup and view all the answers

What is a motif in literature?

A recurring element with symbolic significance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Part 1: Elements of Fiction Review & Literary Lenses

Literary Devices:
- Symbolism: Using symbols to represent ideas (e.g., a dove symbolizes peace).
- Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").
- Meiosis: Understatement to belittle or dismiss (e.g., calling a huge storm "a bit of rain").
- Contradictions: Statements that oppose themselves (e.g., "I can resist anything but temptation").
- Oxymoron: Combining contradictory terms (e.g., "deafening silence").
- Tone: Author's attitude (e.g., sarcastic, serious, playful).
- Mood: Emotional atmosphere (e.g., cheerful, somber, tense).
Humor Types:
- Satire: Using humor to criticize or mock (e.g., "The Daily Show").
- Comic Irony: Unexpected opposite of what's expected, often humorous (e.g., a fire station burning down).
Characterization Types:
- Direct Characterization: Author explicitly describes a character (e.g., "She was a kind and gentle woman").
- Indirect Characterization: Author shows a character's personality through actions, thoughts, and dialogue (e.g., "He clenched his fists and glared at the ground").
Literary Lenses:
- Psychoanalytical: Analyzing characters based on Freud's ideas (Id, Ego, Superego).
- Feminist (Gender): Examining literature through gender dynamics and women's roles.
- Marxist: Analyzing class struggles and economic power dynamics.
- Historical: Considering the historical context of the work.
Conflict Types:
- Internal Conflict: Within a character's mind (e.g., feeling guilty).
- External Conflict: Between a character and an outside force (e.g., fighting against societal norms).
- Man vs. Man: Conflict between characters (e.g., rivalry).
- Man vs. Self: Character's internal struggle (e.g., deciding to tell a truth).
- Man vs. God: Conflict with a divine entity (e.g., questioning faith).
- Man vs. Fate: Struggle against destiny (e.g., trying to change future).
- Man vs. Nature: Conflict with natural forces (e.g., surviving a hurricane).
Making Inferences:
- Implicit: Suggested but not directly stated (e.g., sadness inferred from actions).
- Explicit: Clearly stated (e.g., "She was sad").

Part 2: Antigone

Analyze key quotes, literary devices, and lenses (including Freud).
Identify conflict types (man vs. man, man vs. self, etc.).
Make inferences using implicit and explicit information.

Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy

Hamartia: Tragic flaw causing a hero's downfall.
Peripeteia: Reversal of fortune.
Hubris: Excessive pride leading to downfall.
Anagnorisis: Moment of critical discovery.
Catharsis: Emotional release for the audience.
Nemesis: Retribution or punishment for actions.

Part 3: Poetry

Identify different poetic forms (e.g., sonnets).
Understand poetic devices (e.g., metaphor, simile, imagery).
Analyze tone, mood, and themes.
Identify rhyme scheme and meter.
Connect poetic devices to meaning in paragraphs.
Craft theme statements (author, title, claim, reasoning, evidence).

Poetry Exam Study Guide - Section 1

Motif: Recurring element with symbolic significance (e.g., light and darkness in "Romeo and Juliet").
Theme: Central idea or message (e.g., friendship in "The Great Gatsby").
Tone: Author's attitude (e.g., reflective in "The Road Not Taken").
Mood: Emotional feeling evoked (e.g., eerie in "The Raven").
Stanza: Grouped lines in a poem (e.g., quatrain).
Rhyme Scheme: Pattern of rhymes (e.g., ABABCDCDEFEFGG in a Shakespearean sonnet).
Enjambment: Continuation of a sentence beyond a line break.
Diction: Word choice and style.
Connotation: Implied meaning of a word (e.g., warmth and comfort associated with "home").
Denotation: Literal meaning of a word (e.g., "snake" is a legless reptile).
Imagery: Descriptive language appealing to the senses.
Simile: Comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile was as bright as the sun").
Metaphor: Direct comparison between unlike things (e.g., "Time is a thief").
Personification: Giving human traits to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered").
Apostrophe: Addressing an absent person or object (e.g., "O Death, where is thy sting?").
Symbolism: Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities (e.g., a red rose symbolizes love).
Hyperbole: Exaggerated statement (e.g., "I've told you a million times").
Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "She sells sea shells").
Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds (e.g., "The rain in Spain").
Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "The lumpy, bumpy road").

Poetry Exam Study Guide - Section 2

English Sonnets vs. Italian Sonnets:
- Both have 14 lines and explore themes like love and nature.
- Different rhyme schemes: ABABCDCDEFEFGG (English) vs. ABBAABBA CDCDCD (Italian).

Additional Questions

Mrs. Behrend's Definition of Poetry: Poetry is expressing emotions and ideas rhythmically and metaphorically.
Petrarch: 14th-century Italian poet known for sonnets, especially those for Laura, establishing the Petrarchan form.
Shakespeare: 16th/17th-century English playwright and poet, known for sonnets and plays and exploring human nature.
Device to Meaning Paragraph Example: In "The Road Not Taken," the diverging paths symbolize life's choices, with the speaker's less-travelled path reflecting individuality and the impact of choices.
TPCASTT: Analyzing poems by examining the title, paraphrasing, connotations, attitude, shift, revisiting the title, and identifying theme.

Poetry Exam Study Guide - Section 3

Detailed background information and theme statements for various poems: Includes authors, backgrounds, themes, and topics for poems by Emily Dickinson, John Donne, Walt Whitman, Pablo Neruda, various contemporary poets, Robert Frost, Gwendolyn Brooks, and William Shakespeare.

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Description

Test your understanding of key literary devices and humor types in this quiz. Explore concepts such as symbolism and satire, and learn how tone and mood influence storytelling. Perfect for Literature students looking to strengthen their analytical skills.