Introduction to Literature Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the genre of literature that includes fiction, drama, and poetry?

Fantasy

Romance

Genre (correct)

Non-fiction

What is a theme in literature?

Central or dominant idea made concrete by details in the work.

What defines a conventional theme?

A theme that has occurred frequently over the years.

What does the literary canon refer to?

Group of significant literary works Signup and view all the answers

What is a plot?

Arrangement of events in a story. Signup and view all the answers

Who is defined as the protagonist?

The principal character in a work of fiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an antagonist?

Character in conflict with the protagonist. Signup and view all the answers

What is exposition in a plot?

First stage where information about characters or setting is presented. Signup and view all the answers

What does a crisis represent in a story?

Peak in the story's action. Signup and view all the answers

What is climax in literature?

Point of greatest tension or importance. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the resolution/denouement?

Final stage where action comes to an end. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'deus ex machina' refer to?

Improbable resolution of a plot involving an outside intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'in medias res' mean?

Beginning a story in the middle of the action. Signup and view all the answers

What is a flashback?

Presentation of an event that occurred before the current story's action. Signup and view all the answers

What does foreshadowing mean?

Presentation of details that seem unimportant but reveal significance later. Signup and view all the answers

What is a character in literature?

Fictional representation of a person. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a round character?

Well-developed character responsive to actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a flat character?

Static, stereotypical character. Signup and view all the answers

What is a foil in literature?

Minor character that highlights the main character by contrast. Signup and view all the answers

What is a stock character?

Stereotypical character that behaves consistently. Signup and view all the answers

What is a caricature?

Stock character with a dominant trait. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a dynamic character?

Character who grows and changes throughout the story. Signup and view all the answers

What is a static character?

Character who remains unchanged during the story. Signup and view all the answers

What is motivation in literature?

Reasons behind a character's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does setting refer to?

Background against which the action takes place. Signup and view all the answers

What is atmosphere in literature?

Tone or mood established by setting and language. Signup and view all the answers

What does mood refer to in a literary work?

Atmosphere created by elements like setting and tone. Signup and view all the answers

What is point of view?

Perspective from which a story is told. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the narrator?

Person who tells the story. Signup and view all the answers

What does persona mean in literature?

Narrator created by the writer to tell a story. Signup and view all the answers

What is irony?

Literary device relying on contrasting levels of meaning or experience. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Terms and Concepts

Genre: A category of literature that includes fiction, drama, and poetry, with subgenres such as novels, farces, and lyric poems.
Theme: The central or dominant idea within a literary work, articulated through its details and emphasis.
Conventional Theme: Recurring themes throughout literature, such as the loss of innocence.
Literary Canon: A collection of significant literary works recognized by critics and teachers, with ongoing efforts to diversify it by including works from women and writers of color.

Plot Structure

Plot: The arrangement of events in a story, featuring primary plots and subplots; typically follows a rising action, climax, and resolution.
Exposition: The initial stage of a plot that introduces characters and setting, essential for understanding the story.
Crisis: The peak of action in a story, leading towards the climax.
Climax: The moment of highest tension or importance in a narrative where crucial action occurs.
Resolution/Denouement: The final stage of the plot where the story concludes and loose ends are resolved.

Literary Devices

Deus Ex Machina: An improbable plot resolution involving an external force or agent.
In Medias Res: A narrative technique that starts the story in the midst of action to capture interest.
Flashback: A storytelling method that revisits events from the past interrupting the current narrative timeline.
Foreshadowing: Early presentation of elements that appear insignificant but gain meaning later in the story.

Characterization

Character: A fictional representation of a person, not always realistic.
Round Character: A well-developed character that is deeply involved in the story's action.
Flat Character: A static and stereotypical character lacking depth.
Foil: A minor character that contrasts with a main character, highlighting specific traits.
Stock Character: A recognizable and consistently behaving character type.
Caricature: An exaggerated stock character defined by a dominant trait.
Dynamic Character: A character that undergoes significant growth or change during the story.
Static Character: A character that does not change throughout the narrative.

Setting and Atmosphere

Setting: The backdrop of a story, including historical time, place, season, time of day, and weather.
Atmosphere: The tone or emotional aura of a literary work, often influenced by setting and language.
Mood: The overall emotional environment created by various elements including setting, characterization, and tone.

Narrative Techniques

Point of View: The perspective from which a story is told, including first-person or third-person narration, with variations in knowledge (omniscient or limited).
Narrator: The individual responsible for telling the story.
Persona: The narrator created by the writer, akin to a mask in Greek tragedy.

Irony

Irony: A literary device that introduces contrasting meanings or experiences. It includes:
- Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows more than the protagonist.
- Situational Irony: When the actual outcome differs from what was expected.
- Verbal Irony: When spoken words contrast with their intended meaning.

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Description

Test your knowledge of literary terms with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential concepts such as genre and theme, providing definitions and explanations for better understanding. Ideal for anyone studying literature, whether in class or independently.