Literary Concepts: Poetic Justice & Point of View

Questions and Answers

What literary device is exemplified by the phrase 'the leaf spun to the ground like a descending helicopter'?

Alliteration

Metaphor

Simile (correct)

Personification

Which of the following best defines a 'symbol' in literature?

An action that foreshadows future events

A character's internal conflict

A plot twist that surprises the reader

A person or object representing a deeper meaning (correct)

In the example, 'the girl cast a lonely thin shadow on the gray brick wall', what literary element primarily conveys the author's attitude?

Tone (correct)

Characterization

Setting

Theme

What is the primary purpose of using repetition in writing?

To create rhythm or emphasize an idea Signup and view all the answers

The character Bobby's grandmother is described engaging in boxing, which best illustrates what literary concept?

Reverse Stereotype Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the difference between 'plot' and 'theme'?

Plot is the narrative structure, while theme reveals deeper meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an understatement?

I have a tiny little problem with my car's engine. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'trait' refer to in character analysis?

A word describing a character's personality with evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is a pun considered a humorous literary device?

It uses words that sound alike to suggest multiple meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates the concept of setting?

The story unfolds in a bustling modern city after dusk. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of poetic justice in children's literature?

A lazy character suffers due to their choices Signup and view all the answers

In which point of view is the narrator part of the story?

First Person Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an omniscient narrator?

Uses only one character's perspective Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples is a portmanteau word?

Smog Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a portmanteau word from a compound word?

Compound words maintain the full forms of both words Signup and view all the answers

The term 'portmanteau word' was coined by which author?

Lewis Carroll Signup and view all the answers

Which point of view allows the narrator to get inside characters' heads?

Omniscient Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the wolf in the story of 'The Three Little Pigs'?

The wolf is punished for his actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a pun?

A humorous use of a word with multiple meanings Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates a simile?

He was as mad as a hornet. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'setting' refer to in a story?

The time and place of the narrative Signup and view all the answers

Which statement represents a stereotype?

The old woman sat in a rocking chair with gray hair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of repetition in writing?

To create rhythm or emphasize an idea Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between plot and theme?

Plot describes what happens; theme explains its significance. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an understatement?

She is a little tired after running a marathon. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tone' refer to in literature?

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

Which of the following best represents a symbol in a story?

A basketball representing summer fun Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of poetic justice?

Good is rewarded and evil is punished. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a reverse stereotype?

It depicts a character opposite to typical assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

In which narrative point of view does the narrator participate in the story?

First Person Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes a portmanteau word?

A word formed by eliminating letters from two overlapping words. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of poetic justice?

The lazy character suffers due to their inaction. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the omniscient point of view from the other types?

It provides knowledge of characters' thoughts and feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demonstrates the definition of a compound word?

Basket + ball = basketball Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'portmanteau word'?

Lewis Carroll Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words is NOT a portmanteau word?

Table Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the third-person narrative style?

Focuses on multiple characters but does not reveal thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

What element is commonly found in stories using poetic justice?

Moral resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme explored in H.G. Wells' The Time Machine?

The critique of utopian ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which two groups represent the division of humanity in The Time Machine?

Morlocks and Eloi Signup and view all the answers

What literary concept is examined through Wells' portrayal of the Morlocks?

Class struggle Signup and view all the answers

Kipling’s Just So Stories primarily appeal to which audience?

Children Signup and view all the answers

What significant stance does Wells take regarding the impact of technology on humanity?

It leads to human complacency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Eloi as depicted in The Time Machine?

They are docile and uninvolved. Signup and view all the answers

In which year is The Time Machine set?

802701 Signup and view all the answers

What literary style is primarily associated with H.G. Wells?

Science Fiction Signup and view all the answers

What social critique is implied in H.G. Wells’ exploration of class divisions?

Extremes of class can lead to societal collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism has been directed at Kipling's literary reputation?

Allegations of vulgarity and jingoism Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of Kipling's use of language in his poems?

It utilizes colloquial dialect and accent. Signup and view all the answers

How does George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion address social class through language?

By emphasizing Eliza's Cockney dialect and her subsequent transformation. Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique is utilized by Wilfred Owen in 'Dulce et Decorum Est'?

Gritty realism combined with a sense of compassion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'O best beloved' in Kipling's Just So Stories?

It shows the stories are designed to be read aloud. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Virginia Woolf's writing in Mrs Dalloway is particularly innovative?

Exploration of stream of consciousness technique. Signup and view all the answers

How does Conan Doyle establish the atmosphere in 'The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter'?

By describing a 'gloomy February morning'. Signup and view all the answers

What does the title 'Dulce et Decorum Est' convey in relation to the poem's themes?

The irony of the consequences of warfare. Signup and view all the answers

In Pygmalion, what does Eliza's character transformation signify?

The ability to change one's social status through education. Signup and view all the answers

What role does military life play in Kipling's short stories?

It serves as a source of inspiration behind many of his narratives. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Wilfred Owen primarily express in 'Dulce et Decorum Est'?

Despair at the loss of humanity due to war. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poetic Justice

Defined as an outcome where good is rewarded and evil is punished.
Illustrative examples include:
- The wolf boiled in the pot at the end of "Three Little Pigs."
- Cinderella marrying the handsome prince.
- The lazy grasshopper facing a hungry winter due to lack of hard work, unlike the ant.

Point of View

Perspective from which a story is told, encompassing three main forms:
- First Person: Uses "I" and "me"; narrator is part of the story.
- Third Person: Uses "he" and "she"; narrator describes characters' actions without personal involvement.
- Omniscient: A third-person narrative that offers insight into characters' thoughts and feelings.

Portmanteau Word

A term that combines two real words with some letters omitted to form a new word.
Notable examples include:
- "Smog" from fog + smoke.
- "Drizzle" from drip + sizzle.
- "Horrendous" from horrid + tremendous.
The term was coined by Lewis Carroll, famous for "Alice in Wonderland."
Common brand names like Gogurt (go + yogurt) are also portmanteaus.
Differentiated from compound words, which do not omit letters.

Pun

A humorous use of a word or phrase with multiple meanings or similar-sounding words.
Examples include:
- "If you really want to keep warm, try bear skin," plays on "bare skin."
- "Why is it easy for an elephant to travel? He can carry his own trunk."

Repetition

Used by authors to create rhythm, suspense, or emphasize ideas through frequent word or phrase repetition.
Example: "It was all gone. Burned to ashes. He had no clothing, no blankets, no bow, no hatchet, no map. It was all gone."

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.
Setting can be as simple as "present day" or historical contexts.

Simile

A figurative comparison between two unlike things utilizing "like," "as," or "than."
Examples include:
- "The leaf spun to the ground like a descending helicopter."
- "He was more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Stereotype/Reverse Stereotype

Stereotype: Fixed portrayal of a person (e.g., an old woman with gray hair and a cane).
Reverse Stereotype: A portrayal that contrasts commonly held beliefs (e.g., Bobby's grandmother as a boxing fighter).

Symbol

Represents deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.
Example: A basketball seen by a boy symbolizes summer memories.

Theme

The underlying meaning of a story relating to human nature.
Distinction between plot (what happens) and theme (what it means), e.g., "war is useless" as a theme from a soldier's battle.

Tone

The author's attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice and details.
Example: A lonely girl’s shadow illustrates pity compared to classmates playing in the fields.

Trait

A descriptor of a character's personality, supported by evidence from the narrative.
Example: Beatrice's patience with her sister is evidenced by her calm interactions despite Ramona's stubbornness.

Understatement

Presenting something as less significant than it is.
Example: Mr. Brumble's comment on identical test papers indicates a serious issue, yet it's framed as a "little problem."

Poetic Justice

Defined as an outcome where good is rewarded and evil is punished.
Illustrative examples include:
- The wolf boiled in the pot at the end of "Three Little Pigs."
- Cinderella marrying the handsome prince.
- The lazy grasshopper facing a hungry winter due to lack of hard work, unlike the ant.

Point of View

Perspective from which a story is told, encompassing three main forms:
- First Person: Uses "I" and "me"; narrator is part of the story.
- Third Person: Uses "he" and "she"; narrator describes characters' actions without personal involvement.
- Omniscient: A third-person narrative that offers insight into characters' thoughts and feelings.

Portmanteau Word

A term that combines two real words with some letters omitted to form a new word.
Notable examples include:
- "Smog" from fog + smoke.
- "Drizzle" from drip + sizzle.
- "Horrendous" from horrid + tremendous.
The term was coined by Lewis Carroll, famous for "Alice in Wonderland."
Common brand names like Gogurt (go + yogurt) are also portmanteaus.
Differentiated from compound words, which do not omit letters.

Pun

A humorous use of a word or phrase with multiple meanings or similar-sounding words.
Examples include:
- "If you really want to keep warm, try bear skin," plays on "bare skin."
- "Why is it easy for an elephant to travel? He can carry his own trunk."

Repetition

Used by authors to create rhythm, suspense, or emphasize ideas through frequent word or phrase repetition.
Example: "It was all gone. Burned to ashes. He had no clothing, no blankets, no bow, no hatchet, no map. It was all gone."

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.
Setting can be as simple as "present day" or historical contexts.

Simile

A figurative comparison between two unlike things utilizing "like," "as," or "than."
Examples include:
- "The leaf spun to the ground like a descending helicopter."
- "He was more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Stereotype/Reverse Stereotype

Stereotype: Fixed portrayal of a person (e.g., an old woman with gray hair and a cane).
Reverse Stereotype: A portrayal that contrasts commonly held beliefs (e.g., Bobby's grandmother as a boxing fighter).

Symbol

Represents deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.
Example: A basketball seen by a boy symbolizes summer memories.

Theme

The underlying meaning of a story relating to human nature.
Distinction between plot (what happens) and theme (what it means), e.g., "war is useless" as a theme from a soldier's battle.

Tone

The author's attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice and details.
Example: A lonely girl’s shadow illustrates pity compared to classmates playing in the fields.

Trait

A descriptor of a character's personality, supported by evidence from the narrative.
Example: Beatrice's patience with her sister is evidenced by her calm interactions despite Ramona's stubbornness.

Understatement

Presenting something as less significant than it is.
Example: Mr. Brumble's comment on identical test papers indicates a serious issue, yet it's framed as a "little problem."

H.G. Wells, The Time Machine

Publication Year: 1895; marked the beginning of Wells' exploration into science fiction.
Setting: Year 802,701; presents a society divided into the Morlocks (subterranean workers) and the Eloi (decadent surface dwellers).
Themes: Critique of utopian ideas, exploration of class divisions and the impact of technology on humanity.
Influence: Established patterns for later critiques of class in literature and film, influencing works like Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Orwell's 1984.
Technological Speculation: Suggests that reliance on technology leads to a passive human race, dependent on an oppressed worker class.
Historical Reflection: Deleted drafts show interest in historical roots for the division between humanity’s two forms.

Rudyard Kipling, Just So Stories

Publication Year: 1902; showcases Kipling's imaginative storytelling for children.
Reputation: Recognized as an unofficial laureate of the British Empire; later criticized for perceived vulgarity and jingoism.
Writing Style: Notable use of colloquial dialect and inventive language, reflecting not just storytelling but also linguistic tradition.
Reader Engagement: Direct address through phrases like "O best beloved," suggests stories intended for oral narration.
Background: Kipling's experience as a journalist in India greatly influenced his narrative style and themes.

Sherlock Holmes Manuscript

Character Creation: Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is celebrated for his astute analytical abilities and detective skills.
Famous Story: "The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter," first published in 1904.
Setting: Begins with a mysterious telegram delivered to Holmes at 221B Baker St, starting a captivating mystery.

George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion

Publication Year: Written in 1913 and opened in 1914; examines the dynamics between Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle.
Social Commentary: Addresses early 20th-century views on language and class, portrayed through Eliza's transformation.
Unique Dialogue: Shaw’s handwritten notes enhance realism; shows Eliza’s Cockney dialect contrasted with her refined speech.
Themes of Identity: Explores how language mastery influences societal perceptions, depicting Eliza’s struggle with identity post-transformation.

Wilfred Owen, Dulce et Decorum Est

Written During: 1917-1918, by Owen while serving as a soldier in WWI.
Content: Harrowing depiction of a mustard gas attack, encapsulating the grim realities and futility of war.
Literary Techniques: Merges gritty realism with compassionate imagery; notable phrases evoke both horror and disillusionment.
Irony of Title: Title translates from Horace's Odes, challenging the notion of patriotic duty, underscoring war's brutal reality.

Virginia Woolf, Mrs Dalloway

Publication Year: First published in 1925; exemplifies Woolf's innovative and experimental writing.
Writing Technique: Utilizes 'stream of consciousness' to express characters' inner experiences and emotions.
Style: Aims to immerse readers in characters' thoughts, enhancing understanding of plot and motivation.
Literary Importance: Recognized as a pivotal work in modernist literature, showcasing Woolf's exploration of time and psychological depth.

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Description

Explore key literary concepts such as poetic justice, point of view, and portmanteau words. This quiz will challenge your understanding of narrative techniques and language play exemplified in literature. Test your knowledge on how these elements shape storytelling and meaning.