Literary Term Analysis: Novels & Novellas

Okay, here are study notes based on the provided list of texts, designed to help with term analysis:

• This material is for use in defining literary terms and providing examples from the listed texts.
• Each text can only be used once in your analysis.

Novels / Novellas

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

• Explores themes of guilt, redemption, and betrayal through the relationship between Amir and Hassan.
• Symbolism is prevalent, such as the kite representing lost innocence and the burden of Amir's past actions.
• The setting of Afghanistan during political upheaval highlights the impact of conflict on personal lives and relationships.

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

• Explores the complexities of female friendship, loss, and memory in the lives of young Black girls in 1970s Brooklyn.
• Poetic language and vivid imagery create a nostalgic and dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing the power of memory.
• Themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of growing up in a marginalized community are central to the narrative.

Nonfiction Essays

“Holding Out for a Hero” by Roxane Gay

• Examines the problematic nature of hero worship and the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals in society.
• Gay uses personal anecdotes and cultural references to illustrate the dangers of blindly idolizing figures without critical analysis.
• Essay critiques the ways in which society often overlooks systemic issues by focusing on individual acts of heroism.

“Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan

• Discusses the various "Englishes" Tan uses, particularly her mother's, and the judgments people make based on language.
• Tan defends her mother's English, highlighting its expressiveness and the depth of their connection through it.
• Explores themes of prejudice, cultural identity, and the power of language to shape perceptions.

“The Death of a Moth” by Annie Dillard

• Dillard reflects on mortality and the natural world through the observation of a moth dying in her room.
• Uses vivid imagery and philosophical musings to contemplate the significance of life and death, even in small creatures.
• Essay explores themes of nature, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

“In Bed” by Joan Didion

• Explores Didion's experiences with migraines.
• Discusses how it has shaped her perspective on life, illness, and the limitations of control.
• Didion challenges societal expectations of productivity and resilience, embracing the reality of her condition.

“Remembering My Childhood on the Continent of Africa” by David Sedaris

• A satirical essay that recounts Sedaris's humorous, fabricated memories of living in Africa as a child.
• Employs irony and exaggeration to critique cultural appropriation and the romanticized views of exotic places.
• Underscores the absurdity of constructing false narratives for personal gain or entertainment.

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

• A satirical essay that proposes the solution to famine in Ireland is to eat the nation's children.
• Uses shocking and absurd rhetoric to critique the British policies that were devastating the Irish population.
• A powerful example of satire as a tool for social and political commentary.

“How It Feels to Be Colored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston

• A personal essay that celebrates Hurston's racial identity and her resilience in the face of discrimination.
• Employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her sense of self-worth and her refusal to be defined solely by her race.
• Explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of living in a segregated society.

“The Condition of Black Life is One of Mourning” by Claudia Rankine

• Explores the pervasive grief and trauma experienced by Black individuals.
• Highlights the impact of systemic racism and police brutality on Black communities.
• Rankine reflects on the emotional toll of constantly witnessing injustice and the struggle for survival.

“Thieves” by Jerald Walker

• Explores the concept of theft, both literal and metaphorical, in the context of race, class, and identity.
• Walker reflects on his childhood experiences with shoplifting.
• Considers how societal expectations and systemic inequalities can lead individuals to take what they believe they are owed.

Short Stories

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

• Focuses on Louise Mallard, a woman who experiences a brief moment of liberation upon hearing of her husband's supposed death.
• Irony is central as Louise dies of disappointment when her husband returns alive, revealing the oppressive nature of her marriage.
• The story critiques the limited roles and expectations placed on women in the late 19th century.

“A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner

• Explores themes of isolation, decay, and the destructive power of the past through the character of Emily Grierson.
• Gothic elements, such as the decaying house and the mysterious death of Homer Barron
• Foreshadowing reveals the dark secrets hidden within Emily's life.

“Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid

• A short story written as a single, unbroken sentence, conveying the instructions and expectations placed on a young girl by her mother.
• Highlights the restrictive gender roles and cultural norms imposed on women in a patriarchal society.
• The form of the story reinforces the relentless and oppressive nature of these expectations.

“Cathedral” by Raymond Carver

• Centers on the narrator's changing perspective as he interacts with Robert, a blind man visiting his wife.
• Symbolism is developed through the act of drawing a cathedral together, representing connection, empathy, and understanding.
• Story explores themes of sight, perception, and the importance of human connection.

“The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Anne Porter

• Explores Granny Weatherall's fragmented memories and experiences as she lies on her deathbed, grappling with past betrayals.
• Stream of consciousness is used to convey Granny's disjointed thoughts and emotions.
• Themes of faith, love, and the acceptance of death are central.

“Bullet in the Brain” by Tobias Wolff

• Explores the transformation of Anders, a literary critic, as he is held at gunpoint and shot in the head.
• Flashback reveals a poignant memory from Anders's childhood, contrasting with his cynical adult persona.
• The story examines the power of memory, the value of human connection, and the unexpected moments of grace in life.

“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker

• Focuses on the conflict between two sisters, Dee (Wangero) and Maggie, over their family's heritage and the meaning of "everyday use."
• Symbolism lies in the quilts that represent different perspectives on cultural identity and the appreciation of one's roots.
• Explores themes of heritage, cultural appropriation, and the importance of honoring one's past.

“To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• A survival story that depicts a man's struggle against the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Yukon wilderness.
• Naturalism is portrayed through the man's inability to overcome the power of nature, despite his efforts.
• Themes of survival, instinct, and the limitations of human knowledge are central to the narrative.

“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut

• A dystopian satire that portrays a society where equality is enforced through handicaps, suppressing individual talents and abilities.
• Symbolism is evident in the handicaps that represent the dangers of forced conformity and the loss of individuality.
• The story critiques the pursuit of absolute equality at the expense of freedom and excellence.

“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Focuses on Delia Jones, a hardworking washerwoman.
• Explores her tumultuous relationship with her abusive husband, Sykes.
• Symbolism is evident in the snake representing Sykes's deceit and the oppressive forces Delia faces.

“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

• Revolves around a seemingly ordinary village that engages in a shocking annual ritual of a lottery.
• Irony and suspense build as the story progresses, revealing the dark tradition of human sacrifice.
• The lottery symbolizes the dangers of blindly following tradition and the potential for cruelty within society.

“The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” by Ursula K. Le Guin

• A philosophical story that presents a utopian city, Omelas, whose prosperity depends on the suffering of a single child.
• Explores the moral implications of sacrificing one individual for the happiness of the majority.
• Readers question their own values and the difficult choices societies make.

“The Ones Who Stay and Fight” by N.K. Jemisin

• A compelling story featuring the city of Umber.
• Citizens collectively decide whether to stay and fight against oppression or abandon their home.
• Explores themes of resilience, resistance, and the complexities of social justice.

“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

• Narrated by a woman suffering from postpartum depression who is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper.
• Symbolism lies in the wallpaper, representing the narrator's deteriorating mental state and the oppressive nature of her confinement.
• Explores themes of gender, mental health, and the importance of intellectual and creative freedom.

“The Legacy” by Virginia Woolf

• The story explores the aftermath of a woman's death.
• Focuses on her husband's attempts to understand her life and the secrets she kept.
• Theme of the unknowability of others, even those closest to us.

“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway

• A minimalist story centered on a couple's conversation about a potentially unwanted pregnancy.
• Symbolism is used through the "hills like white elephants," representing the unspoken topic and the difficult choice they face.
• Explores themes of communication, choice, and the complexities of relationships.

“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

• Explores the unfulfilled desires and frustrations of Elisa Allen, a woman living on a secluded farm.
• Symbolism: the chrysanthemums, representing Elisa's creativity, passion, and suppressed emotions.
• Story examines themes of gender roles, isolation, and the search for fulfillment.

Poetry

Citizen by Claudia Rankine

• A collection of poems and prose that explores the experience of being Black in America.
• Addresses themes of racial microaggressions, police brutality, and the constant threat of violence.
• Explores impact of racism on individual identity and collective consciousness.

“Dreaming America” by Joyce Carol Oates

• Explores the immigrant experience and the complexities of assimilation in America.
• Captures the hopes and dreams of immigrants.
• Shows the challenges they face in reconciling their cultural heritage with their new identity.

“Dear John Wayne” by Louise Erdrich

• A Native American perspective on American identity and cultural representation.
• Critiques the romanticized and often stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans in Western films
• Questions the glorification of violence and conquest in American history.

“Recipe” by Janice Mirikitani

• Portrays the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II internment.
• Uses vivid imagery and sensory details to convey the loss, resilience, and cultural identity of those interned.
• Poem explores the long-lasting impact of historical events on individual and collective memory.

“Learning to Love America” by Shirley Geok-lin Lim

• Explores the poet's evolving relationship with America as an immigrant.
• Addresses themes of cultural identity.
• Discusses challenges of belonging, and the process of finding a sense of home in a new land.

“We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks

• Captures the voices of rebellious young men who have dropped out of school and are engaging in self-destructive behavior.
• Explores themes of youth, rebellion, and the limited choices available to marginalized communities.
• The poem's concise language and rhythm convey the sense of defiance and impending doom.

“Because You Asked about the Line Between Prose and Poetry” by Howard Nemerov

• Explores the distinctions between prose and poetry.
• Addresses concepts of form, structure, and language.
• Poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of art and the creative process.

“I Feel Most Colored When I am Thrown Against a Sharp White Background" by Morgan Parker

• Explores the experience of being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces.
• Examines themes of visibility, otherness, and the constant awareness of racial difference.
• Poem reflects on the psychological and emotional impact of navigating a racially divided society.

“On Blueness” by Joshua Bennett

• Explores various dimensions of "blueness."
• Connects it to feelings of melancholy, artistic expression, and cultural identity.
• Explores the concept of color as a source of both beauty and complexity.

“Enter the Dragon” by John Murillo

• Reflects on the cultural significance and stereotypes associated with Bruce Lee and martial arts films.
• Examines themes of masculinity, identity, and the representation of Asian Americans in popular culture.
• Challenges viewers to challenge the narrative.

“The Talk” by Jabari Asim

• Captures the difficult conversation Black parents have with their children about race, police brutality, injustice.
• Explores the pain, fear, and resilience of Black families navigating a society still marked by racism.
• Poem serves as testimony and a call for change.

“The Sobbing School” by Joshua Bennett

• Explores the emotional dynamics and vulnerabilities of young Black boys.
• Challenges societal expectations of stoicism and toxic masculinity.
• Celebrates the importance of emotional expression and empathy.

“Black History, Abridged” by Joshua Bennett

• Condenses the complexities and contradictions of Black history into a concise and powerful narrative.
• Acknowledges the pain, struggle, and resilience of Black people.
• Celebrates their contributions to culture and society.

“Still Life with First Best Friend” by Joshua Bennett

• Reflects on the complexities and nostalgia with childhood friendships.
• Captures the innocence, camaraderie, and shared experiences that shape young lives.
• Challenges the fleeting nature of youth.

“Praise Song for the Table in the Cafeteria Where All the Black Boys Sat Together During A Block, Laughing Too Loudly” by Joshua Bennett

• Celebrates the sense of community, laughter, and belonging found among Black boys.
• Reclaims space in a school cafeteria.
• Poem serves as an anthem of joy, pride, and solidarity.

“Simile” by N. Scott Momaday

• Uses a simple yet evocative simile
• Poem reflects nature and Native American identity.
• Momaday captures the essence of a natural scene, inviting readers to contemplate its beauty.

“Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich

• Explores themes of oppression, creativity, and the constraints placed on women.
• Symbolism is evident in the tigers Aunt Jennifer creates that represent her desire for freedom and self-expression.
• Poem contrasts Aunt Jennifer's vibrant artistic world with her own constrained reality.

“Green Chile” by Jimmy Santiago Baca

• Celebrates the cultural significance of green chile in New Mexican cuisine and identity.
• Uses sensory details and vivid imagery to evoke the sights, smells, and tastes.
• Poem becomes a celebration of heritage, community, and the connections that sustain us.