Literary Terms Quiz

Study Notes

Literary Terms

Author's Purpose: The reason an author writes about a specific topic (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain, express feelings).
Suspense: A feeling of excitement or anticipation in a story (e.g., a character walking through a dark building).
Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces in a story (internal vs. external).
Setting: Time and place of a story (e.g., historical, imaginary, cultural context).
Allegory: Narrative where characters, events, and setting represent abstract concepts (e.g., characters representing virtues).
Metaphor: Comparing unlike things directly (e.g., "Her voice was a song").
Symbol: Something that stands for or represents something else (e.g., a dove symbolizing peace).
Allusion: A reference to another work, person, event, or place in literature, history, music or pop culture (e.g., use of archetypal concepts).
Rhythm: Pattern of sounds and beats (especially in poetry).
Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like the noise they represent (e.g., "buzz", "bang").
Simile: Comparing unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile was as bright as the sun").
Irony: When the outcome is the opposite of what is expected (e.g., a fire station burning down).
Connotation: Emotional associations of a word beyond its literal meaning.
Denotation: Literal meaning of a word.
Theme: The central idea or message of a story (e.g., coming-of-age, love, loss, redemption).
Mood/Atmosphere: The feeling or emotion a story creates (e.g., suspenseful, terrifying, happy).
Subject vs. Topic: "Topic" is a broad idea, "subject" explores it in detail.
Repetition: Repeated use of words or phrases for emphasis/effect.
Characterization: How a character is portrayed in a story (direct vs. indirect).
Imagery: Vivid language creating sensory experiences (e.g., "the scent of pine").

Short Story Analysis

"The Seventh Man": Giant wave symbolizes fear/destruction/power of nature.
"Through the Tunnel": Analyze Jerry's motivations for swimming through the tunnel.

Key Elements of "The True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"

Themes: Identity, poverty, dreams, struggles, injustice, hope, determination.
Communication: Difficulties in communication, especially between Junior and his mother.
Junior's Drawings: Junior uses drawings to express feelings.

Grammar & Writing

Commas: Correct use in introductory phrases, coordinating conjunctions, parenthetical phrases.
Essay Writing:
- Understand assignment type.
- Thesis statement: Strong argument.
- Integrate sources: Cite correctly.
- Verb tense: Consistent use.
- Parts of speech: Nouns, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, adjectives, adverbs, verbs.
- Concrete vs. abstract nouns.
- Point of view (first, second, third person).
- Paragraphs: Clear topic sentence, supporting details.
- Sentence phrasing: Avoid monotony, create smoother flow.