Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to the concept of literature as mimetic, what is the primary role of literature?
According to the concept of literature as mimetic, what is the primary role of literature?
- To create entirely new realities separate from human experience.
- To confuse and obfuscate understanding through complex language.
- To serve as a platform for political and social reform.
- To accurately reflect or imitate life and nature. (correct)
Formalist theory suggests that the meaning of a literary work is primarily determined by the author's intentions and background.
Formalist theory suggests that the meaning of a literary work is primarily determined by the author's intentions and background.
False (B)
The theory that considers a literary work in relation to the universe is known as ______ theory.
The theory that considers a literary work in relation to the universe is known as ______ theory.
mimetic
Which of the following literary devices is NOT typically associated with 'poetic effects' as discussed in the context of literariness?
Which of the following literary devices is NOT typically associated with 'poetic effects' as discussed in the context of literariness?
Briefly explain how language both 'represents' and 'refracts' reality in literature.
Briefly explain how language both 'represents' and 'refracts' reality in literature.
Match each literary theory with its primary focus:
Match each literary theory with its primary focus:
What is the central tenet of close reading as it relates to 'Authorial Intent'?
What is the central tenet of close reading as it relates to 'Authorial Intent'?
Close reading involves summarizing and paraphrasing the text to grasp its main points.
Close reading involves summarizing and paraphrasing the text to grasp its main points.
According to Roland Barthes, meaning can be found in the text and is ______ from the author.
According to Roland Barthes, meaning can be found in the text and is ______ from the author.
Which of the following best describes a 'signpost' of 'Aha Moments' in literature?
Which of the following best describes a 'signpost' of 'Aha Moments' in literature?
What are some of the things one should examine when annotating a poem, short story, or novel according to the provided materials?
What are some of the things one should examine when annotating a poem, short story, or novel according to the provided materials?
What is the primary purpose of identifying 'Contrasts and Contradictions' as signposts in a text?
What is the primary purpose of identifying 'Contrasts and Contradictions' as signposts in a text?
Guide Questions should be based on personal experience.
Guide Questions should be based on personal experience.
'Read and ______' is the key to unlocking the secrets within a text.
'Read and ______' is the key to unlocking the secrets within a text.
How would you define 'tough questions' in the context of literary elements.
How would you define 'tough questions' in the context of literary elements.
Flashcards
Literature as Mimetic
Literature as Mimetic
Literature representing life and holding a mirror to nature.
Literariness
Literariness
Focuses on the language of literature and its 'poetic effects'.
Mimetic Theory
Mimetic Theory
Theory that views universe as key influence
Literature's Reality
Literature's Reality
Signup and view all the flashcards
Close Reading
Close Reading
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why Close Reading?
Why Close Reading?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Caveats for Close Reading
Caveats for Close Reading
Signup and view all the flashcards
How to Do Close Reading
How to Do Close Reading
Signup and view all the flashcards
Contrasts and Contradictions
Contrasts and Contradictions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Aha Moments
Aha Moments
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tough Questions
Tough Questions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Words of the Wiser
Words of the Wiser
Signup and view all the flashcards
Again and Again
Again and Again
Signup and view all the flashcards
Memory Moments
Memory Moments
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Literature as Mimetic
- In most understandings, literature represents life.
- Literature acts as a reflection, and can be considered "mimetic".
Literariness
- Formalist Theory (Early and Mid-Twentieth Century) refutes the previous idea.
- "Literariness" (or "poeticity") makes literature unique and special.
- The language of literature has "poetic effects" like tropes and figures such as alliteration, assonance, metaphor, paradox, rhythm, and rhyme.
Mimetic Theory
- Mimetic Theory relates to Universe.
- Formalist Theory relates to Literary Work.
- Expressive Theory relates to Artist.
- Didactic Theory relates to Audience.
Mimetic
- Literature is mimetic, representing reality through conventions.
- Literature represents and refracts reality.
- Language shapes reality and distortions.
Close Reading
- Close Reading is a form of New Criticism, 1920s (I.A. Richards, F.R. Leavis).
- It involves close analysis of the literary text, looking for ambiguities, paradoxes, tone, imagery, assonance, alliteration, and rhythm.
Why Close Reading?
- Allows for comparison of writers' works and styles.
- Helps to understand literary tradition.
- Reveals the development of language techniques.
- Explores different representations of reality.
Caveats of Close Reading
- It is about analysis, not just summary or paraphrase.
- Reading between the lines can lead to misinterpretation.
- Focus on minor details (e.g., diction) rather than major ones (e.g., plot).
- Authorial intent is not the main focus; meaning is in the text, separate from the author, according to New Critics.
- Roland Barthes' "Death of the Author" concept is relevant.
How to do Close Reading
- Read and re-read: identify key ideas.
- Annotate: examine the structure and craft.
- Find Meaning: explore the meaning of prose or poem.
Signposts
- Signposts (K. Beers and R. Probst) are useful in Notice and Note.
- Contrasts and Contradictions: a difference between expected & actual character behavior.
- Aha Moments: Realizations that change character actions.
- Tough Questions: Reveals inner struggles.
- Words of the Wiser: Advice about life from wiser characters.
- Again and Again: Recurring words or images.
- Memory Moments: Character recollections interrupting the story.
Annotation
- When annotating a poem, short story, or novel, examine vocabulary/diction, which is the choice of words and language.
- Syntax - Determine if the concepts coherent to the text, and the ideas focused on the subject?
- Structure refers to to the sequence of events, cause and effect, conflict, and resolution.
- Other important elements include POV, Figures of Speech, Historical/Cultural References.
Guide Questions
- Focus on questions answered by referring back to the text.
- The questions should not rely on personal experiences.
- Aim for questions that stimulate discussion.
- Questions that resist simple commentary.
- Focus meanings, noticeable shifts, and patterns through multiple readings.
Close Reading Insight
- Close reading does not need a precise initial answer.
- The process helps to discover and reveal meaning/s in the literary text.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
