Praxis (5511) - Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge > 2 - Literary Methods and Their Effects > Flashcards

2 - Literary Methods and Their Effects Flashcards

This deck discusses the meanings and effects created by specific literary elements, including point of view, character development, setting, tone, mood, imagery, and figurative language (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification). It will examine how these elements influence the overall impact of a literary work. (75 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

Point of view

Literature

A

Refers to the narrator of a story, describing actions and thoughts of characters.

A story can be told by a character sharing their own experiences or by an outside narrator describing characters.

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2
Q

Describe:

The point of view’s impact on the reader’s experience.

A

Determines how much information the reader receives about characters or situations.

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3
Q

Identify:

The three main types of points of view in literature.

A
  1. First-person
  2. Second-person
  3. Third-person
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4
Q

Describe:

First-person point of view.

A

Told from the perspective of one character using ‘I’ and ‘me’.

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5
Q

Identify:

An example of a first-person narrative.

A

The Bell Jar

by Sylvia Plath

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6
Q

Describe:

Second-person point of view.

A

It uses the pronoun ‘you’ and addresses the reader directly.

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7
Q

Identify:

A work that uses second-person point of view.

A

If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler

by Italo Calvino

Another example is How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid.

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8
Q

Describe:

Third-person point of view.

A

A narrator describes the actions of characters and uses pronouns such as ‘he’, ‘she’ and ‘they’.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank:

________ point of view is ideal for helping readers identify with the character.

A

First-person

With first-person point of view, readers tend to better connect with a character’s thoughts, experiences and motivations.

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10
Q

True or false:

A combination of first- and second-person narration is common in epistolary novels.

A

True

In these types of stories, the protagonist often addresses the reader directly, blending first-person storytelling with second-person engagement.

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11
Q

List:

The three major types of third-person narration.

A
  1. Omniscient
  2. Limited omniscient
  3. Objective
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12
Q

Describe:

Omniscient narration

A

Provides information on the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

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13
Q

Explain:

What is limited omniscient narration?

A

Follows the thoughts of just one character from an external perspective.

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14
Q

Define:

Objective narration

A

Provides no narrative commentary, leaving full interpretation to the reader.

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15
Q

Explain:

How does choosing a particular point of view impact a story’s significance?

A

Can keep information from readers or provide conflicting character experiences in limited omniscient narration.

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16
Q

Explain:

How can first-person narration create an unreliable narrator?

A

The character’s perspective cannot be fully trusted, creating doubt about the truth of their account.

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17
Q

Describe:

How can we identify the point of view in a story?

A
  • Pronouns: Check for “I” (first-person), “you” (second-person), or “he/she/they” (third-person).
    • Third-person types:
      • Omniscient: Narrator knows all.
      • Limited: Narrator knows one character’s thoughts.
      • Objective: Narrator only reports what is seen.
  • Narrator’s perspective: Consider their biases and knowledge.

Example question: Who is telling the story?

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18
Q

Define:

Literary character

A

A person, animal or object/thing presented as a person in a narrative.

A literary character is essential for a story, as it interacts with the plot or events.

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19
Q

List:

The two required elements of a story.

A
  • Characters
  • Plot or events

A story requires at least one character.

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20
Q

Define:

Internal conflict in literary characters.

A

A character overcoming grief or personal struggles.

This reflects the character’s emotional journey.

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21
Q

Define:

External conflict in literary characters.

A

Characters in conflict with another or surviving a natural disaster.

This reflects the character’s interaction with their environment or other characters.

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22
Q

Define:

Character development

A

How complex a character is presented and how much the author shares about them.

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23
Q

Describe:

Direct characterization

A

It occurs when characters are described in detail early in a narrative, with the author telling us specific information about their personalities.

This allows readers to understand the character from the beginning.

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24
Q

Describe:

Indirect characterization

A

Readers learn about a character through their responses to encounters with other characters and events.

This method reveals character traits gradually.

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25
# List: Factors for categorizing characters.
* **Proximity** to story events * **How well readers know them** * **Relationship** to the primary character * **Significant changes** during the narrative
26
# Explain: What **distinguishes** a **protagonist** from an **antagonist**?
The **protagonist** is the **main character**, often the 'good guy'; the **antagonist** **opposes** them. ## Footnote Antagonists can also be groups, nature or internal conflicts.
27
# Describe: Dynamic character
A character that undergoes **significant change** during the story. ## Footnote This change often involves a lesson learned or a challenge overcome.
28
# Define: Static character
A character that **does not undergo significant change** during the narrative. ## Footnote Static characters remain the same from beginning to end.
29
# Define: Round characters
Characters described in detail with **complex personalities**. ## Footnote Round characters may or may not be dynamic.
30
# Define: Flat characters
Characters with **one or two defining traits**, usually **minor** to the plot. ## Footnote They help move the story along but are not complex.
31
# Define: Stock characters
Characters that represent **stereotypes** and are **less defined than flat characters**. ## Footnote They often fill roles like 'nosy neighbor' or 'kindergarten teacher'.
32
# Define: Confidant character
A secondary character **aligned with the protagonist** whom they trust and confide in. ## Footnote This character often provides insight into the protagonist's thoughts.
33
# Define: Foil character
A character **used to highlight traits in another character** by displaying opposite traits. ## Footnote Often is the antagonist.
34
# Describe: The role of a **villain** in a story.
The '**bad guy**' who brings harm or ruin to the protagonist. ## Footnote Villains often coincide with the antagonist.
35
# Define: Deuteragonist
The **second most important character** in the story, often a partner to the protagonist. ## Footnote This character may also act as an antagonist, or as an aid or foil to the protagonist.
36
# Define: Tertiary character
**Minor character** that **appears only once** to move a single plot element forward. ## Footnote They play a limited role in the narrative.
37
# List: **Common types of characters** in literature.
* Protagonist * Antagonist * Dynamic * Static * Round * Flat
38
# Explain: 3 effects of **character development**
1. **Drives plot**: Characters' actions, decisions, and relationships move the story forward. 2. **Develops theme**: Characters' experiences, flaws, and growth often illustrate the central message of the work. 3. **Evokes emotions**: Readers can connect with, sympathize with, or even dislike characters, which impacts their emotional response to the story.
39
# Explain: What can readers gain by **comparing literary texts** as it relates to **theme**?
* By comparing works across different time periods, cultures, and genres, readers can recognize recurring themes like love, loss, power, justice, and the human condition. * Readers can also identify recurring motifs like journeys, transformations, and the struggle between good and evil.
40
# Define: Setting | in literature
The **time**, **place** and **environment** in which a story occurs.
41
# Identify: The three **main components of setting** in literature.
* Time * Place * Environment ## Footnote Each component contributes to the overall understanding of the story.
42
# Explain: How does **setting establish mood** in a story?
By **providing descriptors** that **evoke emotional responses**. ## Footnote The initial mood can remain consistent or change throughout the text.
43
# Identify: **Ways setting** can help **define characters**.
* Revealing **traits** **through** their **environment**. * Showing **how** they **react** to their **surroundings**. ## Footnote The environment can provide insights into economic status and personal preferences.
44
# Describe: How **setting enhances conflict** in a story.
By **influencing the characters' challenges** and the historical context that shapes the conflict. ## Footnote Elements like weather and geography can also build tension.
45
# Describe: What setting is used in ***To Kill a Mockingbird***, and how does it impact the story?
The fictional town of **Maycomb, AL**, in the **1930s**, highlighting **racial and economic disparities**. ## Footnote The setting provides context for the characters' struggles during that era.
46
# Explain: How **Tolkien** utilizes setting in ***The Lord of the Rings***.
By **contrasting** the **peaceful Shire** with **dangerous locations** like **Moria** and **Mount Doom**. ## Footnote This contrast develops conflict and character growth for Frodo.
47
# Identify: Two unique **settings** presented in the ***Harry Potter*** series.
* Human (muggle) world * Wizarding world ## Footnote The contrast between these worlds enhances the understanding of Harry's character.
48
# Define: Tone | in literature
The attitude of the author. | It is influenced by word choice, sentence structure & chosen details. ## Footnote Sometimes an author uses an emotive writing style for the narrator that differs from their own voice.
49
# Identify: Tone's functions
* Helps articulate a **text's argument** or **message**. * Creates **relations between readers & characters**. * Provokes **affect** or **perspective** from **readers**. * Gives an **individual** or unique **voice** to **characters**. * Creates or **influences** a text's **mood**. ## Footnote Tone can be expressed by the narrator, which may differ from the author's voice.
50
# Explain: **Difference** between tone and mood in literature.
* **Tone** is the **author's attitude**. * **Mood** is the **reader's feelings**. ## Footnote The author and reader exist outside of the narrative context.
51
# Define: **Imagery** in literature
Visually **descriptive** or **figurative** **language** used to depict physical things. ## Footnote Successful imagery can set a particular mood.
52
# Define: Diction | in the context of literature
The **choice** and **use** of **words** and **phrases** in writing. ## Footnote Diction significantly affects the mood of a text.
53
# Define: Genre
The **categorization** of a particular text based on its **content** or **style**.
54
# Define: Plot
It includes **what happens** and also deals with **why the events unfold the way they do**.
55
# Identify: An **example** of a text that demonstrates **tone**.
*Don Quixote* | by Cervantes ## Footnote The opening line creates a tone of separation.
56
# Identify: An **example** of a text that demonstrates **mood**.
*Othello* | by William Shakespeare ## Footnote The quote creates a sad or grim mood.
57
# Identify: The literary technique used to **evoke feelings in readers**.
Mood ## Footnote Mood is affected by setting, imagery, diction, and tone.
58
# Define: Figurative language
* The **opposite of literal language**. * It uses **expressions and words** in a way that goes beyond their actual, normal meaning. ## Footnote It makes writing more vivid and interesting, drawing readers into a story.
59
# Describe: A symbol | in literature
It **represents** something other than its literal meaning. ## Footnote Symbols are used to convey ideas, without actually specifying the idea. The meaning of a symbol can vary based on context.
60
# Identify: The **seven types** of **imagery**.
* Visual (sight) * Auditory (sound) * Olfactory (smell) * Gustatory (taste) * Tactile (touch) * Kinesthetic (movement) * Organic (emotion) ## Footnote Each type appeals to a different sense or experience.
61
# Identify: The **type** of **imagery** used in Sylvia Plath's poem '***Metaphors***'
**Auditory** imagery | It creates rhythm through the structure of nine syllables per line. ## Footnote This symbolizes the discomfort and anticipation of pregnancy.
62
# Explain: The significance of **repetition** in literature.
It **draws the reader's attention** and is purposeful in construction, **indicating meaning**. ## Footnote Writers use it to highlight important themes or ideas.
63
# Describe: Symbolic imagery
**Imagery** in literature or poetry **analyzed for symbolism**, revealing themes and deeper meanings. ## Footnote It helps uncover the author's message.
64
# Identify: Types of **figurative language**.
* Simile * Metaphor * Personification * Onomatopoeia * Alliteration * Hyperbole ## Footnote These are common in fiction.
65
# Explain: What role does **context** play in understanding **symbolism**?
It influences the **interpretation** of a symbol's meaning. ## Footnote Different contexts can lead to different interpretations.
66
# Explain: The **difference** between a **metaphor** and a **simile**.
A **metaphor** is a **comparison** that paints a verbal picture **without using 'like' or 'as.'** ## Footnote Example: 'Our living room's black hole', referring to a chimney.
67
# Define: Personification
Giving animals or inanimate objects **human qualities** or characteristics. ## Footnote Example: Sparks portrayed as dancing and playing.
68
# Define: Onomatopoeia
When words **imitate sounds**. ## Footnote Example: 'The fire snapped and crackled.'
69
# Define: Alliteration
The repetition of **consonant** or **vowel sounds**, usually at the beginning of words. ## Footnote Example: 'The fuzzy, furry, friendly, fat cat' emphasizes the 'f' sound.
70
# Define: Hyperbole
An **overstatement** or **exaggeration** used for **dramatic effect**. ## Footnote Example: 'Eyes as wide as dinner plates.'
71
# Identify: What is this phrase an example of in literature? *"**Her eyes were like dark pools**.*" ## Footnote A type of figurative language.
Simile ## Footnote This compares eyes to dark pools using 'like.'
72
# Identify: A purpose of figurative language.
It makes writing more **vivid** and **interesting**. ## Footnote It encourages readers to explore deeper meanings.
73
# Explain: 3 effects of figurative language in terms of enriching literary texts.
1. **Creates Vivid Imagery**: By using metaphors, similes, and personification, authors paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind. This helps readers visualize scenes, characters, and emotions more effectively. 2. **Conveys Deeper Meaning**: Figurative language goes beyond literal meaning, allowing authors to express complex ideas and emotions in a more nuanced and impactful way. 3. **Engages the Reader's Imagination**: Figurative language encourages readers to think creatively and make connections. It sparks the imagination and invites readers to interpret the deeper meaning behind the words.
74
# Explain: How does figurative language create an **emotional impact** in readers?
* By using **vivid descriptions** and evoking strong emotions, figurative language can create a powerful emotional impact on the reader. ## Footnote **Example**: the use of personification can give inanimate objects life and emotions, making them more relatable and engaging.
75
# Expain: How does comparing literary texts **deepen understanding of society**?
* **Literature** often **reflects** the **social, political, and cultural context** in which it was created. * By comparing texts from different eras, we can gain a deeper understanding of how societies have changed over time and how literature has responded to those changes.
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