Literature Notes

Theme NotesA theme is a lesson about life or human nature that the writer teaches the reader.

A theme must be a broad statement not specific to a single story.

Example:

Story: “Little Red Riding Hood”

Correct theme: Appearances can be deceiving.

Incorrect theme: Wolves will lie to you.

Point of View NotesPoint of view refers to a character’s attitude, perspective, or thoughts.

Basically, point of view refers to anything that happens inside a character’s mind, such as feelings.

Example: The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen

“I once had a wonderful father, but he was blown to bits in a mining accident long ago. I have a mother who was once pretty and caring, but, ever since my father’s death, she has abandoned me”

Point of View NotesFirst person uses pronouns such as I, me, my, and mine. It provides only the narrator's thoughts, allowing for greater knowledge of the character

Example

I set off down a small alleyway where a cat exchanged a disturbing glance with

me.

Second person uses pronouns such as you and yours. It forces the reader to be a character.

Example

You would be really scared too!

Point of View NotesThird person uses the pronouns he, his, she, hers, it, and they.

Third person limited provides the thoughts of one character. It allows authors to hide the thoughts of other characters.

Example

Jill was scared to admit she liked Jack, and feared his reaction more than anything.

Third person omniscient provides the thoughts of all characters. It allows readers to analyze each character's thoughts.

Example

Jill was scared to admit that she liked Jack, but little did she know, he liked her too.

Characterization NotesCharacterization describes a character’s individual trait, or personality, through clues within the text.

Example

Trait: Savage

Her lip slightly sneered, she slowly removed the chewed, sticky mint gum from her mouth and placed it firmly in the hair of the girl seated beside her.

Characterization NotesAuthors reveal characterization through the STEAL method.

1. Speech

2. Thoughts

3. Effects on other characters

4. Actions

5. Looks

Plot NotesPlot is the sequence of events within a story.

During the exposition, the author introduces the setting (time and place) and characters.

The rising action introduces the conflict (problem).

The climax is the turning point in the story or the point of highest suspense.

The falling action eases suspense, and the main conflict is resolved.

In the resolution, all conflicts are resolved, and the story ends.

Plot Development NotesPlot development occurs when the plot becomes stronger or more intense.

Example

Within The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the plot develops when Katniss' sister, Prim, is selected to participate in the games.

Suspense and Foreshadowing NotesSuspense occurs when the author creates emotional tension within a story. Authors utilize cliffhangers to create suspense.

Example

As the clock struck midnight, Cinderella's dress began to fray, and the chariot morphed into a pumpkin.

Foreshadowing occurs when authors provide words or phrases that hint at future events within the story.

Example

“Of course, Cinderella may attend the ball if she finishes her chores,” the evil stepmother cackled maleficently.

Allusion NotesAn allusion occurs when an author casually references another text, historical event, or piece of cultural knowledge.

Allusions allow readers to better understand a text's literary elements (characters, setting, etc.)

Example

His wife was his Achilles' heel.

He lies so much! I am surprised that his nose has not grown like Pinocchio's.

She acts like Scrooge and will never enjoy even the simple pleasures of life.

Conflict NotesSimply, a conflict is a problem or a battle of opposing forces.

Example

In District 12, the citizens lacked adequate food.

An external conflict occurs between a character and an outside force, such as another character or nature.

Example

Katniss Everdeen knocked an arrow, released the taut bow string, and decimated an opponent.

Conflict NotesAn internal conflict occurs within a character's heart or mind, such as emotions or desires.

Example

Katniss Everdeen struggled with Peeta's betrayal; clearly, the bread boy intended to benefit the Career Tributes.

External Conflict

A person versus person conflict occurs when one character confronts another.

Example

Katniss Everdeen slays Rue's murderer.

Conflict NotesExternal Conflict

A person versus environment conflict occurs when a character struggles against natural forces.

Example

Katniss Everdeen flees from the raging forest fire.

A person versus society conflict occurs when a character struggles against a larger group of people.

Example

Katniss Everdeen combats a government seeking to dominate and cripple her.

Conflict NotesExternal Conflict

A person versus technology conflict occurs whenever a character struggles against a mechanical or technological force.

Internal Conflict

A person versus self conflict occurs when a character possesses a problem or debate in his or her mind or heart.

Example

Katniss Everdeen anguishes over Peeta's alliance with the Career tributes.

Figurative Language NotesA simile compares one object to another unlike object using the words “like” or “as.”

Example:

My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray.

A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike objects which does not use the words “like” or “as.”

Example

Her eyes were fireflies.

Figurative Language NotesA hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration usually used for to intensify emotions, such as humor.

Examples

I went home and made the biggest sandwich of all time.

Personification occurs when an author gives non-human items human characteristics.

Example

After freedom’s sweet kiss, she could never return to the doldrums of the factory.

Figurative Language NotesImagery occurs when authors employ words to appeal to the reader's five senses: sight (visual), hearing (auditory), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), and taste (gustatory).

Example

Blazing in gold and quenching in purple

Alliteration occurs when authors repeat the beginning sound of two or more words; these words reside close to one another. Alliteration increases a poem's rhythm.

Example

While I pondered, weak and weary

Figurative Language NotesOnomatopoeia occurs when words mimic natural sounds. Onomatopoeia is also auditory imagery.

Example

I love the sound of bacon sizzling on a weekend.

Repetition exists when an author repeats a certain word or phrase to enhance its effect.

Example

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,

Listen to the DON’TS

Figurative Language NotesEnd rhyme occurs when the author rhymes words at the end of poetic lines, building the poem’s flow or musicality. End rhymes are not always successive.

Example

Oh, what a sweet child is Hannah Hyde,

To buy a hat with a brim so wide,

Internal rhyme occurs when two words rhyme within the same poetic line. Again, this rhyme builds the poem's musicality or flow.

Example

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams

Context Clues NotesContext clues occur when the author provides phrase that hint at an unknown word’s meaning.

Example

His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.

Comprehension NotesComprehension refers to your ability to understand the text.

Example

Aladdin impersonated a prince in order to impress Jasmine.

Setting NotesThe setting is the time or place in which a text occurs.

Example

When he revived, he was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a garden path, very draggled indeed.

Flashback NotesA flashback occurs when the test displays a scene taking place before the present time.

Example

Rikki-tikki fondly remembered his mother instructing him on how to behave if he was ever adopted.