All Flashcards
What is a dynamic character?
A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the story.
What is a static character?
A character who remains largely the same throughout the story; they do not experience significant change.
Define conflict in literature.
The clash between opposing forces, driving the plot forward.
What is symbolism?
When an object, person, or idea represents something else, often a deeper or more abstract concept.
Define plot.
The sequence of events in a story, typically driven by conflict.
What is a thesis statement?
A clear, arguable interpretation of a literary work that guides the essay's argument.
What is character development?
The process by which a character changes, evolves, or remains static throughout a narrative.
Define commentary in literary analysis.
Explanation of how textual evidence supports a claim or thesis.
What is the role of the narrator?
The voice or character that tells the story to the audience.
Define free response question (FRQ).
An essay question that requires students to analyze a text and develop an argument.
How are characters revealed in a novel or play?
Through self-description, descriptions by others, narrator's description, actions, dialogue, and appearance.
What is the significance of a character remaining unchanged?
It can highlight themes of stagnation, resistance to change, or the character's unwavering beliefs.
Why is perspective important in character description?
The perspective of who is describing the character shapes the description and can reveal biases.
What is the impact of dialogue on character development?
Dialogue reveals character traits, relationships, and motivations, advancing the plot.
How do actions reveal character?
Actions demonstrate a character's values, beliefs, and motivations more directly than words.
How does appearance contribute to characterization?
Appearance can reflect a character's personality, social status, or inner state.
What does a character's self-description reveal?
It reveals how the character perceives themselves, which may or may not be accurate.
How do other characters' descriptions shape our view?
Other characters' views can provide different perspectives and reveal biases.
How does the narrator's description shape our view?
The narrator's description can be objective or subjective, influencing our perception.
What is the purpose of a foil character?
To highlight certain qualities of the main character by contrast.
What should you look for when interpreting symbolism?
Evidence in the text, emphasis by the author, and deeper meaning beyond the literal.
How can symbolism connect a work to cultural contexts?
Symbols often draw on shared cultural meanings and associations.
How does symbolism express complex ideas?
By representing abstract concepts through concrete objects or images.
What is the danger of assuming something is a symbol?
It can lead to misinterpretations if there is no textual evidence.
What is the difference between a motif and a symbol?
A motif is a recurring element, while a symbol represents something else.
What role does context play in interpreting symbols?
Context provides clues about the intended meaning of a symbol.
How can a symbol evolve throughout a work?
Its meaning can change as the narrative progresses.
What is the difference between personal and universal symbols?
Personal symbols are specific to a work, while universal symbols have broader meanings.
What is the impact of symbolism on the reader?
It enhances understanding and engagement with the text.
How can symbolism reveal a theme?
By representing abstract ideas associated with the theme.