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.
How is the theme of change explored in literature?
Often shown through character development, plot events, and the overall message of the work.
How is the theme of conflict explored in literature?
Through the clashes between characters, internal struggles, and the resolution of these conflicts.
How does a longer work explore the theme of identity?
By showing a character's evolution, struggles, and self-discovery over an extended period.
How does a longer work explore the theme of morality?
By presenting characters with difficult choices and showing the consequences of their actions.
How does a longer work explore the theme of good versus evil?
Through characters embodying these extremes and showing the consequences of their actions.
How does a longer work explore the theme of redemption?
By showing a character's transformation from negative to positive values, often through suffering.
How does a longer work explore the theme of loss?
By showing the emotional impact of loss on characters and their relationships.
How does a longer work explore the theme of power?
By showing how characters gain, use, and lose power, and the effects on others.
How does a longer work explore the theme of justice?
By presenting situations where justice is sought, achieved, or denied, and the consequences.
How does a longer work explore the theme of love?
By showing the complexities of relationships, including joy, pain, and sacrifice.