Literature Notes
Theme Notes A 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. : Story: Little Red Riding Hood Correct theme: Appearances can be deceiving. Incorrect theme: Wolves will lie to you.
Point of View Notes Point 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. : 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 Notes First person uses pronouns such as I, me, my, and mine. It provides only the narrator's thoughts, allowing for greater knowledge of the character 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. You would be really scared too!
Point of View Notes Third 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. 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. Jill was scared to admit that she liked Jack, but little did she know, he liked her too.
Characterization Notes Characterization describes a character s individual trait, or personality, through clues within the text. 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 Notes Authors reveal characterization through the STEAL method. 1. Speech 2. Thoughts 3. Effects on other characters 4. Actions 5. Looks
Plot Notes Plot 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 Notes Plot development occurs when the plot becomes stronger or more intense. Within The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the plot develops when Katniss' sister, Prim, is selected to participate in the games.
Suspense and Foreshadowing Notes Suspense occurs when the author creates emotional tension within a story. Authors utilize cliffhangers to create suspense. 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. Of course, Cinderella may attend the ball if she finishes her chores, the evil stepmother cackled maleficently.
Allusion Notes An 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.) 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 Notes Simply, a conflict is a problem or a battle of opposing forces. 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. Katniss Everdeen knocked an arrow, released the taut bow string, and decimated an opponent.
Conflict Notes An internal conflict occurs within a character's heart or mind, such as emotions or desires. 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. Katniss Everdeen slays Rue's murderer.
Conflict Notes External Conflict A person versus environment conflict occurs when a character struggles against natural forces. Katniss Everdeen flees from the raging forest fire. A person versus society conflict occurs when a character struggles against a larger group of people. Katniss Everdeen combats a government seeking to dominate and cripple her.
Conflict Notes External 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. Katniss Everdeen anguishes over Peeta's alliance with the Career tributes.
Figurative Language Notes A simile compares one object to another unlike object using the words like or as. : 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. Her eyes were fireflies.
Figurative Language Notes A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration usually used for to intensify emotions, such as humor. s I went home and made the biggest sandwich of all time. Personification occurs when an author gives non-human items human characteristics. After freedom s sweet kiss, she could never return to the doldrums of the factory.
Figurative Language Notes Imagery occurs when authors employ words to appeal to the reader's five senses: sight (visual), hearing (auditory), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), and taste (gustatory). 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. While I pondered, weak and weary
Figurative Language Notes Onomatopoeia occurs when words mimic natural sounds. Onomatopoeia is also auditory imagery. 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. Listen to the MUSTN TS, child, Listen to the DON TS
Figurative Language Notes End 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. 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. For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Context Clues Notes Context clues occur when the author provides phrase that hint at an unknown word s meaning. His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.
Comprehension Notes Comprehension refers to your ability to understand the text. Aladdin impersonated a prince in order to impress Jasmine.
Setting Notes The setting is the time or place in which a text occurs. When he revived, he was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a garden path, very draggled indeed.
Flashback Notes A flashback occurs when the test displays a scene taking place before the present time. Rikki-tikki fondly remembered his mother instructing him on how to behave if he was ever adopted.