Retrieved Reformation
Secret Life of W. Mitty
Literary Elements
Themes and Topics
Literary Techniques
100

the setting contributes to creating the theme by doing this 

emphasizes the change Jimmy made from being a criminal to a moral person (going from jail to being a free man) 

100

The author of the story 

Who is James Thurber?

100

Definition of plot 

EXTRA 100 POINTS: LIST THE 5 PARTS OF PLOT LINES

What is a sequence of events that make up a story?

Extra credit answer: what are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution

100

Definition of central theme

What is the main theme of a piece of literature

100

definition of repetition 

and 

purpose of repetition 

what is when words or phrases are repeated 

and 

what is to emphasize a meaning 

200

"Jimmy Valentine looked into her eyes, forgetting at once what he was and what he had been."

How this contributes to the theme. 

He falls in love with her and wants to be a different person. Being in love made him want to be a moral person, and he changed his criminal ways. 

200

How does Mrs.Mitty contribute to developing the theme of the story? 

She represents the conformity and societal expectations. This highlights the importance of imagination

200
Definition of characterization 


EXTRA 200 POINTS: what are the two types of characterization called and what is the difference between the two? 

What is the way an author conveys/creates a character 

Extra points answer: Direct and indirect characterization. Direct: author tells us (age, physical description, tells us character traits) Indirect= author shows us (actions, speech, thoughts, feelings)

200

Definition of UNIVERSAL theme 

extra 100 points: give an example of a universal theme 

What is a theme that can be applied to anyone regardless of time or cultural differences

example: People can redeem themselves and change. 

200

definition of imagery 

what are words used to appeal to the 5 senses 

300

an example of foreshadowing from the story

the first new vault was cracked into easily, and insinuated that the second one would too. 

300

the setting contributes to the theme by doing this 

set in real world locations (or mundane) which contrast his daydreams. This highlights how imagination can transcend reality. 

300

Definition of MOOD 

How does a piece of literature make you feel?

ex. dark, scared, tender, romantic, sentimental, light-hearted, anxious, anticipating

300

The universal theme of "O Captain! My Captain!" 

What is every victory has its price?

300

The three types of irony 

EXTRA 300 POINTS IF YOU ADD DEFINITIONS 

1. situational - unexpected outcome or event 

2. dramatic - audience knows something a character doesn't 

3. verbal - when someone says one thing but means the opposite. Usually expresses anger or humor. 

400

example of irony from the story

his criminal skills are what redeem him (he cracks open the vault and exposes himself as a criminal to save his fiance's niece. 

400

Characterization: 

Walters imaginations contribute to the theme by doing this

extra 200 points: give an example of characterization of walter from the story 

contrasts his mundane life with his interesting imaginations, which highlights the idea that imagination is favorable. 

ex. "picking quarrels with men who look at her (his wife) too hard"

400

Definition of TONE 

What is the way an author or speaker feel toward the subject they write about? or the attitude your words imply. 

examples: optimistic, pessimistic, humorous, indifferent, understanding, professional, personable 

400

The universal theme of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 

what is life is for living, not for dreaming.

400

definition of symbolism 

200 points for giving an example 

what is when something has an alternative meaning other than what it actually does or is. 

ex. a heart is an organ in the body, and symbolically it can represent love or compassion. 

500

The three authors purposes

1. entertain

2. persuade 

3. inform 

500

the symbolism of Walter being a surgeon performing life-saving surgery contributes to the theme by doing this 


extra 100 points: what did the symbol of Walter being a surgeon represent? what is is actual desire that is being symbolized by being a life-saving surgeon?

exemplifying how powerful imagination is. It has the power to fulfill our deepest aspirations and desires. He may not have wanted to exactly be a surgeon, but he wanted to feel important. 

500

Definition of setting 

What is the time and place a story takes place?

500

The universal theme of Retrieved Reformation 

What is that people can change and/or love can change people

500

definition of allegory 

200 points if you give an example

what is an underlying meaning of a piece of literature

ex. Life of Pie is an allegory as the animals represent actual humans and religious experiences/values.

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