Vocab Definitions
A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature
Theme
the Greek word meaning “a prize; the subject of an argument”
Thema
The protagonist's name
Walter Younger
The protagonist wants to buy this with the money coming in
A liquor store
The literary analysis that focuses on form, diction, and unity
New Criticism
The representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative
Characterization
The Greek word meaning “token, watchword, ticket, a permit, license”
Symbolon
The name of the protagonist's younger sister
Benethea (Bennie) Younger
The protagonist's mother wants to spend the money on this
A house
A literary idea or lesson that is ALWAYS a statement
Theme
A literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more abstract
Symbolism
The Greek word meaning “a transfer”
Metaphora
The name of the protagonist's wife
Ruth Younger
The protagonist's wife want her mother-in-law to spend the money on this
A trip around the world
When we are talking about a word's commonly used meaning we are referring to this.
The word's connotation
An element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature
Motif
The Latin word meaning “moving, to move”
Motivus
The name of the protagonist's son
Travis Younger
The Younger family gets the $10,000 dollars from this
Their father's life insurance
The mistake readers make when they are concerned with what the author thinks
The Intentional Fallacy
A comparison that does not use like or as
Metaphor
The Greek word meaning “symbol or imprint on the soul”
Kharaktēr
The name of the protagonist's mother
Mama (Lena)
The protagonist does this for a living (job)
He is a limousine driver
The mistake readers make when they are concerned about their own emotional response to a text
The Affective Fallacy