Author's Purpose
What are the three most common general categories of author's purpose, often remembered by the acronym PIE?
Persuade, inform, entertain
What is the fundamental definition of social commentary in literature?
What is the act of using literary devices to make a critical statement about society, human behavior, or cultural norms. (Miss Elliott will judge if the given definition is close enough)
If a character at a formal royal ball shows up wearing a swimming costume and flippers, what literary concept is this situation primarily an example of?
Incongruity
What is the definition of theme in literature?
What is the central, underlying message or universal truth a text explores?
What is the primary purpose of imagery in literature?
to use descriptive or figurative language to appeal to the reader's senses
If an author includes an anecdote about their own life and uses vivid descriptive language in a short story, which general purpose is the most likely primary goal?
What is to entertain?
If a novelist creates a futuristic world where technology controls every aspect of citizens' lives, what specific aspect of modern society is the author likely commenting on or warning against?
What is over-reliance on technology, loss of individual freedom/autonomy, or governmental surveillance/control?
The definition of incongruity in literature?
What is the state of being inappropriate, unsuitable, or out of place; a lack of harmony or agreement?
Is "Friendship" a theme or a topic? Explain your choice.
a Topic, because a theme must be expressed as a complete sentence or idea (e.g., "True friendship requires sacrifice")?
What is the definition of a symbol in literature?
an object, person, situation, or idea that stands for something else (usually a larger, abstract idea)
An author writes a detailed biography of a historical figure. The text includes both factual timelines and interpretive analysis of the person's motivations and legacy. Identify the distinct purpose at work in this text.
A speaker uses sarcasm and exaggeration to describe a celebrity's excessive wealth and extravagant lifestyle. Which specific literary device is primarily being used to deliver this social commentary?
What is satire/humorous description
A character delivering a somber eulogy at a funeral uses slang terms and emojis to describe the deceased. What two elements are incongruous?
Somber formal occasion, and slang terms/emojis
Explain the difference between an explicit theme and an implicit theme, and which type requires more interpretive skill from the reader.
an explicit theme is stated directly by the narrator or a character, while an implicit theme is suggested through the plot, characters, and symbolism, and the implicit theme requires more interpretive skill.
A character walks into a kitchen and hears the "sizzle of bacon in the pan" and feels the "sticky warmth on their skin." Which two distinct senses are being primarily engaged by the imagery?
Hearing and touch
An essay argues for a change in school policy and supports its claim with statistics, expert testimony, and emotional appeals. Which specific type of persuasive purpose is the author using?
What is to argue?
How might an author use the setting (the time and place) in a novel to deliver powerful social commentary, even if that setting is entirely fictional or historical?
What is that the author can manipulate the fictional setting to mirror or exaggerate flaws in contemporary society (e.g., a perfect-sounding but oppressive dystopia), or they can use a historical setting to draw parallels between past social injustices and current ones, thus commenting on timeless human failures?
(Miss Elliott will judge group's response)
A hero gives a confident, rousing speech about their future plans to retire and live peacefully, while the audience knows a fatal ambush awaits them immediately outside. What two elements are incongruous?
Bonus 400 points: What time of irony is described in this scene? (audience knows something the character does not)
The hero's confidence and beliefs, and the reality of the imminent battle
Bonus: dramatic irony
If a story uses flashbacks to show how a character's current, failed marriage mirrors the relationship of their parents, what thematic idea is the author likely exploring regarding history and patterns?
History repeats itself
A writer describes a room using only bright, flashing lights and loud, booming music. How does the cumulative effect of this sensory imagery help establish the mood or atmosphere of the scene?
it creates a chaotic, overwhelming, energetic, or potentially frantic mood/atmosphere
A satirist writes an overly exaggerated piece critiquing modern consumerism, intending to make readers laugh while simultaneously provoking deep thought about their spending habits. What specific combination of purposes is being employed, and why?
To entertain, and to critique/provide social commentary
Explain the difference between direct social commentary (like an argumentative essay) and indirect social commentary (like a dystopian novel), and provide an example of a literary device used primarily for the indirect approach.
What is that direct commentary states the critique explicitly and logically, whereas indirect commentary embeds the critique within a fictional narrative, using techniques like allegory, symbolism, or irony to make the social point without preaching?
Explain how a writer uses juxtaposition (directly two things side by side) to create a sharp sense of incongruity and why this technique is often more impactful for social commentary than simple description.
Comparing two incongruous items side by side forces the reader to recognize the conflict and contradiction between them, which is more impactful than a simple description because it clearly highlights the social flaw.
If a story features a protagonist who overcomes a personal flaw only to face an even greater, unfixable societal problem, what thematic idea is the author likely conveying about individual action?
What is that individual effort alone cannot fix deep-rooted societal problems (or "The power of society outweighs the power of the individual")?
In a story, the setting repeatedly features a large, decaying oak tree that never grows leaves. How does this consistent visual symbol contribute to the mood and theme of the narrative?
it establishes a mood of decay, decline, or desolation, and often contributes to a theme of death, lost potential, or failure