Literary Elements
How does point of view most directly impact a text?
It controls what the reader knows and shapes interpretation of events
True or False: A theme can be summarized in one word.
True
What is character perspective?
A character’s viewpoint shaped by experiences, beliefs, and bias
Which time period emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience?
Romanticism
Why does Justyce write letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
To reflect on his experiences and seek moral guidance
How does setting influence meaning in a literary text?
It shapes conflict, mood, and the social or historical pressures characters face
Which is a stronger theme statement?
A. Identity
B. Identity is shaped by social expectations and experience
B
Why are conflicting perspectives important in literature?
They reveal tension and help communicate the author’s message
Which literary movement focused on questioning traditional beliefs and expressing fragmentation?
Modernism
How do the letters contribute to the novel’s structure?
They provide insight into Justyce’s internal thoughts and conflicts
How does characterization contribute to theme?
Characters’ actions, choices, and growth reveal the text’s central message
What does it mean for a theme to “develop” throughout a text?
It changes, deepens, or becomes more complex over time
Which matters more when evaluating perspective: what a character says or why they believe it?
Why they believe it
How did the Harlem Renaissance influence poetry?
It emphasized Black identity, cultural pride, and social justice
Which theme is most clearly developed through Justyce’s experiences?
Justice and identity
Why is analyzing a literary element’s impact more important than identifying it?
Because meaning is created by how the element shapes the reader’s understanding
Why do authors often develop more than one theme?
Because interacting themes add depth and complexity to the message
What should readers consider when perspectives conflict?
Which perspective the author challenges or validates and why
How does historical context deepen a reader’s understanding of a text?
It explains why certain ideas, conflicts, or values are emphasized
How does Justyce’s perspective change from the beginning of the novel?
He becomes more conflicted and reflective about justice and society
What must a reader explain after identifying a literary element to fully meet the standard?
How the element works and why it matters to meaning or style
What should a reader evaluate when analyzing multiple themes?
How the themes connect, contrast, or influence each other
How can power or privilege influence perspective?
It affects access, bias, and how experiences are interpreted
Complete the sentence:
“Understanding historical context helps readers recognize ___.”
How the text’s message is influenced by past beliefs or events
How does Dr. King’s philosophy influence the meaning of the novel?
It frames the story around moral responsibility and ongoing social struggle