Characterization
What is analysis?
The main point or central idea of a text
What is theme?
Refers to the author's choice of words
What is diction?
Describes difficult ideas in a non-literal way to help make connections, influence the audience, and make descriptions easier to visualize
What is figurative language?
Follows a straight chronological path, moving from beginning to end
What is linear structure?
Directly stated
What is explicit?
1. Look for topics important to the author (patterns, recurring ideas, symbols, etc.).
2. Ask, "What does the author believe about these topics?"
3. Re-write answer to question 2 in the form of a universal statement or question.
How do I find the theme?
Words that bring up emotions or ideas beyond their literal meaning
What is connotation?
The comparison of two unlike things using the words "like" or "as"
What is simile?
Might include jumps in time, such as flashbacks or foreshadowing, to build suspense or provide background
What is non-linear structure?
Implied
What is implicit; inferred
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
What is symbolism?
The literal, dictionary definition of a word
What is denotation?
The comparison of two unlike things without using "like" or "as"
What is metaphor?
The narrator is a character in the story and uses pronouns such as "I" and "we"
What is first person point of view?
Advances plot; reveals themes
Why does characterization matter?
1. Notice important/recurring items/ideas. 2. Consider the possible meaning. 3. Connect to themes. 4. Ask a partner. 5. Find evidence to support conclusion.
How do I find symbols?
The word "snake" brings up feelings of deceit or danger
What is connotation?
Attributing human characteristics to non-human things
What is personification?
The narrator knows every character's thoughts and feelings and uses pronouns such as "he", "she", and "it"
What is third-person point of view?
The author reveals the personality of a character by showing us his or her speech, thoughts, effect, actions, and looks.
What is indirect characterization?
Represents Mama's nurture of and dreams for her family
What is Mama's houseplant?
The word "snake" literally means a legless, scaly reptile
What is denotation?
How do I find figurative language?
The narrator addresses the reader directly using the pronoun "you"
What is second-person point of view?