Literary devices
Which device involves repeated images or ideas that build meaning across a text?
Motif
“The author uses (lit_device) here to immerse the reader in the character’s environment, which intensifies the mood of the scene.”
(name sense) Imagery
Which topic sentence would score highest on the IA rubric, and what is wrong with the other ones?
A. Morrison talks about how Pecola is sad.
B. Pecola’s life is unfair and tragic.
C. Morrison uses symbolism to show how societal beauty standards contribute to Pecola’s downfall.
D. Pecola experiences many bad events throughout the novel.
A. “Morrison talks about how Pecola is sad.” ❌
Too vague
No literary device
Describes content instead of making an argument
B. “Pecola’s life is unfair and tragic.” ❌
This is an observation, not analysis
No author, no device, no “how/why”
D. “Pecola experiences many bad events throughout the novel.” ❌
This is summary, not interpretation
Focuses on plot, not authorial choice
“Despite multiple setbacks, her ______ determination pushed her forward.”
A. Aloof
B. Unyielding
C. Idle
D. Diffuse
Unyielding
A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
Melancholy
“The laughter in the room died instantly when he entered.”
Personification
“The () exposes the hypocrisy of the character’s actions, forcing the reader to question their moral authority.”
Irony
Question 2: Evidence
Which piece of evidence would earn the most credit?
A. A long quote copied directly from the text
B. A quote with no explanation
C. A short, precise quote that clearly supports the argument
D. A paraphrase with no textual reference
In the sentence below, contempt most clearly conveys:
“The storeowner looked at the children with contempt.”
A. Sympathy
B. Indifference
C. Disgust and disrespect
D. Curiosity
C
In the sentence below, what does succumb mean?
“There in the dark her memory was refreshed, and she succumbed to her earlier dreams.”
A. Rejected
B. Gave in to
C. Resisted
D. Questioned
B
“The crown sat heavy on his head, even when no one could see it.”
Symbolism
“The author includes this () to explain the character’s present behavior and add emotional depth.”
flashback
“In The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Pecola’s downfall can be largely attributed to internalized racism, as conveyed through symbolism and imagery.”
Thesis/Central Argument
Which situation best illustrates something irrevocable?
A. A postponed meeting
B. A reversible decision
C. A permanent ban
D. A temporary rule
C. A permanent ban
The feeling that someone or something is beneath consideration or deserving of scorn.
Contempt
“The classroom smelled of chalk dust, sweat, and quiet panic.” (name both devices for full points)
Olfactory Imagery and Personification
“The author’s charged () creates a negative connotation, shaping the reader’s perception of the situation.”
Diction
“The word ‘loved’ carries a painful irony, suggesting that Pecola’s affection is directed toward an image that ultimately reinforces her self-hatred.”
Zoom In (Analysis of diction / MR. CUF)
What does it mean to exacerbate a problem?
A. To solve it
B. To explain it
C. To make it worse
D. To ignore it
C, To Make it Worse
Definition: A departure from what is considered normal or standard.
Deviation
“The room was decorated for celebration, but the silence inside it felt like mourning.”
(name both)
(juxtaposition)
“This () allows the author to suggest a deeper meaning about identity and belonging without explicitly explaining it.”
Symbol
“When Pecola drinks milk from the Shirley Temple cup, Morrison describes the image as something she ‘loved’ (19).”
Context+Evidence
Which word best completes the sentence?
“The speaker’s ______ delivery persuaded the audience to believe her argument.”
Eloquent
Definition: Cool and distant; not friendly or forthcoming.
Aloof