Chapters 1-12
In Chapter 2 “Nice to Eat With You: Acts of Communion,” Foster discusses the significance of sharing meals in literature. What does he suggest meals often symbolize in literature?
Social bonding and connections
In Chapter 15 “Flights of Fancy”, what does foster state flight symbolizes?
Freedom
What is a Greek tragedy?
A form of dramatic storytelling with music in Ancient Greece.
What is right vs. wrong an example of?
Morals
In Chapter 5, “When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare…,” Foster explores the frequent use of Shakespearean references in literature. Why does Foster argue that authors often turn to Shakespeare for inspiration?
To tap into universal themes and archetypes
In Chapter 23 “It’s Never Just Heart Disease… And Rarely Just Illness”, what does Foster state that Heart “Disease” normally symbolizes?
Emotional issues
Who are the most famous tragedy writers?
Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
What is the idea of the role of fate?
Everyone has a predetermined path in life.
Chapter 9, “It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow,” discusses the meaning of weather in literature. What does Foster suggest weather can symbolize in a story?
Emotional or thematic elements
In Chapter 24 “Don’t Read with Your Eyes“, Foster references the anti-semetism present in “The Merchant of Venice” by Shakespeare and “The Cantos” by Ezra Pound as examples of….
Instances where the reader should analyze and understand a book but not necessarily accept an author’s viewpoint.
What are elements of Greek Tragedy?
Addresses weighty subjects of life and death or fate and freedom.
What is the meaning of The tragic Hero and Hubris?
Protagonists should be renowned and prosperous.
Chapter 3, “Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires” explores the presence of vampire motifs in literature. According to Foster, what might vampires symbolize in literature beyond their literal nature?
Immortality and eternal youth or exploiter of youth
In Chapter 26 “Is He Serious? And Other Ironies”, Foster explains the three types of ironies:
Verbal, Situational/Structural, and Dramatic
Why were Greek Tragedies invented?
To worship fallen heroes or gods.
What are the 5 stages of the traditional plot line?
Beginning, Rising action, Climax, Falling action, resolution.
In Chapter 12, “Is That a Symbol?”, Foster explores how to identify a symbol and an allegory. Define the difference between a symbol and an allegory?
Symbols are Objects, characters, or situations that represent abstract ideas and Allegory is an Character and event that directly symbolizes specific abstract ideas or moral qualities.
In Chapter 19 “Geography Matters”, Foster uses Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”’s detailed description of its bleak landscape at the beginning of the story as an example of…
An author using geography to establish a setting and tone that helps develop the theme of the story.
Who started Greek tragedies?
Thespis
What is a Chorus in a Greek Tragedy?
Musical elements show underlying themes and messages.