Literary Terms Pt. 1
What is theme?
The general or universal message the writer wants to convey.
What's the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?
Protagonist: main character, often faces obstacles. Usually (but not always) the good guy.
Antagonist: a character or force that opposes the protagonist (adversary), can be the source of conflict.
In Act 3, Scene 1, just before the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt, Shakespeare writes:
"They fight. Tybalt under Romeo's arm thrusts Mercutio in, and flies with his followers."
What is this an example of and WHY?
Stage directions.
This stage direction tells the actors and audience what’s happening physically:
Mercutio is stabbed while Romeo is trying to break up the fight.
Tybalt flees after delivering the fatal blow.
What is the main argument or idea of the essay; specific and defensible?
Thesis statement
Finish the lyrics to Justin Bieber's song, "Baby."
Said, "There's another" (yo), and looked right in my eyes (uh-huh)
___________________________________
__________________________
Said, "There's another" (yo), and looked right in my eyes (uh-huh) My first love broke my heart for the first time, and I was like (yo, uh-huh)
What is mood?
The overall feeling or atmosphere that a piece of writing evokes in the reader.
What's the difference between internal conflict and external conflict?
Internal conflict: A struggle within a character's mind, where they battle with their own thoughts, desires, or beliefs.
External conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Act 2, Scene 2 (AKA "The Balcony Scene"), Juliet believes she’s alone and speaks her thoughts aloud. The audience knows Romeo is secretly listening. Juliet says:
"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
What is this an example of and WHY?
A soliloquy.
A soliloquy is a speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually alone on stage, revealing inner feelings and conflicts. In this soliloquy, Juliet is struggling with the fact that Romeo is a Montague—the enemy of her family.
What is a word or phrase that logically connects one idea to another?
Transitions
Finish the lyrics to Connie Francis's song, "Pretty Little Baby."
You can ask the flowers, I sit for hours
Tellin' all the bluebirds, the bill and coo birds
Pretty little baby, ___________________
You can ask the flowers, I sit for hours
Tellin' all the bluebirds, the bill and coo birds
Pretty little baby, I'm so in love with you
What is tone?
The author's attitude towards a subject matter, often conveyed through their word choice.
What's the difference between a static character and a dynamic character?
Static Character: A character who remains primarily the same during a story or novel (undergoes little or no change).
Dynamic Character: A character who changes during a story or novel.
Act 3, Scene 1, right after he has been fatally wounded, Mercutio says: "Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man."
What is this an example of and WHY?
A pun.
This is a pun on the word “grave.” It has a double meaning:
"Grave" as in serious, suggesting he’ll be somber or solemn.
"Grave" as in a burial place, because he knows he’s dying.
What typically uses a verb such as asked, said, or yelled; uses a comma before the quote and the first word is capitalized?
Dialogue quote
Finish the lyrics to Alex Warren's song, "Ordinary."
You're takin' me out of the ordinary
I want you layin' me down 'til we're dead and buried
On the edge of your knife, stayin' drunk on your vine
The angels up in the clouds ___________________________
You're takin' me out of the ordinary
I want you layin' me down 'til we're dead and buried
On the edge of your knife, stayin' drunk on your vine
The angels up in the clouds are jealous, knowin' we found
What is symbolism?
When one idea or object represents something in addition to its literal meaning.
What is the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization?
Direct: the author directly places information in the text about a character (telling).
Indirect: the author is more subtle with clues about a character (speech, appearance, behavior).
At the end of the Prologue, Shakespeare writes:
"The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."
What is this an example of and WHY?
A couplet.
A couplet is two consecutive lines of poetry that usually rhyme and have the same meter. These lines are the final rhyming couplet of the Prologue.
What part of an essay asks the reader to complete some kind of task? This usually occurs toward the end of a piece.
Call to action
Finish the lyrics to ABBA's song "Dancing Queen" from Mamma Mia!
Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music's high
_________________________________________
You're in the mood for a dance
Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music's high
With a bit of rock music, everything is fine
You're in the mood for a dance
What is allusion?
When a writer, within a work, references another piece of literature, history, music, art etc.
What is the difference between situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony?
Situational Irony: When the actual situation is quite different from that presented.
Verbal Irony: The act of saying one thing but meaning another.
Dramatic Irony: When the audience is aware of something the character does not know.
Act 2, Scene 2 (AKA "The Balcony Scene"), Juliet believes she’s alone and speaks her thoughts aloud. The audience knows Romeo is secretly listening. After Juliet speaks her heart out, Romeo says:
"Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?"
What is this an example of and WHY?
An aside.
Romeo says this line quietly to himself (and the audience), debating whether he should keep listening or reveal his presence.
What is it called when the author shoots down the counterclaim and returns to the original message?
Rebuttal
Finish the lyrics to Wiz Khalifa's song "See You Again" featuring Charlie Puth.
How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everythin' I went through, you were standin' there by my side
______________________________________
How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everythin' I went through, you were standin' there by my side
And now you gon' be with me for the last ride