Literary Devices
Def: A description that exaggerates, usually employing extremes and/or superlatives to convey a positive or negative attribute; a hyper exaggeration.
Ex: Mrs. Hanna recycled a ton of paper when she cleaned the classroom.
Define what a credible source for research is, and give an example.
Credible Source= one that is written by someone who is an expert in their discipline and is free of errors and bias.
Ex: An article published in an academic journal of medicine by a specialist doctor on the topic of their specialty.
What is the purpose of literary devices / figurative language?
Figurative language uses figures of speech to be more effective, impactful, and persuasive.
What are the two categories of conflict. Give an example of each.
Internal: Protagonist at war within themselves
External: Protagonist at odds with another character.
Given that a foil is a character who is meant to represent characteristics, values, ideas which are directly and diametrically opposed to those of another character, usually the protagonist. Give an example of a one using analysis of a character in a work you've read this semester.
The noble, virtuous father Macduff provides an ideal foil for the villainous, childless Macbeth.
What 5 criteria should you check for as you review a source to determine if it is reliable or not?
1) Authority
2) Currency
3) Content
4) Bias
5) Accuracy
How does the setting of a story impact your interpretation and understanding of events, characters, and symbolism? Use Macbeth as an example.
Setting determines the way in which we understand what takes place, why characters do what they do, and the meaning behind any use of symbolism.
Ex: In Macbeth, the setting is 11th century Scotland. The setting being Scotland determines the values, actions, and beliefs that each character has. Events such as the constant battle for rule over the Scottish crown is one that mirrors the reality for much of Scotland's history. Even the weather of Scotland in Act 1 Scene 1, mirrors how the events of the play are dark, overshadowed, and symbolic of how the remainder of the play unfolds.
What are all the types of external conflict?
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Technology
Man vs. Society
Man vs. Supernatural
Define and give an example of foreshadowing from a work you've read this semester.
Def: Where future events in a story, or the outcome, are suggested by the author before they happen. If the outcome is deliberately and explicitly revealed early in a story, such information does not constitute foreshadowing.
Ex: Macbeth's bloody hands. When Macbeth first meets his wife after murdering Duncan, his hands are covered in blood. This image foreshadows the fact that Macbeth is going to commit more violent acts. It also foreshadows how Lady Macbeth's guilt will eventually drive her mad.
What source of information/research should you avoid using when writing a CRT? Why?
Wikipedia, because it is unreliable due to the fact that it is not fact checked, and anyone can alter the information within the articles posted.
In the following excerpt from Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken", how does Frost feel about his choice to travel on the road less traveled by?
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
Relieved, glad, and/or content. Proof: "I shall be telling this with a sigh...that has made all the difference".
Give an example of an external conflict from a book or movie. Identify what type of external conflict it was. Prove your claim with evidence from the story.
Answers may vary.
Symbolism is: the use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas. A symbol must be something tangible or visible, while the idea it symbolizes must be something abstract or universal.
Give an example of symbolism.
Colours symbolism in Literature:
Red = anger or danger
Green = envy, evil, or vibrance
Black = darkness, or death
White = purity and innocence
Purple = royalty
Yellow = joy, optimism, or cowardice (dep. context)
What key criteria can you check for, when determining whether or not a source contains bias?
1) Their authority on the subject
2) Facts and evidence provided
3) Is there evidence of stereotyping?
4) Do they appeal to fear or emotions?
5) Is ignorance shown to a people / group?
6) Does the information presented fit with previously established knowledge on the subject?
7) Check for accuracy
Analyze the excerpt from the prologue of Bertrand Russell's "What I have lived for". Find and quote a line containing allusion.
"With equal passion I have sought knowledge. I have wished to understand the hearts of men. I have wished to know why the stars shine. And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux. A little of this, but not much, I have achieved."
"And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux". This is an example of allusion to the Pythagorean Theorem. a2+b2=c2
Give an example from Macbeth of both internal and external conflicts. Quote the play if possible, or explain example using key plot events.
Internal: Man vs. Self: Macbeth experiences internal conflict as he grapples with his own conscience and moral dilemmas. He struggles with his ambition, guilt, and fear, torn between his desire for power and his sense of right and wrong
External: Lady Macbeth - Man vs. Man
Lady Macbeth had a hand in the killing of king Duncan, which is external conflict. She got the kings guards drunk and planted the bloody daggers to make them look guilty. Also, when her internal conflict gets to her, she takes external action committing suicide.
Define and give an example of pathetic fallacy and dramatic irony.
Pathetic Fallacy:
Def: When nature is in sympathy with the character or foreshadows significant events yet to transpire.
Ex: If or when the character is sad; it rains profusely, or if the character is happy; there is bright sunshine.
Dramatic Irony:
Def: Where the audience or reader is aware of something important, of which the characters in the story are not aware.
Ex: Duncan thanking Lady Macbeth for her hospitality because the audience knows that Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to murder King Duncan, so when Duncan thanks her for her hospitality, it is dramatic irony because the audience knows what her true intentions are.
What are 3 reliable platforms you can use when researching for a CRT on literary analysis?
1) Encyclopedia Britannica
2) EBSCO Host
3) Google Scholar
4) University Websites (ending with ".edu")
Analyze the quote below by David Helwig, "Haunted by Lives Un lived". Find two different examples of literary devices, quote them, and prove your claim with evidence.
"Lost possibilities taunt us, amuse us, and challenge us. The single life we are given is both too much and not enough. Even the most singular of us is plural, haunted by the ghost beings we own and are. "
Personification: "lost possibilities taunt us"
Paradox: "The single life we are given is both too much and not enough."
Oxymoron/Metaphor: "Even the most singular of us is plural".
Explain why it is relevant for us as readers to examine conflict within stories? How does this apply to our lives as individuals?
Understanding conflict within story can help us to identify conflict we experience in our own lives. It can help us to reflect on our experiences. It can also help us to understand what others are going through. This applies to our lives, because it helps us to connect the cause and effect things have on us and those around us. Thereby, teaching us how to engage with the world around us.