Literary Elements
(Definitions)
(Definitions)
What is theme?
An overarching message/idea within a literary work that connects to modern societal, economic, or personal factors present also outside the literary work.
The overall organization of a text, how each part is arranged and the sequence in which information is revealed to the audience.
Structure
What does this quote reveal about Will and his perceived obligation to “The Rules?” Why? Name 1 literary element seen in the quote.
“I looked back at Shawn, tears now pouring from his eyes as he softly snorted and hiccuped like a little kid… and even though his face was wet with tears he wasn’t supposed to cry when he was alive, I couldn’t see him as anything less than my brother, my favorite, my only” (Reynolds 298-299).
Literary elements: foreshadowing, theme, characterization, irony
It reveals that Will only followed the rules because Shawn did. It helps Will to humanize his brother while also serving as a lesson for him about generational cycles and the emotional aspects of masculinity. It shows that will was never following “The Rules” rather he was following his big brother.
Ex. Johnny was very mean to everyone, some people even said he was a bully.
Direct Characterization
Define DIRECT characterization
When an author explicitly states a character's personality, traits, or motivations directly to the reader, rather than having the reader infer them through actions or dialogue.
What is characterization?
A description of the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.
A warning/indication/hint of a future event.
Foreshadowing
What does this quote reveal about the way Will views himself? Name 1-2 literary elements shown.
“Buck pressed his finger to my chest like he was pushing an elevator button. The L button.”
Literary Elements: characterization (indirect), symbolism, motif, imagery, simile.
It reveals that Will feels insecure and thinks that other people thing of him as a loser since thats how he sees himself. It may also show that will finds parallels between himself and the elevator which he describes as ”off-track” in other points of the book.
Ex. Matilda is such a klutz, she is just so clumsy!
Direct Characterization
Define INDIRECT characterization
When an author reveals a character's personality and traits through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how other characters perceive them, rather than through direct statements.
What is imagery?
Use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) it is used to help create mental pictures in the reader's mind.
A recurring element (image, object, idea, phrase, or structural component) that carries symbolic meaning and helps to reinforce or develop the story's central themes/messages.
Motif
Why does the narrator compare the middle drawer and the elevator? Name 1-2 literary elements shown.
“The elevator rumbled and vibrated and knocked around like the middle drawer, like something off track.”
Types of literary elements: simile, imagery, symbolism
Will is acknowledging the similarities between the broken middle drawer and the elevator which represents his life being “off track” since beginning his journey to kill Riggs and uphold the rules.
Renee always gets an A on her assignments, she is always studying and working and never has time to hang out.
Indirect characterization
Name at least four of the types of conflict we went over in class (ex. Person vs ____).
Person vs Nature, Person vs Supernatural, Person vs Technology, Person vs Fate
What is tone?
The author/narrators attitude towards the audience expressed through their language, style, and sentence structure.
The reader/audience’s attitude towards the literary work and the emotion evoked by the writer and their use of word choice, description, voice, etc.
Mood
What are both meanings of the following quotes from the book. Name at least one literary element that these quotes employ.
“POP! POP! POP!” (Reynolds 213)
”Pop. Pop? Pop!” (Reynolds 227)
Types of Elements: double entendre, repetition, symbolism, Onemonepia
1) It is the name Shawn and Will call their father.
2) It is the sound of a gun popping off
Ex. Aliyah is always down at the soup kitchen volunteering for community events and helping those in need.
Indirect characterization
A word or phrase that has two interpretations/ a word that means two things at the same time in the same context.
Double Entendre
What is symbolism?
The use of objects, people, places, or actions to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts beyond (or deeper than) their literal meanings.
Simile, metaphor, voice, plot, structure, style, vocabulary, characters, setting, POV, are all included under which literary element that we went over in class.
Language
What are both meanings of the word “unload” in the following passage (hint: we discussed this in class) and what literary elements are employed?
“I wanted to unload, just tell him about Shawn and how Mom cried and drank and scratched herself to sleep, how I was feeling, The Rules, all that” (Reynolds 207).
The word unload is meant to mean: (symbolism and double entendre)
1) to tell his (Will’s) father about his life, emotions, fears, and issues to help him process his feelings.
2) to symbolize the unloading of a gun, the bullets being emotions and the act of unloading being actually processing feelings rather than pushing them down until they come out as anger/aggression.
Ex. Buford is usually all alone just writing in his journal and listening to music in his headphones. He never talks in class or makes any friends. Buford is a lone wolf.
(Trick Question)
Both!
The first sentence is indirect characterization.
The second sentence is indirect characterization.
The third sentence is direct characterization
What is allusion?
Hint: think of the definition of allude (or alluding to).
an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.