Definitions of Lit Terms
This is the character in opposition to the main character; sometimes not a person.
What is an antagonist?
It could represent a TV, computer, or other obsessions which prevent a person from normal function.
What does the rock in "The Wretched Stone" symbolize?
He has a scar on his face that possibly represents his fighting someone, and he wears a large diamond pin, "oddly set," indicating there might be something wrong with the way he's obtained his wealth.
What are two clues that indicate what Bob does for a living in "After Twenty Years"?
The female mallard duck is plain brown and unnoticed;
What is a symbol in "The Story of an Hour"?
This author also wrote "The Polar Express" and "Jumangi," which were both made into films.
Who is Chris Van Allsburg?
This is a conclusion or summation based on hints from the story; information not directly stated.
What is inference?
The doctors wrote that she died of "a joy that kills" when, actually, shock from her husband's return gave her a heart attack, and she died.
Explain the verbal irony in "The Story of an Hour."
There would most likely be gaps in the narration of the story, and the stone would be called something beautiful or wonderful.
How might the "The Wretched Stone" be different if it were told from the point of view of one of the crew members?
Since the five strangers are trying to decide, this part of the plot is missing in their frame story.
What is a resolution to the five strangers' story in "The Discourager of Hesitancy"?
This character says, "Free. Free. Free!"
Who is Mrs. Mallard
This occurs when the words mean/infer something opposite of their literal meaning.
What is verbal irony?
Physical description, what a character says/thinks, what a character does, and what others do around the character.
List four ways author characterize.
The cowboys spits a "benediction" into the dirt before his ride, meaning he could be saying a closing prayer of sorts on his life because of the danger of bull riding. The men working the chute get the rider ready for a "sacrificial act," meaning he could sacrifice his life, and the crowds is described starts to "sanctify" the ride--approve it.
What are three religiously connotative words symbolize danger for the bull rider in "Rodeo"?
Some proof of this is that the men stare at it, obsessing over it; it's also heavy to carry, it's rough and gray with one shiny, and it has a bright shining, lit side. Additionally, the men can't seem to get anything done once they start staring at it.
What is some proof that the stone symbolizes a tv , computer, or obsessions in general in "The Wretched Stone"?
It's definition is "wary" or "watchful."
What does "baleful" from "Rodeo" mean?
This occurs when both readers and characters are surprised in a story.
What is situational irony?
The story is set in the Victorian Era in which women could not express their opinions freely and the main character could not express her opinion as she wanted, and the action is set in spring, which represents a new beginning, just like the main character thought she'd have when her husband died.
What are two reason setting is important in "The Story of an Hour"?
Without culture, humans are no better off from the animals from which they supposedly evolved.
This idea's proof is the crewmen quit singing, dancing, reading, telling stories, and listening to music, and, instead began staring mindlessly at the stone, turning into apes.
What is a theme in "The Wretched Stone," and how is it proven in the story?
He has a "round, self-satisfied face" and wears eye glasses, indicating he gets satisfactions from bullying his wife and scrutinizes her carefully, watching every move she makes.
Name a symbolic description of the husband in "Birthday Party."
This author worked on a sheep ranch, lived in Texas, and was imprisoned for embezzling $5000.00.
Who is O'Henry (William Sydney Porter)?
This occurs when readers and/or other characters know something a character doesn't.
What is dramatic irony?
The five strangers are told they have to decide which lady the prince chose, and the prince is told he has ten seconds to pick the correct bride he just married or he'll die; the five strangers try to decide the bride, and the prince steps forward, correctly choosing the correct bride he just married.
Identify the climax and falling action in both the frame and inner stories of "The Discourager of Hesitancy."
Why is point-of-view important in "Birthday Party?"
She cries "wild[ly]" upon hearing the news of her husband's death, illlustrating her strong passion; she is calm, collecting herself in the upstairs room until she becomes joyful, realizing she'll not have her husband forcing her opinion, and she dies of a heart attack from the shock of him returning home.
Explain how Mrs. Mallard is a round character in "The Story of an Hour."
One of the best writers of his/her time, this author wrote in the 1930s, usually creating stories with female protagonists.
Who is Katherine Brush?