Epics, Structure, & Adaptations
What is an invocation to the Muse, and why do epic poets use it?
A request to a goddess of poetry and art for inspiration or help telling the story; poets use it to introduce the theme and hero of the epic.
What is personification?
Giving human qualities to nonhuman things (e.g.: "the wind whispered").
Why do forms use different font sizes, bold labels, or spacing?
To help readers distinguish between labels, instructions, and required fields.
What is the difference between first-person and third-person point of view?
First-person uses "I" and reveals one character's thoughts; third-person uses "he/she/they" and can reveal multiple characters' thoughts or remain more objective.
In "Courage," what does the poem say courage can be seen in?
Small everyday actions, such as a toddler taking a first step.
What does it mean when an epic begins in media res, and how does it affect the reader?
It means the story begins in the middle of the action, creating immediate engagement and requiring background events to be revealed later.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile uses like or as to compare two things; a metaphor states the comparison directly.
What purpose do checkboxes serve on a form?
They require applicants to make clear selections, often indicating preference or necessary choices.
What is internal conflict?
Internal conflict is a struggle within a character's mind or feelings.
Who wrote the poems carved in the walls at Angel Island?
Chinese immigrants being held in detention.
Define an epic simile and explain how it differs from a regular simile.
An epic simile is a long detailed comparison extending over several lines. A simile is a shorter comparison made simply.
Define alliteration and explain how it can affect mood.
Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds; it can create moods such as soothing, harsh, peaceful, or tense depending on the sound.
What is the purpose of a follow-up question in an interview?
To get deeper detail, clarify something, or extend the speaker's explanation
What is the theme in a story?
Theme is the main message or lesson the author wants the reader to understand.
Why does Kamau expect a hero's welcome when he returns home?
He fought for his people and was imprisoned for years.
Why would a graphic novel adaptation use simpler language, visuals, and modern dialogue when retelling a scene from an epic?
To make the events clearer, more accessible, and easier to visualize for contemporary readers who may struggle with elevated or archaic language.
What is consonance, and how does it influence tone or mood?
Consonance is the repetition of internal or ending consonant sounds; it can reinforce emotions such as sadness, harshness, or calmness depending on the sound.
What is a text feature and how does it help a reader understand a nonfiction text?
A text feature is something added to the page, like headings, bold words, bullets, or boxes, and it helps the reader find information more quickly.
What is foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is hints or clues about future events within the story.
Why doesn't Odysseus kill the Cyclops when he is asleep?
He needs the Cyclops alive to move the giant stone blocking the cave entrance.
What is inverted syntax?
Inverted syntax rearranges the normal order of words.
What is mood, and how can figurative language help create it?
Mood is the feeling a text gives the reader, and figurative language creates mood by using comparisons or descriptions that make the emotion clearer, like comparing anger to a storm, or sadness to winter.
What is an intended audience and why do authors need to know it?
An intended audience is the specific group of people an author expects or wants to read a text.
When authors understand who they're writing for, they can use diction, tone, and syntax to cater their writing.
What is characterization, and how does it help readers understand a story?
Characterization is how an author shows what a character is like through actions, thoughts, and words. It helps readers understand the character's personality and the message of the story.
What task does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do?
Remove the weapons and armor from the hall.