Literary Elements + Layers of Meaning
In the story Of Mice and Men the setting of the story is an isolated ranch during the Great Depression, a period where unemployment and poverty rates were high. The story focuses on the characters' unstable friendships, unfulfilled dreams, and personal struggles.
How does this setting add to the meaning of the story?
It highlights a time period of hardships and loneliness through the isolated ranch.
Define Personification
Giving human abilities to non-human entities.
Literal, mood, tone, and author's purpose
Define "ambiguity"
A phrase that is unclear and can be interpreted in 2 or more ways.
Read the etymology of the word "uniform"
uni: one
form: with form
What does this word mean?
One unchanging form.
A story has a main character who is always paranoid, nervous, and twitchy. He constantly feels like someone is watching him from a distance and can never sleep at night.
How does this characterization add to the reader's mood?
The constant worrying and anxiety of the character creates a mood of unease and dread for the reader.
"The fireworks filled the sky with a million dazzling colors, brighter than a thousand suns."
The exaggeration in this hyperbole creates an excited and thrilling mood.
Literary elements/Key elements
Define "adaptation"
Read the etymology of the word "hydrophilic"
hydro: water
ic: having to do with
What does this word mean?
having a tendency to mix something with water.
In the dystopian novel and movie The Hunger Games, there are themes of government control and social inequities. The movie depicts a government that hosts a Game between the rich classes and the poor classes who have to fight each other to survive.
How do the themes contribute to the author's purpose of the story?
Through the themes of the story, the author hopes to warn readers about the dangers of a greedy and powerful government and the differences in the treatment of different social classes.
How does the metaphor in this sentence impact the reader's mood?
"The room was a tomb, silent and shadowed, holding its secrets tightly"
By comparing the room to a tomb, the author creates an eerie and uncomfortable mood.
Characterization, plot, and setting are 3 examples of what?
Literary elements/key elements
Define "universal theme"
A message/lesson that applies to anyone regardless of race, gender, or age.
Read the etymology of the word "monochromatic"
mono: one
chrome: colorful
ic: having to do with
"Today, I tripped over my own shoelaces, spilled orange juice on my new shirt, and agreed to join 3 clubs I am not even interested in."
How does this first-person point of view contribute to the author's tone?
The author's use of first-person POV enhances the story's humorous and relatable tone.
How does the alliteration in "The soft sun settled down slowly over the sea" impact the reader's mood?
The repeated "s" sound are gentle and melodic, creating a calming and peaceful mood.
What is the difference between mood and tone?
Mood is the feelings of the reader while tone is the author's attitude.
Define "compare and contrast"
Compare: the similarities between two or more things.
Contrast: the differences between two or more things.
Read the etymology of the word "mesoderm"
meso: middle
derm: skin
What does this word mean?
The middle slayers of bodily tissues
Fill in the blank:
Literary elements ___________ layers of meaning?
(Hint: Think about the cake)
add/enhance
How does this example of imagery impact the reader's mood?
"The vibrant garden buzzed with life, flowers blooming in every color imaginable."
The celebratory image of nature and beauty sets a lively and joyful mood
First person point of view uses I/me/myself
Third person point of view uses he/she/they
Define "Irony"
A clear contrast between what is expected and what is actually happening.
Ex: a fire station burning down.
Read the etymology of the word "precede"
pre: before
cede: yield
What does this word mean?
To come before something else in time.