Windows & Mirrors
What is the difference between a window and a mirror in literature?
A window offers a view into someone else's world, while a mirror reflects the reader's own experiences
What is internal conflict?
Internal conflict is a struggle within a character’s mind or heart, such as choosing between right and wrong.
What is dialogue, and how do author's use it?
Dialogue is the words spoken by characters and is used to reveal character, move the plot, and make the story feel realistic.
What is the difference between a theme topic and theme statement?
A theme topic is a single word or phrase, while a theme statement is a complete sentence explaining a message from the story.
Name the plot elements in the correct order.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Explain how a story can be both a window and a mirror.
A story acts as both a window and a mirror by reflecting a reader's own life and culture (mirror) while simultaneously offering a view into someone else's experiences, building empathy and understanding for different worlds (window).
Identify one type of external conflict and give an example.
Example: Character vs. character — a character argues or fights with another character.
What is structure? What is it's purpose?
Structure means how the text is organized, such as chapters or order of events, and it helps readers understand the story.
Is the following sentence a theme statement? Why or why not?
"The character learned a lot about herself."
No, the sentence is not a theme statement. It is too vague and not universal. A theme statement should apply to life or the world in general, not just a specific character.
What is SWBST?
Someone
Wanted
But
So
Then
Why might a story be more of a window than a mirror for some readers?
A story may be more of a window when it focuses on experiences, cultures, or situations unfamiliar to the reader.
Explain how an external conflict could lead to an internal conflict.
External conflict can force a character to question their beliefs or feelings, creating an internal struggle.
What is word choice? Why is it important?
Word choice is the deliberate selection of words to convey a specific meaning, tone, and feeling. It's how authors build their message by shaping reader understanding and emotion.
Create a theme statement about honesty.
Example: Honesty is the currency for connection.
Why should not all details be in a summary?
Unimportant details distract from the main idea and make summaries too long.
How do a reader's background and experiences affect whether a story is a window or a mirror?
A reader’s background, culture, identity, and experiences influence how they connect to the story and whether it feels like a window or mirror.
Name three types of external conflict.
Character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, character vs. technology
Give three examples of figurative language.
Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiom, onomatopoeia, alliteration
Why should a strong theme statement not include character names?
Theme statements focus on universal messages, not specific characters or plot details.
What is the purpose of the climax of the story?
Key events include major conflicts or turning points because they move the story forward.
Explain why a text can fail to be either a window or a mirror.
A text may fail to be a window or mirror if it lacks depth, representation, or meaningful connection, making it hard for readers to learn from or relate to it.
How can a character face both internal and external conflict? Give an example.
Example: Santosh is frustrated with his grandma for leaving him behind all around Europe. Internally, Santosh is struggling by feeling like his academic define who he is.
Why might the author use repetition instead of figurative language in a powerful scene?
An author might choose repetition to strongly emphasize an idea or emotion, making it memorable without needing comparisons.
How do plot elements and character traits work together to reveal the theme?
Plot events show challenges, and character traits show responses; together, they reveal the author’s message.
How would removing one plot element affect the story's meaning and impact?
Removing a plot element would weaken the story’s structure and meaning, such as eliminating the climax reducing tension.