Definitions
This term is also called the "storyline"
plot
is the events that follow as a consequence of the climax.
falling action
compares two different things, using the words “like” or “as”
simile
A central or dominating idea implicit in a literary work, a _____ is an abstract concept indirectly expressed through imagery, plot, characters, motifs, and/or symbols
theme
protagonist
______ is a story that represents abstract ideas or principles by characters, objects, events, or other aspects of the narrative.
allegory
the portion of a work that provides the background information needed to understand the characters and the action
exposition
a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable
metaphor
is the opposition between characters or forces in a literary work
Conflict
The recurring references to darkness reflect a _____ in "Sonny's Blues."
motif
_____ is the surrounding or pervading mood or environment. The atmosphere can be emotional and/or physical.
Atmosphere
the final resolution of the plot or conflict
denouement
giving human characteristics to nonhuman or abstract things
personification
_____ is when the meaning of the situation is understood by the reader but not by the characters in the story; also, more specifically, when the reader understands something about a character or speaker that the character/speaker does not understand about him/herself.
Dramatic Irony
Sonny "drowning in deep water and drowning" is a _____ in the final pages of the short story.
metaphor
the position of the narrator in relation to the story
point of view
the form or the shape of a plot
dramatic structure
Literal or figurative images used by the author
Imagery
a character’s sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something.
epiphany
The "cup of trembling" references Isaiah from the Bible and exists as an ______.
allusion
Similar to voice in speech, _____ is the reflection in a work of the author’s attitude toward his or her subject, characters, etc.
tone
the events in which a story’s conflict develops and intensifies; the _____ leads up to the climax.
rising action
a reference to a preexisting person, work, event, or well-known piece of pop culture
allusion
is a figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant.
verbal irony
What is the climax of "Sonny's Blues"?
When Sonny plays his jazz music at the nightclub.