Characters and Literary Terms
Name the literary device when an author gives human traits to non-human things (example: a singing candlestick).
Personification
Choose the meaning closest to “incessantly” from the midterm: A) loudly B) in a whisper C) continuously.
continuously
Is the following sentence punctuated correctly?
It isn’t often that I have the chance to engage in a long conversation; therefore; I seize every opportunity I have to have one.
No. The second semicolon should be a comma.
Who is the narrator of “A Christmas Memory”?
Buddy is the narrator.
What is the primary difference between direct and indirect characterization?
Direct characterization tells the reader about a character's traits explicitly, while indirect characterization shows traits through actions, speech, or thoughts
Identify the device used when the narrator says, “The chili was like an inferno.” Also state whether it describes taste or appearance.
Simile- The simile describes the chili’s taste (spiciness/heat)
Which word best matches “squalor” from the midterm’s word list?
A) cleanliness B) filth and wretchedness C) luxury.
filth and wretchedness
Explain when to use a colon instead of a semicolon; give one short example.
Use a colon for emphasis/introduction of a list and a semicolon for conjunction between two closely related sentences to combine them.
What is the main tradition Buddy and his friend share each year?
Making fruitcakes (and sending them to people).
In "The Cask of Amontillado," Montresor states, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge." This is an example of:
A. Indirect characterization through thought
B. Direct characterization of Montresor
B. Direct characterization of Montresor
What is the term for the voice that tells a story when the narrator uses “I” and tells events from personal experience?
First person narration
Use context clues to pick the best synonym for “vexation” in the sentence: “It is a great vexation to me when my younger sister wears my clothes.”
A) annoyance B) assistance C) gratitude.
annoyance
Identify the correctly punctuated sentence from these options:
A) I have run out of space for my books, however; I can’t stop buying them.
B) I have run out of space for my books, however, I can’t stop buying them.
C) I have run out of space for my books; however, I can’t stop buying them.
(Give letter and explain why.)
C is correct; semicolon separates independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb; it’s correctly used before “however.”
In which region of the United States does the story take place?
The South.
Which of the following describes the process for identifying the theme of a story?
A) Summarizing the plot and major events in chronological order.
B) Identifying the central message, moral, or lesson the author is trying to convey, by examining the characters' actions, the conflict, and the resolution.
B) Identifying the central message, moral, or lesson the author is trying to convey, by examining the characters' actions, the conflict, and the resolution.
Define alliteration and give a short original example (3–4 words).
“bright blue balloons”
Fill in the blank with the correct midterm vocabulary: “The team began to feel their hard work was ___ after losing 10 games in a row. (choices: destined, futile, ruinous)” Explain why.
Futile
Explanation:
Rewrite this run-on into two correctly punctuated sentences: “I know the answer to your question there are five days left until the next full moon.”
Correct rewrite: “I know the answer to your question. There are five days left until the next full moon.” (Or use colon: “I know the answer to your question: there are five days…”)
What does the buggy/wagon detail suggest about Buddy and his friend’s socioeconomic status and character?
The dilapidated buggy suggests they are poor but resourceful and creative.
"The sun beat down on the parched earth, and the skeletal remains of the barn groaned as if sighing for rain that would never come."
Which word best describes the author's tone?
A) Cheerful
B) Solemn
B) Solemn
Read the following short passage and identify TWO literary devices used: “Nickels and quarters, worn smooth as creek pebbles; the wheels wobble like a drunkard’s legs.” Explain your choices briefly.
simile (“worn smooth as creek pebbles”) and simile (“like a drunkard’s legs”) — you could also note imagery
Provide a short (1–2 sentence) context-clue explanation that would help a reader determine the meaning of “incongruous.”
Incongruous means something is out of place, inappropriate, or doesn't fit with its surroundings, lacking harmony or consistency, like a modern skyscraper in a medieval village. For example: "The bright pink tuxedo was incongruous at the somber funeral, seeming absurdly out of place".
Explain the punctuation difference and purpose between these two sentences and which is correct:
“At the store I am going to buy these things : milk, eggs butter and cream.”
“At the store I am going to buy milk, eggs, butter and cream.”
Sentence 1 is correct.
Sentence 2 is missing commas in the list.
Correct: “At the store, I am going to buy milk, eggs, butter, and cream.”
Choose and explain the point of view used in the story.
First person point of view — evidence: narrator uses “I”
Which sentence is subjective?
A) The temperature is 95 degrees today.
B) The library contains over 10,000 books.
C) The movie lasted exactly two hours.
D) The movie was way too long and boring.
The movie was way too long and boring.