Literary Terms
Stories We Analyzed in Class
100

What is a protagonist?

The main character of the story

100

Provide an example of foreshadowing from the short story "The Necklace". 

An example of foreshadowing is the jeweler mentioning that he didn’t sell the necklace. He supplied only the case. Obviously, this is a clue that the Loisels ignore.

200

What is a climax in a story? 

The highest point of emotional intensity in the story. It usually marks the turning point in the protagonist's fortunes and the major crisis in the story

200

Examine symbolism in "The Cask of Amontillado"

Fortunato is dressed like a court jester or clown, and he is, in fact, a fool who falls into Montresor’s trap.

300

What is irony and what are the three common forms of irony? 

Irony is a literary device that reveals concealed or contradictory meanings. 


Verbal Irony

Dramatic Irony

Situational Irony

300
Examine a theme in the short story "The Dangerous Game" by analyzing its title. 

Humans are the most dangerous game in the world.


“Game” can mean a competition or sport played between two people, like the chess game mentioned by Zaroff. “Game” can also mean a large animal that is being hunted. 

400

 What is conflict, and what are the three main conflicts in literature?

A conflict is the struggle between opposing characters or forces, usually between the protagonist and someone else or something else.  All conflicts are external or internal. 

Person vs Person

Person vs Environment

Person vs Self

400

Provide an example of verbal irony from "The Cask of Amontillado"

When the two men are drinking the Medoc, Fortunato says, “I drink...to the buried that repose around us.” Then, Montresor says, “And I to your long life.” This is ironic because Montresor intends for just the opposite to be true.

500
What is the point of view in a story, and what are the three most common? 

The POV is the perspective from which a story is seen or told. Importantly, it establishes the relationships of author, reader, and protagonist. 

First person 

Limited omniscient 

Omniscient

500

What is a theme in "Lamb to the Slaughter"? Provide 2 examples to support your answer. 

Appearances do not accurately reflect reality.

The domestic scene with Mary at the very beginning appears to be warm and content. However, we soon learn that Patrick does not enjoy the same comfort in his home/relationship. It’s not a happy home, after all. 2. Mary appears to be a docile, subservient housewife, when she is, in fact, a violent murderer. Her outer appearance of sweetness and light disguises her dark interior. 3. One would think the police would be extra vigilant in locating the murderer of their co-worker and friend. However, their familiarity with Mary makes them careless and less effective

than they would be in catching someone else’s murderer.