Forms of LiteratureShort Story- brief work of fiction.
Usually a main character faces a conflict that is resolved in the plot.
Ex. “Masque of the Red Death: by Edgar Allan Poe
Nonfiction- writing that tells about real people, places, objects, events and ideas.Example: essays, biographies,
autobiographies and technical articles.
Forms of Literature Cont..
Poetry- literature that appears in verse form. Most poems are concise, musical and have powerful language.
Drama- written to be performed by actors. Scripts have dialogue, monologues and stage directions etc…Ex. “A Christmas Carol”
Folk literature- literature of a specific people or culture that is passed down orally from one generation to the next.
Short Story ( A few terms)
Plot- sequence of events
Characters: Direct and Indirect Characterization
Setting-Time and place of the actionPoint of view ( 1st, 2nd, 3rd)Theme- key message or insight of life.
Non-fiction
Autobiography- person tells his or her own story
Biography- a writer tells the life story of another person
Essays- short nonfiction work about a particular subject
Informational Texts- Provide knowledge that guides and educates
Essay Examples:
Descriptive essay- shows the five sensesExpository essay- gives information or
explains a processPersuasive essay- tries to convince
readers to do something or to accept the writer’s point of view
Reflective essay- writers thoughts or reflections
PoetryWriting that combines language, images and sounds to create a special emotional effect.
Many types of poetry Narrative poetry- like a short story! It tells
a story that includes plot, characters and setting.
Lyric poem- musical way to expressPoetic form- refers to the way the lines of a
poem are shaped and arranged. Stanzas are the most common
Poetry Forms Cont.
Rhythm and RhymeRhythm- pattern of stressed and
unstressed syllablesRhyme- repetition of sounds at the end of
words.Figurative language- often used to create
vivid impressionsEx. Similes, metaphors, personification
Drama-Meant to be performed! Types of plays
Comedy- humorous play with a happy ending.
Tragedy- hero suffers a major downfall.
Dialogue and Monologue
Dialogue-Conversation between two or more characters
Monologue- lengthy speech that one character addresses to others on stage.
Stage directions- instructions of performing the play.
Plot and conflict
Folk LiteratureMyths- fictional tale that explains the
interactions between gods and humans.Legend- widely told story about the past
that may or may not have a foundation of fact.
Folk tale- story composed orally and then passed from person to person by word of mouth.
Epic- long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes in war or in their travels. Will be a serious mood.
“Games at Twilight” by Anita Desai Form of Literature-Short Story
Literary terms
Motivation- A character’s motivation is the reason behind his or her actions or words. Understanding why characters act in a certain way will help you understand story events.
Dialogue- conversation between characters.
Inner Conflict- Psychological Conflict of a character.
Setting, mood and atmosphere ( look in textbook)
Reading Strategy Terms
Inference-Reading between the lines and figuring out information.
Character Decisions-Evaluating Ravi’s decision
“Games at Twilight” Continued
Vocabulary
Superciliously-Acting as though one is above or better than, others.
Sidled-moved slowly to the side to avoid attracting attention
Defunct-no longer in use or existence; dead
Dogged-stubborn
“Leningen versus the Ants” By. Carl Stephenson
Short story-FictionLiterary Elements
Plot- five sections of plot and the connection to the story.
Conflict- Outer and Inner conflict in connection to the plot.
Reading StrategyMaking Predictions- Predicting or
guessing story events
“Leiningen Versus the Ants” Setting: BrazilThe story was made into a radio play on CBS in 1948
called Escape. “Leiningen…” was then made into a horror movie
called “The Naked Jungle” in 1954 staring Charleton Heston.
VocabularyPeons- laborersFlout- show open contempt ( hate)Weir- low damProvender- food; provisionsAlluvium- material such as sand or clay deposited
by moving water.Fomentations- applications of salve to wounds.
The Widow and the Parrot
Literary TermMotivation: Refer to Games at twilight
notes. Plot: Exposition, rising action, climax,
falling action and resolutionReading Strategy
Drawing Inferences- Reach conclusions when you read. How can you tell that Mrs. Ford does not like the parrot?
The Widow and the Parrot VocabularyFord- shallow place in a river where
people can crossDilapidated- shabby and neglectedSovereigns- British gold coins worth one
pound each.Sagacity- wisdom
Note: one pound equals $1.57
( approx.)
“The Bridge” by: Leopold Staff“The Old Stoic” by: Emily Bronte Form of Literature: Poetry
Literary Terms
Dramatic Situation-The circumstances that lead to the point of the story or poem
Speaker- Who is speaking to us in the poem? ( Imaginary- thought of by the author)
Reading Strategies
Author’s purpose- The writer’s outlook on the subject.
Vocabulary
Implore- plead.; ask for earnestly
Timorous-full of fear, timid
Indomitable-not easily defeated
“I Am Not One of Those Who Left the Land” and “Speech During the Invasion” Form of Literature: Non-Fiction ( Speech ) and
Fiction ( Poem)
Politics- activities of governments concerning the political relations of an area.
Poem ( “I Am Not…”) - Akhmatova is anti-revolutionary. Meaning she refuses to rebel against the government or support change.
Speech ( “Speech During…”)- Theodora’s speech was given during a riot staged between two political groups ( Blues and the Greens)
“ The Good Deed” by Pearl S. Buck
Form of Literature: Short Story
Literary Elements
Static Character- Does not change in the story
Dynamic Character-Grows and changes throughout the story.
Reading Strategy
Drawing Inferences- Logical assumptions or “read between the lines”
Vocabulary:
Contemplatively- in a thoughtful way
Revere- regard with deep respect and love
Abashed- embarrassed
Repressed- held back or restrained
Assailed- attacked physically
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