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Literary Signposts

Literary Signposts. 2012-2013. What does the phrase “Literary Signpost” mean?. lit·er·ar·y : Adjective : 1. Concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, esp. of the kind valued for quality of form. sign·post : Noun :

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Literary Signposts

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  1. Literary Signposts 2012-2013

  2. What does the phrase “Literary Signpost” mean? • lit·er·ar·y: • Adjective: • 1. Concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, esp. of the kind valued for quality of form. • sign·post: • Noun: • 1. Something that acts as guidance or a clue to an unclear or complicated issue.

  3. In Plain English… • A literary signpost is when you read something in a text, and it alerts you to something you didn’t know or realize before.

  4. Contrasts & Contradictions • When a character does something that contrasts with what you’d expect or contradicts his/her earlier acts or statements, STOP and ask, “Why is the character doing that?” The answer will help you make predictions and draw inferences about the plot and conflict. • Example: A normally sober character suddenly doing drugs could signal a drastic change in that character’s life.

  5. Lesson of the Wiser • When a character (probably older and wiser) takes the main character aside and offers serious advice, STOP and ask, “What’s the life lesson and how might it affect the character?” The lesson is probably the theme of the story. • Example: A teacher pulling a troubled student aside and telling the student to overcome his problems, that only you can decide your future.

  6. Ah-Ha! Moment • When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something, STOP and ask yourself, “How might this change things?” If it is about a problem, it tells you something about the conflict; if it is a life lesson, it tells you something about the theme. • Example: When a character discovers their parents are not really their parents.

  7. Again and Again • When you notice a word, phrase, or situation mentioned over and over, STOP and ask yourself, “Why does this keep happening again and again?” The answer will tell you something about the theme and the conflict, or will foreshadow something that might happen later in the story. • Example: A character who is trapped in a basement repeatedly seeing and talking about birds.

  8. Memory Moment • When the author interrupts the action to tell you about a memory, STOP and ask yourself, “Why might this memory be important?” The answer will tell you something about the theme and the conflict, or will foreshadow what might happen later in the story. • Example: A character having a sudden memory about a traumatic childhood incident – like abuse, or a car accident.

  9. Tough Questions • When a character asks himself a very difficult question, STOP and ask yourself, “What does this question make me wonder about?” The answer will tell you about the conflict, and help you think about what might happen later in the story. • Example: If a character asks himself, “Why is life so unfair?” or “Why don’t I feel like I fit in anywhere?”

  10. Bookmarks • I will now give each of you a book mark to remember to look for these signposts as you are reading. • On the back there is space for you to write a note or a page number. • Extra book marks will be available on the back wall by the inbox. These are meant to make your life easier!

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