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LITERARY TERMS. conflict. T he plot of a story always involves some sort of conflict or struggle between opposing forces. Two types of conflict: External Internal. External conflict.
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conflict • The plot of a story always involves some sort of conflict or struggle between opposing forces. • Two types of conflict: • External • Internal
External conflict • Involves a character piloted against an outside force, such as nature, a physical obstacle, or another character (a struggle with a force outside one’s self)
Types of external conflict • Characteragainst character • Character against nature • Character against machine • Character against society • Character against the supernatural
INTERNAL CONFLICT • a conflict that happens within a character (a struggle with one’s self; when a person has to make a decision)
PLOT • the sequence of events in a story • generally built around the conflict • usually includes four stages
Exposition • In fiction the structure normally begins with exposition. It is the beginning of the story where the characters and setting are revealed.
rising action • where the conflict in the • story is revealed
climax • the most intense point and turning point in the story
FALLING ACTION • Follows the climaxwhere the tension eases
RESOLUTION/DENOUEMENT • The final resolution or clarification of a plot
SETTING • the time and the location in which a story takes place
theme • must be stated in at least one complete sentence • must be expressed as a generalization about life or human nature (LIFE LESSON) • should explain the whole story • should not be confused with a moral
HOW IS A THEME DETERMINED? • Ask how the protagonist has changed during the story OR • Think about the story’s title or statements in the story that point to the writer’s view of the world or human nature
types of characters • main character • minor character • Dynamic/round character – experiences major change in personality or attitude • Static/flat character – no change occurs • Protagonist – the main character (is not always a good person) • Antagonist – opposes the protagonist • Foil – differs drastically from other characters
CHARACTERIZATION • Direct characterization • the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives or phrases
CHARACTERIZATION (CON’T) • Indirect characterization • the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.
MOTIVATION • the mixture of a situation and personality that impels a character to behave the way he or she does
ePIPHANY • the insight or revelation gained when one suddenly understands the essence of an object, gesture, statement, situation, moment, or mentality; • They see the commonplace for what it really is beneath the surface. • Bottom Line: An “Ah-Ha” Moment
FLASHBACK • a scene that interrupts the present action of a narrative work to depict some earlier event • It is often an event that occurred before the opening scene of the work via remembrance, dream, or some other mechanism.
foreshadowing • a technique in which the author suggests or predicts an outcome of a plot; • hints or clues as to what is to come later
suspense • the quality of a literary work that makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about the outcome of events; makes the reader ask “What will happen next?”
symbolism • The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature
tone • The attitude of the author toward his/her subject • Ex: fear, suspense, humor, optimism, pessimism, melancholy, anger, neutral, etc.
IMAGERY • Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the five senses
IRONY • A contrast between appearance and reality – usually one in which reality is the opposite of what it seems
POINT OF VIEW • The method of narration used in a short story; who is telling the story? • First person, third person, third person omniscient (all knowing)