“Major 8” Literary Devices

1. Tone Imagery “Major 8” Literary Devices Plot Diction Setting Rhythm IB Literature and Performance 2012-2013 (Be sure to use your Note-Taking Device!) Characterization Point of View

2. Diction • Definition of Diction:

3. Diction • Definition of Diction: • Diction is the selection of words in a work of literature. • Diction is important because the choice of words in a work can convey feeling, action, or attitude. Diction can be analyzed from both a character and writer's perspective. Diction has a huge impact on the performance of a text. • EXAMPLE: • MARGARET: “One of those no-neck monsters hit me with a hot buttered biscuit so I have t’ change!” (Williams 7)

4. Imagery • Definition of Imagery:

5. Imagery • Definition of Imagery: • Imagery: the formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively. • Imagery is important because it paints a picture for the mind that takes the performance to new imaginative levels, transcending boredom and common language. • EXAMPLE: • MARGARET: “I feel all the time like a cat on a hot tin roof!” (Williams 26)

6. Setting • Definition of Setting:

7. Setting • Definition of Setting: • Setting: the time, place, and circumstances in which a narrative, drama, or film takes place… • Setting is important because it enables a performance to have a foundation for language, behavior, and attitude. Setting can be found hidden in language! • EXAMPLE: • MAE: “…an’ Dixie and Trixiepuhfawmed a toe dance in a fairy costume with spahkluhs!” (Williams 24)

8. Rhythm • Definition of Rhythm:

9. Rhythm • Definition of Rhythm: • Rhythm: an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the flow of sound and silence in speech • Rhythm is important because it offers the truest proof of “how” to perform a given scene. Performers must pay close attention to punctuation to identify rhythm! • EXAMPLE: • BIG DADDY: “BIG MAMA, WILL YOU QUIT HORSIN’? – You’re too old an’ too fat fo’ that sort of crazy kid stuff an’ besides a woman with your blood-pressure – she had two hundred last a spring! – is riskin’ a stroke when you mess around like that…” (Williams 50)

10. Tone • Definition of Tone:

11. Tone • Definition of Tone: • Tone: is a literary technique that is a part of composition, which encompasses the attitudes toward the subject and toward the audience implied in a literary work • Tone is important because it offers a keen look into the dialgoue and characters performing! Mastering tone is perhaps the easiest way to improve your performance skills! • EXAMPLE: • BIG DADDY: “I’ve lived with mendacity! – Why can’t you live with it? Hell, you got to live with it, there’s nothing else to live with except mendacity, is there?” (Williams 84)

12. Point of View • Definition of Point of View:

13. Point of View • Definition of Point of View : • Point of View: • – The stance or viewpoint of the author or narrator. • 1st Person (“I”, “my”) • 2nd Person (“you”, “your”) • 3rd Person (“he/she”, “his/her”) • Limited vs. Omniscient • Limited (A narrator whose knowledge is limited to one character, either major or minor, has a limited omniscient point of view.) • Omniscient (A narrator who knows everything about all the characters is all knowing, or omniscient.) • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is 3rd Person Omniscient • EXAMPLE: - BRICK: “They suggested that too? I thought that was Maggie’s suggestion.” (Brick’s detachment is at last broken through. His heart is accelerated…) (Williams 89)

14. Plot • Definition of Plot:

15. Plot • Definition of Plot: • Plot: “the organized events that make up a story” • Exposition • Rising Action • Conflict • Climax • Falling Action • Resolution • KEY: Identify where your selected scene/quote can be found in the plot! • EXAMPLE: • BRICK: “What did you lock the door for?” • MARGARET: “To give us a little privacy for a while.” (Williams 26)

16. Characterization • Definition of Characterization:

17. Characterization • Definition of Characterization: • Characterization: the art of creating characters in a narrative / the process of which a writer reveals character personality • Characterization is essential to the enjoyment of engagement of a story, narrative, poem or play. Characterization can be difficult to identify; however, go with your gut and you’ll find the “art” and “personality” of your characters every time! • EXAMPLE: • BRICK: “I want it on the sofa. That’s where I sleep.” (…He now pours down three shots in quick succession and stands waiting, silent. All at once he turns with a smile and says:) “There!”