English Literature

Basics of Literature

What is English Literature?

The study of written works in English, including novels, plays and poems.

What are the two main types of literature?

Fiction and Non-fiction.

What are the three main genres of literature?

Prose, Poetry and Drama.

What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

Fiction is based on the imagination; Non-fiction is based on factual information.

What is Prose?

Ordinary language written in sentences and paragraphs, following natural speech patterns.

State two characteristics of prose.

It uses sentences and paragraphs, with normal grammar and punctuation.

What is the difference between biography and autobiography?

A biography is written by someone else; an autobiography is written by the subject.

What are the 8 Elements of Prose?

Plot, Characters, Setting, Point of View (POV), Theme, Style , Tone & Mood

What is plot?

The sequence of events that takes place in a story.

Name the 7 stages of plot (In Order).

Exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.

What is the climax of a story?

The major turning point where the conflict reaches its highest intensity.

What is setting in literature?

The place and time in which a story takes place.

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

The protagonist is the main character; the antagonist opposes them.

What is a dynamic character?

A character who changes significantly during the story.

What is character versus self conflict?

An internal struggle involving a character's feelings, fears, doubts or choices.

What is Allegory?

A story in which characters, events, and objects represent deeper meanings or ideas.

What is Fable?

A short story that teaches a moral or lesson and often uses animals that talk and act like humans.