III. Challenging Recognizing Interconnectedness and Solidarity in Afro-Asian Literature

Characterization, Conflict, Plot, Writing, Style, & Tone

Conflict

• refers to the central struggle or tension within a literary work. By examining the conflicts present in a text, readers can identify the values or beliefs being challenged.

Internal Conflict

• struggles within a character's mind, desires, emotions, beliefs, or values.

External Conflict

• struggles between a character and outside forces.

Man vs. Supernatural

• characters face extraordinary or supernatural forces — encounters with ghosts, monsters, mythical creatures, or magical elements that challenge the protagonist's beliefs, abilities, or well-being.

Man vs. Technology

• explores the relationship between humans and technology — negative consequences, ethical dilemmas, or dependence on technology.

  • themes include artificial intelligence, surveillance, or the impact of advanced machinery on human lives.

Man vs. Fate

• the struggle against destiny or a predetermined course of events.

• characters may battle against an inescapable outcome, defy prophecies, or attempt to change their predetermined fate.

Protagonist

• the central character — the main focus of the narrative, whom readers identify with and follow. The protagonist often faces challenges and conflicts that drive the plot forward.

Antagonist

• the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles.

  • these can be individuals, groups, or even internal struggles.

Major Characters

• significant figures with substantial impact on the plot, often well-developed with detailed backgrounds, motivations, and story arcs.

  • Can include both protagonists and antagonists, as well as important supporting characters.

Supporting Characters

• play secondary roles, providing assistance, companionship, or contrast to the protagonist.

Supporting Characters

• can add depth to the narrative, contribute to subplots, or serve as foils. Include friends, family members, mentors, love interests, or sidekicks.

Plot

• refers to the sequence of events in a story.

Exposition

• the beginning of the story, where the setting, characters, and basic background information are introduced, establishing context for the reader.

Rising Action

• a series of events and complications that develop the conflict, intensify tension, and build suspense through obstacles and challenges the protagonist must overcome.

Climax

• the turning point and most intense moment — the peak of conflict where the protagonist faces the greatest challenge or makes a crucial decision.

Falling Action

• follows the climax, showing the consequences of the protagonist's actions or decisions and beginning to resolve remaining storylines and subplots

Resolution / Denoument

• the final part of the plot, providing closure, answering questions, resolving conflicts, and revealing the characters' fates and futures

Diction

• refers to the specific word choices and languages used by the author.

Diction

• can evoke different connotations and associations, conveying values or attitudes.

Descriptive Language

• word choices that create vivid imagery and convey the author's attitudes and values.

Figurative Language

• metaphors, similes, and other devices that carry deeper meaning and symbolic associations.

Symbolism

• objects, actions, or words that represent abstract ideas, revealing the author's intended message.

Tone

• the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter. It reveals the author's perspective on the events, characters, and themes of the work.

Mood

• the emotional atmosphere created within the text for the reader. It is the feeling evoked in the audience as they experience the story.

Style

• encompasses the author's unique writing techniques, such as sentence structure, literary devices, and narrative voice.

Style

• analyzing this can reveal their artistic choices and how they shape the portrayal of values within the text.

Sentence Structure

• the length and complexity of sentences shape pacing and emphasis, contributing to the overall meaning of the text.

Literary Devices

• patterns of repetition, imagery, and metaphors contribute to the overall meaning and expression of values.

Narrative Voice

• the perspective from which the story is told shapes how values are portrayed and perceived by the reader.