Literary Elements and Anglo-American Literature Periods

Flashcards covering literary plot elements, point of view, character types, and the historical periods of Anglo-American literature.

What is the definition of plot according to the notes?

The sequence of events that make up a story, including how events are connected and how conflicts develop and are resolved.

What are the six parts of a plot mentioned in the transcript?

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement (also includes inciting incident on page 5).

What is a parallel plot?

A story structure where two or more storylines happen at the same time and eventually connect.

How is an episodic plot defined?

A story made up of separate episodes or events connected by a common character, theme, or setting.

What is point of view (POV) and what three questions does it answer?

The perspective from which a story is narrated; it answers: 'Who is telling the story?' and affects what readers know, feel, and what information is revealed.

What are the characteristics and pronouns of first person POV?

The narrator is a character in the story; uses pronouns I, me, my, and we. Advantage: shows personal thoughts; Limitation: only knows what the narrator knows.

What pronouns are used in second person POV?

You, your, and youre.

What is the difference between third person limited and third person omniscient POV?

Third person limited focuses on ONE character, while third person omniscient is all-knowing and reveals the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters.

Why is conflict important in a story?

It creates excitement, develops the plot, reveals a character's personality, and keeps readers engaged.

Contrast flat characters and round characters.

Flat characters have only two dominant traits and are predictable; round characters have complex, rich personalities and grow.

Contrast static characters and dynamic characters.

Static characters stay the same with no changes; dynamic characters develop and grow.

Define direct and indirect characterization.

Direct characterization is directly stated by the author; indirect characterization is inferred by thoughts and actions.

What is the role of a protagonist?

The main character the story revolves around; they face the main conflict, make important decisions, and usually grow or change by the end.

What is an antagonist?

A person, force, or situation that creates obstacles or conflict for the protagonist.

What characterized the Old English period (450-1066)?

Heroic epics, oral storytelling, and themes of bravery and loyalty; notable works include Beowulf and Caedmon's Hymn.

Who is a 'scop'?

An Old English poet or bard.

What historical event began the Middle English period (1066-1500)?

The Norman Conquest, which led to French and Latin greatly influencing English.

Who is known as the 'father of literature' and what is his famous work?

Geoffrey Chaucer; The Canterbury Tales.

What characterized the Renaissance period (1500-1660)?

Humanism, drama, theater, sonnets, and lyric poetry; it was a 'golden age' where literature flourished during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

What were the key characteristics of the Neo-classical period (1660-1798)?

Logic and reason, satire, order, balance, and inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman ideals.

What was the Romantic period (1798-1837) a reaction against?

The Industrial Revolution and strict rationalism; it celebrated emotion over reason, nature, and imagination.

What marked the Victorian period (1837-1901)?

The age of Queen Victoria, industrial growth, social reform, and social criticism.

What influences and characteristics defined the Modern period (1901-1945)?

Influenced by world wars and technological change; characterized by experimentation, alienation, and psychological themes.

What are the characteristics of the Post-Modern period (1945-present)?

Fragmentation, irony, multiple viewpoints, diversity, and multiple perspectives.

List the six American literary periods mentioned in the notes.

Colonial period (1607-1765), Revolutionary age (1765-1800), American Renaissance (1800-1865), Realistic period (1865-1914), American Modernist period, and Contemporary period.