English Exam Review - Grade 10 Pre-IB

Symbol. Provide an Example.

A concrete object used to represent an abstract idea/concept. ex. The "Scar" from Lord of the Flies.

Paradox. Provide an Example.

A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true. ex. The only constant is change / Less is more.

Foreshadowing. Provide an Example.

Refers to clues that hint or suggest what is going to happen later in the plot. It arouses the reader's curiosity, builds suspense, and prepares the reader to accept later events. ex. Piggy's name foreshadowing the way in which he died.

Mood. Provide an Example.

Mood is described as a feeling created in a story. ex. The mood in "Just Lather, That's All" is suspenseful.

Metaphor. Provide an Example.

A figure of speech where there is an indirect/implied comparison between 2 things, without using like or as. ex. "His bullets would never pierce the steel that covered the gray monster."

Personification. Provide an Example.

Human characteristics are attributed to inanimate things or ideas. ex. "The rain whipped across his face, slashing and cutting at him."

Allusion. Provide an Example.

Brief reference to person/event/thing from history, Bible, myth, literature, etc. ex. Simon's tropical paradise in LOTF was an allusion to the Garden of Eden. The depiction of Beelzebub was an allusion to the devil infiltrating the Garden of Eden.

Tone. Provide an Example.

Refers to the writer's attitude towards his/her subject, characters, or audience. ex. The narrator has a critical tone of Ivan Dmitritch in The Lottery Ticket.

Simile. Provide an Example.

Figure of speech where 2 things are compared directly by using like/as. ex. "She carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of victory."

Irony. Provide an Example.

The perception of a difference between appearance and reality.

Situational - Outcome is different from what was expected. ex. "Then the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother's face.

Dramatic - The audience is aware of something that characters are not. ex. "They said she had died of heart disease - of the joy that kills."

Verbal - The opposite of the literal meaning. "Give me this maid, your daughter?"

Oxymoron. Provide an Example.

A combination of 2 contradictory/conflicting words. ex. "There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her."

Pun. Provide an Example.

A word used which has two meanings at the same time, which results in humour. ex. "'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man!"

Alliteration. Provide an Example.

Repetition of the first sound in a series of words. ex. "Black as the Pit from Pole to Pole."

Hyperbole. Provide an Example.

A deliberate exaggeration for the sake of emphasis. ex. "The sniper thought the noise would wake the dead."

Soliloquy. Provide an Example.

The speaker delivers a speech while they are alone onstage, revealing their thoughts or inner conflict. ex. Beatrice revealing her feelings for Benedick after finding out he loves her.

Aside. Provide an Example.

A whispered comment spoken directly to the audience, or to specific characters, unheard by all characters onstage. ex. " (aside) See you where Benedick hath hid himself?"

Setting

Refers to the time and place in which a story takes place.

What are the 5 aspects to examine a setting?

Place: geographical location.

Time: when does the story take place? (historical period, time of day / year, etc.)

Weather Conditions: rainy, sunny, stormy, etc.

Social Conditions: what is the daily life of the characters like? How are they affected by their society? (accents, mannerisms, customs, etc.)

Mood/Atmosphere: what feeling is creating in the story? (cheery, dreary, bleak, etc.)

What are the 2 types of character that every story has? Provide examples.

Protagonist - the main character and whose problem you're most interested in; the story revolves around them. ex. Ralph (LOTF), Hero, Claudio+ (MAAN)

Antagonist - main opponent/enemy of the main character; they are also a major character but they sometimes are a minor character. ex. Jack (LOTF), Don John (MAAN)

What are other characters a story can have?

Secondary/Minor Character: characters connected to the primary character who help to develop character, plot, or theme but the story does not revolve around them. ex. Samneric (LOTF), Margaret (MAAN).

Cardboard Character: one-dimensional or flat characters. undeveloped (faces in the crowd). Littluns (LOTF), Messenger (MAAN).

Stock Character: a familiar figure with characteristics that are fixed and predictable. Roger (LOTF), Dogberry (MAAN).

What are the four types of character development?

Dynamic: character changes in a significant way through the story. ex. Jack (LOTF), Beatrice (MAAN).

Static: character who does not change through the story. ex. Littluns (LOTF), Don John (MAAN).

Round: a complex, well-developed character. ex. Piggy (LOTF), Claudio (MAAN).

Flat: a less developed character. do not have many traits. ex. Maurice (LOTF), Borachio (LOTF)

What is characterization? What are the two types?

Refers to the technique used by writers to develop characters. The two types are direct and indirect characterization.

What is the one type of direct characterization?

Description: the author directly states a character's traits or makes direct comments about a character's nature.

ex. Ivan is described as satisfied in The Lottery Ticket.

What are the four types of indirect characterization?

Dialogue: discussion between other characters provides insight to the character concerned; insight is also provided through the character's own speech. ex. "I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me." (Beatrice).

Thoughts and Feelings: the "inner life" of a character reveals details pertinent to his / her development. ex. ""Love me? Why, it must be requited." (Soliloquy by Benedick)

Appearance, Actions, and Reactions: their looks, behavior and the way they react to those around them will give us insight to their character. ex. Roger throws stones near a littlun, yet purposefully misses.

Imagery / Symbolism / Other Devices: use of various devices will accentuate traits and relevant events / issues surrounding the character. ex. symbolism of the LOTF on a stick speaking to Simon accentuates his Christ-like character / parallels.

Plot

Refers to all events of a story, including conflict.

What are the 6 stages of plot?

Introduction: introduces the setting and the characters in the story. ex. Ralph, Piggy, Jack are introduced. The scar and the island are developed.

Inciting Incident: an event that triggers the conflict in the story. ex. Ralph is elected chief, tension rise because of Jack's jealousy. Fire on the island kills littlun and more tension develops.

Rising Action: events that develop the plot and characters. ex. the boys attempt to create order, fear of the beast festers, the boys become increasingly violent.

Climax: the highest point of suspense when a decision must be made; turning point. ex. jack breaks away from the tribe, creating his own tribe. they kill simon.

Falling Action/Denouement: the problem begins to be resolved. ex. piggy is killed and the conch is shattered. ralph is exiled and smoked out.

Conclusion/Resolution: the problem is resolved. ex. the naval officer finds the boys, abruptly ending their savagery.

What is conflict? What are the two types of conflict?

The struggle between opposing forces. It creates suspense and tension in a story. The two types of conflict are internal and external.

Internal Conflict

Refers to a struggle within a person. Examples include an individual's struggles with their own doubts, fears, or conscience. ex. Barber struggles with killing Captain Torres in Just Lather That's All.

External Conflict

Refers to when a character struggles with another person or outside force.

a) individual vs individual ex. sniper vs informant (The Sniper)

b) individual vs society ex. ralph vs jack's tribe

c) individual vs supernatural ex. simon vs LOTF

d) individual vs nature ex. entirety of LOTF

e) individual vs technology

Point of View

The relationship of the narrator and the story.

First Person Narration. What are the 4 types?

Narrator is telling their own story. The story is narrated using first-person pronouns.

First-person Major - telling their own story.

First-person Minor - an onlooker telling some else's story.

Innocent Eye - the story is told through the eyes of a child.

Stream of Consciousness - the story is told so that the reader is inside the head of one character and feels and experiences every detail as the character does.

Second Person Narration

The narrator tell the story to another character or audience using the word 'you', 'you're', and 'your'.

Third Person Narration. What are the 3 types?

The story is told by an outsider, someone not directly involved in the story. it is told using third-person pronouns.

Omniscient - a God like narrator that knows the thoughts of every character.

Limited Omniscient - a narrator that can tell the thoughts of only one character - normally the primary character. they can tell the reader the feelings and motivation of only that character.

Objective - a narrator only tells us about the actions and words of the characters. they can only tell what they see or perceive, not the thoughts of any of the characters.

Topic

A topic expresses the main subject of a story. ex. breakdown of civilization, deception.

Theme

The central focus of any work; it is the meaning of the work. It is implied throughout the work rather than directly stated. It is the universal truth about humanity evident in the text and in society.

ex. William Goldings, Lord of the Flies, explores the ways in which the darkness of humanity's inherent evil nature is exposed through the breakdown of civilization.

ex. William Shakespeare's, Much Ado About Nothing, reveals how the truth is hidden deep within deception.

Symbolism of the Conch

The conch is representative of civilization on the beach. It is able to effectively maintain order during the boys' meetings, a dual symbol of democratic order and authority. As the color's of the shell fade and the island descends into chaos and savagery, the conch loses its legitimacy. Once the conch is entirely shattered during Piggy's death, it served as a reflection of the demise and complete deterioration of the boys society they once upheld.

Symbolism of the Glasses

The glasses represent intellect on the island, directly associated with Piggy and his logical characteristics. His glasses represent his ability to see clearly, both physically and metaphorically.

Symbolism of the Fire

The fire are representative of rescue and a breach between civilization and the island riddled with savagery. The fire serves as a hope for the boys, however when the fire is neglected, the desire to be rescued dissipates. The fire ultimately serves a different purpose, to destroy. However, ironically, it also calls forth the rescue that most of the boys had lost sight of.

Symbolism of the LOTF

The Lord of the Flies is representative of the beast, both a physical representation and a symbol of evil. The prevalent biblical parallels in LOTF are made apparent through the head of the sow on the stick. LOTF translates to Beelzebub, a Biblical character. Many may consider the Lord of the Flies as a reflection of the devil himself.

Symbolism of the Huts

The huts represent a model of civilization that the boys are attempting to upkeep. It is a reflection of the home and safe haven that the boys are attempting to replicate. Their negligence for the huts and their lack of stability are an illustration of the deterioration of stable society on the Island.

Symbolism of the face-paint

The face-paint represents a masking of identity, utilized primarily by Jack. The face-paint acts as a 'persona' to alleviate the boys of their shameful violent acts. The face-paint liberates the boys from the rules and constraint of society and paints them all as savages. Their complete descent into barbarism models their loss of identity as they are only categorized by 'savages' later in the novel.

Symbolism of the Island

The island can be defined as a microcosm: "a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger.". The island is a direct reflection of the war going on on the outside. The boys are simply mirroring what they have been conditioned to see and accustomed to hear during their time pre isolation.

Ralph

Ralph is the main protagonist of the LOTF. He is representative of the civilization and order on the island. He attempts to maintain structure on the island, but the gradual loss of control he experiences represents the fragility of democracy and a civilized society.

Piggy

Piggy is an extremely important secondary character in LOTF. He represents intellect and logic. He attempts to reason with the boys on the island, desperate to maintain his connection to the outside world until his death. His death marks the sure and definite collapse of order on the island.

Jack

Jack is the main protagonist in LOTF. He is a reflection of disorder, chaos, and the embodiment of violence. He is important to the development of the story as he incites most of the violence and enables the boys' violent tendencies as a leader. His extreme desire for power clouds any sort of judgement and leads to the death of both Piggy and Simon.

Roger

Roger is an important secondary character and acts like Jack's sidekick throughout his rise to power. He represents cruelness and brutality. He is important to the story as he enforces the theme of how individuals descend into savagery when a lack of consequences are given. He arguably conveys the idea of 'evil' the best, as his actions are purely fueled because of his desire for violence, as opposed to Jacks desire for power. He plays the key and instrumental role in killing Piggy.

Simon

Simon is another important secondary character, representative of a Christ-like, innately good individual. He is key in the story as he shifts the focus of the beast to an internal thing as opposed to an external. His character stands in stark contrast to one like Roger, as they post stand on opposite sides of the good vs evil spectrum. Simon is the sole boy that didn't partake in the evil atrocities that took place on the island.

Samneric

Samneric are stock characters, and although individual, they are completely together. They represent a loss of individuality as well as pressures to conform. They are easily persuaded by the boys to partake in morally inadequate things, yet they still feel guilt towards their actions. Their fear fueled their betrayal towards Ralph showing the morally-wrong precautions humanity takes when survival is at stake.

Littluns

The littluns are cardboard characters with predictable tendencies. They are the younger ones on the island and are virtually helpless and passive. They represent vulnerability and innocence, their uncontrollable susceptibility proving to be harmful towards enforcing the decisions of the older boys.

Shakespearean Comedy

A Shakespearean comedy is not defined by constant humour, but by its structure and resolution.

Unlike modern comedies, which focus on humour and satire, Shakespearean comedies often blend serious themes with light-hearted elements, and may include melancholy or darker undertones.

Plot Structure 5-Act Shakespearean Comedy

Act 1 - Exposition: Introduction of characters, setting, and initial conflict.

Act 2 - Rising Action: Complications arise, often involving deception or disguise.

Act 3 - Climax: Turning point; misunderstandings peak.

Act 4 - Falling Action: Conflicts begin to resolve, truth is revealed.

Act 5 - Resolution: Reconciliation, marriages, and restoration of order.

Characteristics of a Shakespearean Comedy

Mistaken identity and disguise (often involving gender)

Witty banter and wordplay

Romantic misunderstandings

A fool or comic character who offers insight

A happy ending, usually involving multiple marriages

Themes of love, reconciliation, and transformation

Contrast between city and country life

Use of prose and verse to distinguish social class and tone

Describe Men's Honour

Honour was tied to reputation, bravery, loyalty, and control over women in their family.

Defending one's name or family honour — even through duels or public confrontation — was considered noble.

A man's word and public image were crucial to his social standing.

Describe Illegitimacy

Definition

An illegitimate child was one born outside of lawful marriage.

Legally referred to as filius nullius—“child of no one”—they had no legal claim to inheritance or family name.

Societal Views

Illegitimacy was associated with sin, shame, and moral failure, especially for the mother.

These children were often stigmatized, seen as symbols of disorder, and excluded from respectable society.

Treatment

Illegitimate children were often raised in poverty, with limited access to education or opportunity.

Mothers were pressured to name the father, who could be forced to pay maintenance under the Poor Laws.

Some families concealed or abandoned illegitimate children to avoid scandal.

Describe Women's Roles

Expectations for Women

Women were expected to be obedient, modest, and domestic.

Their primary roles were to marry, bear children, and manage the household.

Education was limited to noblewomen and focused on languages and domestic skills; most women were not formally educated.

Appropriate Behaviour

Chastity, humility, silence, and obedience were considered virtues.

A woman’s honour was tied to her sexual purity and loyalty to male authority (father or husband).

Women were expected to defer to men in all matters, including legal and financial decisions.

Inappropriate Behaviour

Speaking out publicly, challenging male authority, or engaging in premarital relationships was seen as improper.

Women who acted independently or assertively were often labeled as “shrews” or morally suspect.

Punishment for Misbehaviour

Social shaming, loss of marriage prospects, or being sent to domestic service were common consequences.

In extreme cases, women could be publicly humiliated or physically punished by male relatives.

Dogberry & Malapropism's

Dogberry is the chief of the citizen-police in Messina

He is a figure of comic incompetence, a character type found in many of Shakespeare’s comedies

The humour of Dogberry is due to his frequent misuse of words, such as “comparisons are odorous” or “thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this”

In this play, the misapplication of words is known as a “Dogberryism”

Starting around the 18th century, the term “malapropism” was used to refer to the incorrect use of a word by substituting a similar-sounding word with different meaning, usually with comic effect (i.e., He had to use a fire distinguisher)

Shakespeare’s characterization of Dogberry and the watch is a mild criticism of the amateur police forces of the day, wherein unqualified citizens protected the public peace

Dogberry and the watch also serve an important thematic function: they help to restore social order and thus allow for a harmonious conclusion.

Don Pedro

A primary character in MAAN. Prince of Aragon and extremely close friends with Claudio & Benedick. He is the person who establishes a connection between Hero and Claudio, and also the schemer behind the love story laced with deception concerning Beatrice and Benedick.

Don John

A primary character in MAAN and the main antagonist. He is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, constantly plotting evil with no clear intentions. He was the main conspirator of the plan to destroy Hero and Claudio's marriage by falsely accusing Hero of infidelity.

Leonato

A primary character in MAAN. He is the governor of Messina and Hero's father. Plays a central role to the social dynamics of the play. His reaction to Hero's alleged disloyalty provides emphasis on the importance of honour and reputation at that time.

Claudio

A primary character in MAAN. He is a young Lord of Florence and a companion of Don Pedro and Benedick. Claudio falls in love with Hero yet he is easily swayed when allegations come up against Hero. His quickness to believe Don John's deceptions highlight the play's theme and the importance of honour in the Elizabethan Era.

Benedick

A primary character in MAAN. He is a companion of Don Pedro and Claudio, with a sharp tongue and constantly in conflict with Beatrice. His extremely dynamic character is portrayed through his evolution from a self-proclaimed bachelor to a loving partner to Beatrice. He adds comedic relief and romantic aspects.

Beatrice

A primary character, known for providing comedic relief to the novel as well as her defiant attitude towards marriage. Beatrice is intelligent and outwardly confident with her independence. Her dynamic character is portrayed through her development of love for Benedick.

Hero

A primary character, Leonato's daughter and Beatrice's cousin. She is in love with Claudio, yet an innocent victim of Don John's plot. She is instrumental in Friar Francis' plan to fake her death and her public shaming illustrates how fragile a woman's reputation was in Elizabethan society. Her redemption and marriage to Claudio restores social harmony and ends the novel.

Margaret

A secondary character, Hero's maid. She unknowingly plays a part in Don John's scheme by posing as Hero to paint her as a promiscuous prostitute. Her role shows how class and communication gaps can lead to misunderstandings.

Borachio

A secondary character, a follower and companion of Don John and lover of Margaret. Borachio devises the plot to frame Hero and is eventually caught and confesses. His name, which resembles the word "drunkard," hints at his flaws. His confession is key to resolving the central conflict.

Conrad

Conrad is another follower of Don John. He is his companion and is aware of the scheme's against Hero.

Dogberry

Dogberry is a recurring stock character (fixed characteristics). He is the police officer of Messina and plays an instrumental part in unveiling the truth concerning Hero's false accusations. He lacks a little sense, consistently mixing up his words (malapropisms), playing key significance into Shakespeare's satirization of authority figures.

Significance of Disguises

Disguises underscore the tension between appearance and reality, and they enable both comic misunderstandings and emotional revelations.

Literal Disguises: The most notable is the masquerade ball in Act II, where characters wear masks. This allows for hidden identities and misunderstandings—e.g., Don Pedro woos Hero on Claudio’s behalf, and Beatrice unknowingly insults Benedick to his face.

Emotional/Metaphorical Disguises: Many characters hide their true feelings. Beatrice and Benedick mask their love with witty banter and feigned indifference, only revealing their vulnerability after they are tricked into confessing.

Theme of Deception: Disguises highlight how appearances can be misleading. Shakespeare uses this to question the reliability of perception and judgment, especially in matters of love and honor.

Significance of Eavesdropping

Eavesdropping drives much of the plot and reflects the play’s concern with how information is shared, misinterpreted, or manipulated.

Comic Eavesdropping: The scenes where Benedick and Beatrice overhear orchestrated conversations about each other’s "love" are pivotal. These trickery scenes are humorous but also transformative—they push both characters toward self-awareness and mutual affection.

Malicious Eavesdropping: On the darker side, Don John uses staged eavesdropping to trick Claudio and Don Pedro into thinking Hero is unfaithful. This leads to the shaming of Hero and a near-tragic outcome.

Theme of Miscommunication: Eavesdropping illustrates how characters often act based on partial or false information. It reflects both the vulnerability of perception and the power of words.

Significance of Poetry

Poetry in the play both critiques and celebrates romantic expression. It helps characters articulate their true feelings and contributes to the resolution of the romantic plots.

Expression of Love: Benedick and Beatrice’s love becomes sincere when they write poems to each other. It marks a turning point from playful wit to genuine emotion.

Contrast Between Characters: Claudio’s formal courtly language contrasts with Benedick’s more grounded, witty style, highlighting their different approaches to love and honor.

Romantic Ideal vs. Reality: The use of poetry mocks and honors the romantic ideal. While Shakespeare satirizes overwrought poetic language, he also shows that poetic expression can communicate deep, heartfelt truths.

Imagery

Words or phrases that appeal to any sense or any combination of senses (visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, olfactory).

Stanza

A set of lines in a poem (can share length, metrical form, or rhyme scheme).

Repetition

The repeating of words, phrases, lines, or stanzas.

Anaphora

The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several consecutive verses, clauses, or stanzas.

Caesura

A strong pause within a line of verse due to punctuation (comma, semicolon, period, question mark, etc.,)

Enjambment

The continuation of thought from one verse of poetry to the next without punctuation needed at the end of the previous verse(s).

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds (Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers).

Assonance

Consonance

Repetition of vowel sounds (day, fade).

Sibilance

Repetition of consonant sounds (clammy mammals).

Onomatopoeia

Repetition of s or z sounds (rose on his toes).

Euphony

Use of words which imitate sound (hiss).

Cacophony

A pleasing combination of sounds.

Complete Rhyme

A harsh unpleasant combination of sounds. (With throats unslaked, with black lips baked).

Internal Rhyme

Rhymes that occur within a line.

Sight / Eye Rhyme

Similarity in spelling but not in sound (love, move).

What are the 8 features to look out for concerning Poetry Analysis?

1. Subject & Context

2. Speaker & Situation

3. Ideas & Messages

4. Form / Structure

5. Diction

6. Tone & Mood

7. Figurative Language & Imagery

8. Rhyme / Rhythm / Sound Devices

What are the 7 stories we studied this year and their authors?

Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Just Lather, That's All - Hernando Tellez

The Sniper - Liam O'Flaherty

The Lottery Ticket - Anton Chekhov

Story of an Hour - Kate Chopin

Watching and Waiting - Morley Callaghan

What are common topics found in all 7 of these works?

Identity

Morality

Deception

Power