English 10 Midterm

Mrs. Duddy's 10th grade academic English class

Genre

A type of literature.

Theme

Insight about life or human nature.

Plot

Sequence of events in a story.

Exposition

Introduces the characters, the setting, and the conflict.

Setting

When, where, and the time a story takes place.

Character

People or animals that take part in the action of a story.

Flat Character

Has one personality trait.

Round Character

Has many personality traits.

Static Character

Stays the same throughout a story.

Dynamic Character

Changes and learns a lesson in a story.

Protagonist

The main character.

Antagonist

Causes problems for the main character.

Characterization

The way a writer develops and reveals a fictional figure’s history, personality, and inner life.

Direct Characterization

The writer simply tells the reader what a figure is actually like.

Indirect Characterization

The writer reports the facts and leaves the reader to interpret a figure’s development.

Conflict

A struggle or problem in the story for the character.

Resolution

Where/event the conflict is resolved.

Climax

The turning point of the story; the highest point of suspense.

Symbol

Something that represents something else.

Dialogue

What characters speak.

Foreshadow

Prediction or hints of what will happen.

Flashback

When the author takes the reader back in time to a memory.

Suspense

The tension that stories create, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen next.

Mood

The overall feeling that a literary work or passage evokes in the reader.

Gothic Literature

A literary genre that began in England in the late 1700s.

Gothic Style

Bleak settings, psychological/physical torment, weird incidents, dramatic language, gloomy mood.

Magical Realism

A literary genre that combines reality and fantasy.

Elements of Magical Realism

Recognizable characters, realistic settings, coexistence of fantastic events.

Modern Gothic

A literary genre rooted in Gothic literature but with modern updates.

Interview

A structured conversation usually between a journalist and a knowledgeable person.

Narrative Poetry

A narrative poem that relates a story in verse.

Annihilate

To destroy utterly.

Antiquity

The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.

Fissure

A narrow opening or break.

Tumultuous

Characterized by unrest or disorder.

Spacious

Having ample space.

Obscure

Not discovered or known about; uncertain.

Muffled

Softened or hushed.

Gregarious

Sociable; fond of company.

Amiably

In a friendly and pleasant manner.

Stoical

Enduring pain and hardship without showing feelings.

Stimulus

Something that incites to action.

Dissonance

Lack of harmony among musical notes.

Cognitive

Relating to mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.

Hiatus

A pause or break in continuity.

Tirade

A long, angry speech of criticism.

Perilous

Full of danger or risk.

Somber

Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy.

Impervious

Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected.

Demure

Reserved, modest, and shy.

Eccentric

Unconventional and slightly strange.

Succulent

Tender, juicy, and tasty.

Taunt

A remark made in order to provoke or challenge someone.

Vexed

Annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

Suppress

To put an end to the activity of a person or group.

Contrite

Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence.