INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE AND ANCIENT TEXTS AND THE ILIAD BY HOMER

Novel

Short Story

Fable

Fairy Tale

Myth

Legend

Common Subgenres of Fictional Prose

Novel

A long, structured narrative that features complex characters and multiple intertwined events

Short Story

A brief, focused narrative that centers on a single event, character, or theme

Fable

A short tale that features animal characters and conveys a lesson

Fairy Tale

A magical story with fantastical elements and a lesson, often passed down through generations

Myth

A traditional tale that explains origins, nature, or culture, often involving gods or supernatural beings

Legend

A story passed down through generations, blending historical facts with fictional elements, often centered on heroes

Autobiography

Memoir

Essay

Common Subgenres of Nonfictional Prose

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

Autobiography - A person’s life story written by themselves example is

Memoir

A personal account focusing on specific memories, experiences, or themes

Essay

A short piece that presents, explains, argues, or reflects on an idea

Poetry

It is typically arranged in lines and stanzas and may or may not include rhyme.

Limerick

Forms of Poetry

Limerick

A humorous 5-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme

Drama

is a form of literature written to be performed by actors. It tells a story through dialogue, movement, and stage directions.

Tragedy

Musical

Genres of Drama

Tragedy

A serious drama where the main character faces downfall or death

The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Musical - A play where music, songs, and dance help tell the story example is

Plot

refers to the sequence of events that make up a story.

Exposition

Climax

Resolution

Plot - It includes elements of plot structure, such as:

Exposition

This is the part where the setting, characters, and initial situation are introduced.

Climax

The most intense point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak, and the outcome begins to shift.

Resolution

The story’s conclusion, where conflicts are resolved and the ending is revealed. The ending can be happy, sad, or left open for interpretation.

Setting

refers to the time and place where a story takes place. It can influence the mood and the actions of the characters.

Character vs. Self

In this internal conflict, a character struggles with personal doubts, emotions, or difficult decisions. It often highlights the character’s growth or inner change.

Character vs. Society

This conflict happens when a character challenges societal norms, laws, or expectations. It often explores themes of justice, freedom, or individuality.

First Person

The story is narrated by a main character using pronouns like I, me, my, and our. This point of view gives a personal and intimate perspective.

Third Person Omniscient

The narrator knows and describes the thoughts, feelings, and actions of multiple characters.

Symbolism

uses objects, actions, or events to represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.

Symbolism

Example: A rose symbolizes love or romance.

Oral tradition

is the practice of passing down stories, values, and knowledge through spoken words across generations.

Oral tradition

Example: The myth of Persephone and Demeter in ancient Greece was shared orally before being written

down. It explains the seasons and was central to the Eleusinian Mysteries, a religious ceremony honoring

both goddesses.

Epics

are long narrative poems that recount the heroic journeys of legendary figures.

epos

The word epic comes from the Greek word ____, meaning both “story” and “poem.”

THE ILIAD BY HOMER

is an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, known for its poetic style and storytelling techniques.

in media res

Homer begins the poem in the middle of the action, a technique called

oral tradition

He uses flashbacks, prophecies, and subplotsto add depth and suspense. Originally shared through ______

Briseis

A Trojan woman taken by Achilles, later claimed by Agamemnon, which sparks Achilles’ anger and withdrawal from battle

Patroclus

Achilles’ companion, wears Achilles’ armor and enters the battle to help the Greeks.

Compassion and Humanity

In the middle of war, The Iliad shows moments of deep emotion. Achilles and Priam’s meeting shows that even enemies can share grief and forgiveness.

Moral of The Iliad

kindness and forgiveness can help bring peace.