Pullman High School - American Literature (Final)

Exposition

The part of a story where the background information and setting are introduced.

Rising Action

Events that create suspense and tension, building up to the climax.

Climax

The most intense, exciting, or important point of the story.

Falling Action

Events that follow the climax, leading to the resolution.

Resolution

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved.

Direct Characterization

The author explicitly describes a character's traits.

Indirect Characterization

The character's traits are revealed through their actions, thoughts, and interactions.

Theme

The underlying message or main idea the author conveys about a subject.

Subject

The topic or focus of a literary work.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional condition created by a piece of literature.

Tone

The author's attitude or perspective towards the subject matter.

Witch-hunt

A campaign against a particular group of people, often involving persecution.

Mass Hysteria

A phenomenon where a group of people exhibit similar symptoms of psychological distress.

Two-ness/Duality

The internal conflict or dual identity explored in literature, exemplified in 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian.'

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

A novel by Sherman Alexie about a Native American teenager's struggles with identity and culture.

The Crucible

A play by Arthur Miller that explores the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of false accusations.

The Things They Carried

A collection of linked short stories by Tim O’Brien about soldiers during the Vietnam War.

“The Black Cat”

A short story by Edgar Allan Poe exploring themes of guilt and madness.

“The Masque of the Red Death”

A short story by Edgar Allan Poe that examines themes of death and the inevitability of fate.

“Smokers Inc”

A short story delving into addiction and societal conventions.

“Sinners at the Hand of an Angry God”

A sermon by Jonathan Edwards that emphasizes the severity of sin and the necessity of salvation.

Colonial Literature

Literature written during the colonial period, often reflecting the experiences and realities of colonization.

Postmodernism

A literary movement characterized by questioning narratives, irony, and a focus on how knowledge is constructed.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Metafiction

A self-referential form of fiction that comments on the nature of storytelling.

Pastiche

A literary work that imitates the style of other works, often as a tribute.

Absurdity

A literary concept often explored in works that highlight the meaningless or chaotic aspects of life.

Gothic Traits

Characteristics of Gothic literature, including dark themes, supernatural elements, and emotional extremes.