Perspectives in American Literature

Flashcards summarizing key literary terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Non-Fiction

Writing that has facts that can be proven, often by an expert.

Fiction

A made-up story that may involve imaginary events and characters.

Drama

A work of literature intended to be performed by actors.

Poem

Literary work that uses verse to evoke thoughts and feelings.

Prose

Writing organized into sentences and paragraphs, also known as normal writing.

Satire

The use of humor to highlight the weaknesses of individuals or society.

Essay

A piece of writing reflecting the author's personal point of view.

Biography

An account of a real person's life written by someone else.

Autobiography

An account of a person's life written by that person.

Novel

A lengthy fictional narrative typically involving narrative style and multiple characters.

Short Story

A brief fictional work concentrating on a single character and conflict.

Allegory

A story with a second meaning where characters represent abstract qualities.

Expository Text

Text that presents facts and information about real events and can include diagrams.

Dialogue

A written conversation showcased between characters.

Narrative Text

An account of events advancing the plot of a story.

Stage Direction

Instructions in a play script for the actors' movements and dialogue.

Irony

The expression of meaning using language that normally signifies the opposite.

Verbal Irony

When words say one thing but mean the opposite, often used in sarcasm.

Situational Irony

When an expected outcome differs from what actually happens.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience possesses knowledge that the characters do not.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses to create a mental picture.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as' to illustrate similarities.

Metaphor

A direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.

Analogy

A comparison based on similarities that often relates complex ideas.

Theme

The central idea or lesson conveyed through a literary work.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere created by the author.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject revealed through word choice.

Flashback

A narrative technique that recalls past events to provide context.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about events that will occur later in a story.

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent larger ideas or concepts.

Allusion

A reference to another text within a literary work.

Characterization

The process of revealing a character's traits through various techniques.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant change throughout the story.

Static Character

A character that remains unchanged throughout the narrative.

Setting

The time and place in which a story's events occur.

Conflict

The primary problem faced by the protagonist within a story.

Plot

The sequence of events that advance the story around the conflict.

Exposition

The beginning of a story that introduces characters and setting.

Rising Action

The series of events that lead up to the story's climax.

Climax

The moment of highest tension in the story where the main conflict is confronted.

Falling Action

Events following the climax that lead toward resolution.

Resolution

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved.

Narrator

The voice telling the story, which can change perspective.

Critical Lenses

Different perspectives that readers use to analyze texts.

Textual/Formalist Lens

Interpretation of a text based on its formal elements.

Social Lens

Connecting personal experiences or values to comprehend the text.

Cultural Lens

Understanding character dynamics by analyzing cultural aspects.

Topical Lens

Applying outside knowledge relating to the text being studied.