Asian and North American Literature

Flashcards covering key concepts, authors, and themes from Asian and North American Literature.

What is Miguel Syjuco known for?

He is a Filipino writer and grand prize winner of the 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel 'Ilustrado'.

What themes are explored in 'Please Look After Mother' by Shin Kyung Sook?

The novel explores guilt and family dynamics amidst urbanization and modernization in South Korea.

Which literary prize did Shin Kyung Sook win in 2012?

She became the first Korean writer to win the Man Asian Literary Prize for her novel 'Please Look After Mother'.

What is Haruki Murakami famous for?

He is a widely-read Japanese author known for his experimental novels and has won nearly every major literary prize in Japan.

Define haiku as a literary genre.

Haiku is an unrhymed poetic form consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, often focusing on nature.

What distinguishes speculative fiction?

Speculative fiction includes imagined elements that don’t exist in the real world and often explores themes like time travel and technological advances.

How has Gabriel Garcia Marquez contributed to Latin American literature?

He is known for combining the fantastic and the realistic in his works, especially in magic realism, with notable titles like 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'.

What is the significance of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel 'Americanah'?

It provides an insightful portrayal of Nigerian immigrant life and race relations in America.

What themes are prevalent in African literature?

Common themes include poverty, family loyalties, social protest and exploitation, gender roles, and magical realism.

Who is considered the father of modern African literature?

Chinua Achebe is often referred to as the father of modern African literature.

What impact did Mariama Ba have on literature?

She is known for her feminist texts that address gender inequality in Senegal.

Describe the concept of magical realism.

Magical realism involves the incorporation of magical elements into realistic settings, challenging typical notions of natural law.

What is the primary focus of Young Adult Fiction?

It is aimed at readers aged 12 to 18 and includes themes of friendship, first love, and identity.

What achievement is John Green known for in his literary career?

He won the 2006 Printz Award for his debut novel 'Looking for Alaska' and 'The Fault in Our Stars' debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.

What literary genre emphasizes emotional experience and subjective perspectives?

Expressionism emphasizes subjective experience, angst, and intense emotionality.

What are some characteristics of the existentialism literary movement?

Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and often discusses the meaninglessness of life.

Define the term 'euphemism' in literature.

Euphemism refers to pleasant words that replace those that seem harsh.

What did the Age of Enlightenment celebrate in literature?

It celebrated the ideals of the human mind through action and science.

How did Mariama Ba’s work impact discussions about gender in Africa?

Her writings highlight issues of gender inequality and women's struggle in Senegal and beyond.