ELA Short Story Comprehension Assessment- irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, theme, classic reading comprehension

irony

an incongruity/difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens

verbal irony

when a character says something and means the opposite

dramatic irony

audience knows something character does not
EXAMPLE: Parent Trap

situational irony

someone expects something to happen and something else (opposite) happens
EXAMPLE: Remi in Ratatouille

symbolism

(when you use) an object or item to represent a different idea from the literal definition of the object
EXAMPLE: fire= passion, rebellion, and new comings

symbols

an item or object that represents something else
EXAMPLE: Belle and magic mirror= love

HOW TO IDENTIFY SYMBOLS

1. repetition of words (important message)
2. focused on detailed description (emphasize item)
3. look for turning points in the story (turning points have symbolism because of a shift in the tone or plot)
4. make sure the symbol is explicitly stated in the text (doesn't say four leaf clover, can't say it means luck cuz it's not from the text)

why do authors use symbolism?

1. to create meaning and emotions; an author can use the color red to symbolize anger
2. to create thorough description; an author can use fog to symbolize mystery, or uncertainty
3. to convey a complex message
4. connect story and theme; fire= connect story of rebellion to theme of destruction of a society

concrete foreshadowing

objects, people, places, colors, and events not obvious until you look back or read again
EXAMPLE: Jessie in a box from "Toy Story of Terror"

abstract foreshadowing

senses/thoughts/feelings a character has, the way a character acts, weather, mood, subtle hints
EXAMPLE: it's raining outside

prophecy

a ______ or fortune is stated; may be unclear at the time now, but it ends up coming true
EXAMPLE: you will "sleep well" in the Sleep Well Motel

fallacy

(red herring)- a smoke screen used to mislead/distract the reader
EXAMPLE: lizard, hotel clerk

theme

the author's message for the reader; ____ equals fiction

thematic idea

the important idea or topic driving the author's message; one word, big abstract idea- ex: love, courage
NO CLICHES; NO PROMISES; NO "YOU"