LIT study guide
American Literature 11th Grade Midterm Study Guide
Literary Terms and Poetry Features
Key Literary Terms
Allegory: A narrative with dual meanings—one literal and one symbolic. Example: In The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dream while also representing the broader American Dream.
Allusion: An indirect reference to a well-known work, figure, or event. Example: In Emily Dickinson’s poetry, references to Biblical themes often suggest deeper spiritual reflections.
Foreshadowing: Subtle hints about future events in a narrative. Example: The reckless behavior of characters in The Great Gatsby foreshadows tragic outcomes.
Irony:
Verbal Irony: Saying the opposite of what is meant. Example: A character sarcastically saying, "Great weather we’re having," during a storm.
Situational Irony: When the outcome is different from what is expected. Example: Gatsby’s immense wealth cannot win Daisy’s love.
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters do not.
Symbolism: Using objects, characters, or actions to represent broader ideas. Example: The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the moral decay and judgment present in The Great Gatsby.
Theme: The central idea or message of a work. Example: In Walden by Thoreau, simplicity and self-reliance are key themes.
Poetry Features
Meter: The rhythmic pattern in poetry, determined by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. Example: Iambic pentameter (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines. Example: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG in a Shakespearean sonnet.
Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Example: In Dickinson’s "I taste a liquor never brewed," she uses vivid imagery of intoxication to describe her passion for nature.
Tone: The attitude or emotion conveyed by the author. Example: Whitman’s tone in "Song of Myself" is celebratory and optimistic.
Free Verse: Poetry without regular rhyme or rhythm. Example: Whitman’s Leaves of Grass employs free verse to reflect the freedom of expression.
Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond a line break. Example: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep."
Transcendentalism and Key Authors
Transcendentalism
Definition: A philosophical movement advocating for individual intuition, spiritual self-discovery, and a deep connection with nature, arising as a reaction against industrialization and organized religion.
Core Beliefs:
Self-Reliance: Trust in one’s own intuition and wisdom over societal norms.
Nature: Viewed as a source of spiritual truth and harmony.
Nonconformity: Rejection of materialism and social expectations in favor of personal authenticity.
Key Figures
Ralph Waldo Emerson:
"Self-Reliance": Urges readers to avoid conformity and trust themselves.
"Nature": Explores the spiritual connection humans share with the natural world.
Henry David Thoreau:
"Walden": Reflects on simple living, independence, and finding truth through solitude in nature.
"Civil Disobedience": Argues for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, influencing figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Walt Whitman:
"Song of Myself": Celebrates individuality, democracy, and human potential. Example: “I am large, I contain multitudes.”
Innovated free verse to break conventional poetic forms.
Emily Dickinson:
Known for exploring themes of death, immortality, and the natural world.
Frequently uses slant rhyme and unconventional punctuation, as in "Because I could not stop for Death."
The Great Gatsby and the American Dream
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Overview: A critique of the American Dream, told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, as he observes the life of Jay Gatsby.
Major Themes:
The Corruption of the American Dream: Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth to win Daisy reflects the moral decay behind materialism.
Social Class and Inequality: The divide between the East Egg (old money) and West Egg (new money) underscores class tensions.
Illusion vs. Reality: Gatsby’s idealized vision of Daisy conflicts with who she truly is.
Key Symbols:
The Green Light: Represents hope, ambition, and unattainable dreams.
The Valley of Ashes: A wasteland symbolizing moral and social decay.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg: Interpreted as the eyes of God or a reminder of moral oversight.
The American Dream
Definition: The belief that success is achievable through hard work, regardless of one’s background.
Critique in Literature:
In The Great Gatsby, the dream is portrayed as corrupted by materialism and inequality.
Thoreau’s writings suggest that fulfillment lies in simplicity, not in wealth or possessions.
Grammar Cheat Sheet and Components of a Personal Essay
Grammar Cheat Sheet
Parts of Speech:
Noun: Person, place, thing, idea.
Verb: Action or state of being.
Adjective: Describes a noun.
Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
Key Grammar Rules:
Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs. Example: "The book is on the table," vs. "The books are on the table."
Comma Usage:
Separate items in a list: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
After introductory elements: "After dinner, we went for a walk."
Apostrophes:
Possession: "Jessica’s notebook."
Contractions: "It’s" for "it is."
Homophones: Common errors like "their" (possessive), "there" (location), "they’re" (they are).
Components of a Personal Essay
Introduction:
Begin with a hook to capture the reader’s interest (e.g., a quote, question, or anecdote).
Clearly state the thesis, explaining the focus of the essay.
Body Paragraphs:
Use vivid, personal experiences to illustrate main points.
Include sensory details and reflection to engage the reader.
Organize logically, transitioning smoothly between ideas.
Conclusion:
Summarize the main insights or lessons.
Reflect on how the experience shaped your perspective or connects to broader themes.