William Faulkner's Barn Burning

Overview

  • Grade Level: 8th Grade
  • Topic: Faulkner
  • Number of Words: 25

Vocabulary Words

  1. Literature

    • Definition: Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
    • Example: William Faulkner is known for his unique style in literature.
    • Pronunciation: LIT-er-uh-chur
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: writing, texts, prose
    • Etymology: From Latin 'litteratura', meaning 'letters'.

  2. Ironic

    • Definition: Using words to express something different from or opposite to their literal meaning.
    • Example: Faulkner often included ironic situations in his stories.
    • Pronunciation: eye-RON-ik
    • Part of Speech: adjective
    • Synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, mocking
    • Etymology: From Greek 'ironeia', meaning 'feigned ignorance'.

  3. Imagery

    • Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and paints a picture in the reader’s mind.
    • Example: The imagery in Faulkner’s writing helps readers visualize the scenes.
    • Pronunciation: IM-uh-jree
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: description, depiction, representation
    • Etymology: From Latin 'imaginari', meaning 'to form an image of'.

  4. Symbolism

    • Definition: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
    • Example: Faulkner’s use of symbolism adds deeper meaning to his stories.
    • Pronunciation: SIM-buh-liz-um
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: representation, metaphor, allegory
    • Etymology: From Greek 'symbolon', meaning 'token'.

  5. Stream of consciousness

    • Definition: A method of narration that describes the flow of thoughts in a character's mind.
    • Example: Faulkner often uses stream of consciousness to show his characters’ inner thoughts.
    • Pronunciation: streem of KON-shus-ness
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: inner monologue, thought process
    • Etymology: Term coined in the early 20th century, related to psychology.

  6. Foreshadowing

    • Definition: A literary technique of giving hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.
    • Example: In Faulkner’s works, foreshadowing creates suspense and tension.
    • Pronunciation: FOR-shad-ow-ing
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: preview, hinting, anticipation
    • Etymology: From the words 'fore' (before) and 'shadow' (hint).

  7. Theme

    • Definition: The main subject or message in a piece of writing.
    • Example: The theme of loss is prevalent in many of Faulkner's stories.
    • Pronunciation: thēm
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: topic, subject, message
    • Etymology: From Greek 'thema', meaning 'proposition'.

  8. Characterization

    • Definition: The process of creating and developing characters in a story.
    • Example: Faulkner’s characterization reveals the complexity of human nature.
    • Pronunciation: ker-ik-ter-uh-ZAY-shun
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: depiction, portrayal, representation
    • Etymology: From the word 'character' plus the suffix '-ization,' meaning 'the act of making into'.

  9. Conflict

    • Definition: A struggle between opposing forces in a story, typically the main problem to be resolved.
    • Example: The conflict in Faulkner's stories often reflects social issues.
    • Pronunciation: KON-flikt
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: struggle, disagreement, battle
    • Etymology: From Latin 'conflictus', meaning 'to strike together'.

  10. Narrative

    • Definition: A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
    • Example: Faulkner’s narrative style often shifts between different perspectives.
    • Pronunciation: NAR-uh-tiv
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: story, tale, account
    • Etymology: From Latin 'narrativus', meaning 'telling a story'.

  11. Colloquial

    • Definition: Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; informal language.
    • Example: Faulkner's dialogues often include colloquial speech reflecting the South.
    • Pronunciation: kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl
    • Part of Speech: adjective
    • Synonyms: informal, spoken, casual
    • Etymology: From Latin 'colloquium', meaning 'conversation'.

  12. Juxtaposition

    • Definition: The act of placing two or more things side by side to compare or contrast them.
    • Example: Juxtaposition is a technique Faulkner uses to highlight differences in characters.
    • Pronunciation: juhk-stuh-puh-ZISH-un
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: contrast, comparison, proximity
    • Etymology: From Latin 'juxta', meaning 'next to', and 'positio', meaning 'position'.

  13. Unconventional

    • Definition: Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
    • Example: Faulkner had an unconventional approach to storytelling.
    • Pronunciation: UN-kuhn-VEN-shun-uhl
    • Part of Speech: adjective
    • Synonyms: unorthodox, atypical, non-traditional
    • Etymology: From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'conventional'.

  14. Legacy

    • Definition: Something handed down by a predecessor, often in literature or culture.
    • Example: Faulkner’s literary legacy continues to influence contemporary writers.
    • Pronunciation: LEG-uh-see
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: heritage, tradition, inheritance
    • Etymology: From Latin 'legatia', meaning 'ambassador'.

  15. Phrasing

    • Definition: The way in which a writer expresses thoughts in words or sentences.
    • Example: Faulkner’s unique phrasing contributes to the rhythm of his prose.
    • Pronunciation: FRAY-zing
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: expression, wording, syntax
    • Etymology: From the word 'phrase', meaning 'a group of words.'

  16. Perspective

    • Definition: A particular attitude or way of considering something; a viewpoint.
    • Example: Faulkner’s multiple perspectives give readers a deeper understanding of the story.
    • Pronunciation: per-SPEK-tiv
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: viewpoint, angle, standpoint
    • Etymology: From Latin 'perspectiva', meaning 'to look through'.

  17. Motif

    • Definition: A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work.
    • Example: The motif of family conflict appears frequently in Faulkner's stories.
    • Pronunciation: moh-TEEF
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: theme, concept, idea
    • Etymology: From French 'motif', meaning 'pattern'.

  18. Dialect

    • Definition: A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
    • Example: Faulkner often wrote in dialect, capturing the voices of his Southern characters.
    • Pronunciation: DIE-uh-lekt
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: language, speech, tongue
    • Etymology: From Latin 'dialectus', meaning 'discourse'.

  19. Epiphany

    • Definition: A moment of sudden insight or revelation.
    • Example: The character's epiphany in Faulkner's story leads to a change in perspective.
    • Pronunciation: i-PIF-uh-nee
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: realization, revelation, insight
    • Etymology: From Greek 'epiphaneia', meaning 'manifestation'.

  20. Grit

    • Definition: Courage and resolve; strength of character.
    • Example: Faulkner’s characters often show grit in facing adversity.
    • Pronunciation: GRIT
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: determination, courage, tenacity
    • Etymology: From Old English 'gret', meaning 'gritty'.

  21. Diction

    • Definition: The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
    • Example: Faulkner’s diction is often rich and complex, creating vivid imagery.
    • Pronunciation: DIK-shun
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: wording, language, phraseology
    • Etymology: From Latin 'dictio', meaning 'saying'.

  22. Paradox

    • Definition: A statement that contradicts itself but might be true.
    • Example: Faulkner’s work often examines the paradoxes of human behavior.
    • Pronunciation: PAR-uh-doks
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: contradiction, ironical statement
    • Etymology: From Greek 'paradoxon', meaning 'contrary to expectation'.

  23. Vernacular

    • Definition: The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.
    • Example: Faulkner’s use of vernacular adds authenticity to his characters’ speech.
    • Pronunciation: ver-NAKYuh-lur
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: dialect, language, local speech
    • Etymology: From Latin 'vernacularis', meaning 'domestic'.

  24. Context

    • Definition: The circumstances or setting surrounding an event, statement, or idea.
    • Example: Understanding the historical context is important when reading Faulkner.
    • Pronunciation: KON-tekt
    • Part of Speech: noun
    • Synonyms: background, situation, setting
    • Etymology: From Latin 'contextus', meaning 'to weave together'.