eng11 test 1

Lesson Content

What is Literature?

  • carries on a tradition of writing/genre/thought

  • meaning and influence growing with time

  • universal theme

Literature

  • ‘great’ literature often = best aspects of a tradition, difficult to imitate craft

    • carries on tradition

  • using themes, tropes, and lit devices

  • influenced by tradition + will influence others (eg. oedipus rex & freud)

    • influencing readers across time + space

  • invites people to THINK CRITICALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND HAVE REAL THOUGHTS!!!!!!!

Themes

  • central idea/message author is trying to convey through chars/plot/setting

  • consider context + conflict/major turning points

  • analyze characters

  • look for repetition

  • eg. Individuals in Nature, Individuals in Society, growth and initiation

Individuals vs. Society

  • molding individuals for the sake of conformity

  • ‘man is born free but is everywhere in chains’

Plot Structure:

  • Exposition: world building, introducing characters/setting/style/etc.

  • Inciting Incident: event beginning main conflict of story

  • Rising Action: plot thickens, exploring conflict until climax

  • Climax: ‘turning point’ of story, conflict peaks, underlying themes become clear

  • Falling Action: exploring aftermath of conflict, other conflicts/comment on central themes/characters’ reaction

  • Resolution/Denouement: tying up loose ends of climax/falling action

Cult of Domesticity:

  • um

there in the midst of her ancient shawls, the old ancestral calligraphy and