Unit 4 Lit Test Study Guide
Study Guide Overview
Purpose: Guide for exam preparation
Class Environment
Distractions can hinder focus
Importance of maintaining a respectful learning environment
Exam Structure
Question values: 5 points, 10 points, and 15 points for the last question
Key Literary Terms
Contrast
Definition: Showing differences to highlight particular characters, settings, or themes
Importance: Creates conflict, develops characters, and enhances meaning in a text
Elements that might be contrasted: Characters, settings, themes
Context
Functions:
Create conflict
Develop characters
Enhance the meaning of the text
Archetype
Definition: Original model or pattern recognized universally in literature
Carl Jung's contribution: Archetypal criticism
Notable archetypes:
Characters: Hero, villain, underdog
Settings: Ocean, winter, garden
Events: Fall from grace, quest, sacrifice
Narrative Techniques
First Person Narration
Definition: Storytelling from the perspective of a character using 'I' or 'we'
Limitations: Biased viewpoint, restricted information
Example: Unreliable narrators (e.g., "Tell-Tale Heart")
Stream of Consciousness
Definition: Mimics the thought process of a character
Characteristics: Sensory details, unusual punctuation, incomplete thoughts
Tone and DictionTone definition: Narrator's attitude toward the subject matter
Recognizing tone through diction choices, syntax, and detail
Thesis Statement
Effective thesis must be:
Specific
Defensible
Address questions: What, How, Why
Body Paragraph Structure
Importance: Develops and supports the thesis statement
Requires integration of textual evidence and commentary linking back to the thesis
Reading Assignment
Read "Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield
Focus on identifying the illuminating moment and its significance in the story
Writing Prompt for Essay
Reflect on an illuminating incident in a novel/play and its function in the overall work
Use examples from "Miss Brill"
Final Reminders
Utilize the Google Classroom resources for materials and thesis example