ENGLISH 12: Semester 1 Final Exam Review

Overview of the Final Exam

The final exam consists of:
- 50 objective questions, which include:
- Multiple-choice questions
- True and false questions
- Matching questions
- A written response, which is a reflection essay focusing on the Tartuffe: A Modern Rendition group project.
- The reflection essay will be completed in class prior to the final exam day.

Literary Terms and Devices

It is crucial to identify the following literary terms and devices, understand their definitions, and have examples ready:
- Anthropomorphism: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities
- Central Idea: The primary point or message in a literary work
- Characterization: The method by which an author develops characters, including their traits and complexities
- Conflict:
- External Conflict: A struggle between a character and outside forces
- Internal Conflict: A struggle within a character's mind
- Connotation: The associated or secondary meaning of a word
- Consonance: The repetition of similar consonant sounds in close proximity
- Denotation: The literal meaning of a word
- Foreshadowing: A literary device used to give hints about what will happen later in the story
- Irony:
- Verbal Irony: When words are used in a way that their intended meaning differs from the actual meaning
- Situational Irony: A situation where the outcome is contrary to what was expected
- Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters do not
- Narrator/Speaker: The voice telling the story, which can impact the perception of the narrative
- Paraphrasing: Restating text using different words while preserving original meaning
- Personification: Giving human traits to non-human things
- Point of View:
- First-Person: Narration from the perspective of a character in the story
- Second-Person: Narration that addresses the reader directly
- Third-Person: Narration from an outside perspective, including omniscient (all-knowing) or limited viewpoints
- Purpose: The reason an author writes a piece, whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or express
- Dramatic Comedy: A comedic work that uses various devices, including:
- Caricature: Exaggeration of traits for comic effect
- Exaggeration: Representing something as more significant than it is for emphasis
- Parody: Humorous imitation of another work
- Sarcasm: Use of irony to mock or convey contempt
- Understatement: Deliberate presentation of something as less than it is
- Structure of Drama: Key components include:
- Exposition: Introduction of background information
- Rising Action: Development of conflict leading to the climax
- Climax: The turning point or most intense moment of the story
- Falling Action: Events following the climax leading to resolution
- Resolution: Conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved
- Suspense: A feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty regarding the outcome of events
- Symbolism: Use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities
- Theme: The central topic, subject, or message within the narrative
- Author Molière: Background and influences that may affect his work
- Character Examples: Themes of gullibility, obsession, hypocrisy, loyalty, and moderation as reflected in characters.

Character Analysis for Tartuffe

Main Characters:
- Dorine: Represents wit and practicality
- Cléante: The voice of reason seeking to expose Tartuffe
- Mariane: Represents innocence and passive resistance
- Orgon: The gullible patriarch deceived by Tartuffe
- Tartuffe: The conman embodying hypocrisy and deceit
- Damis: The passionate son who attempts to save Mariane
- Pernelle: Orgon's mother, showcasing traditionalist views
Literary Examples:
- Literary Allusion: References to other literary works within Tartuffe
- Verbal Irony: Instances where words convey a meaning opposite to their literal interpretation
- Situational Irony: Scenarios where the outcome is contrary to expectations.

Maus I and Maus II by Art Spiegelman

Main Characters:
- Vladek Spiegelman: The protagonist, survivor of the Holocaust
- Artie Spiegelman: The author and narrator, Vladek's son
- Anja Spiegelman: Vladek's wife, also a Holocaust survivor
- Rego Park, NY: Present-day location where Artie lives
- Sosnowiec, Poland: Vladek's homeland
- Oswiecim, Poland: The location of Auschwitz
- Richieu Spiegelman: Artie's deceased brother
- Mala Spiegelman: Vladek's second wife
- Francoise Spiegelman: Artie's wife
- Geographic Locations:
- Czechoslovakia: Vladek's home country
- Auschwitz: Death camp where significant events occurred.
Significant Events: Key events to review include:
- Vladek’s journey from prior to meeting Anja through the end of World War II
- Major life events in Vladek’s timeline: marriage, children, conscription into the army, and survival tactics during the war
- Jobs Vladek held and his strategies for making money before and during the war
- Events that highlight Vladek and Artie’s relationship through various scenarios: family dinners, physical objects like jackets
Author’s Technique: Various techniques that Spiegelman uses to emphasize moments, such as:
- Exercise bike symbolism
- Number on Vladek’s arm representing his prisoner status
- Visual framing techniques, including the swastika roads in the panels
- Symbolism of different animal representations: mouse (Jews), cat (Germans), pig (Poles), etc.
Vladek’s Characterization: Analysis of how stereotypes are used to convey Vladek's character traits and the broader implications of his actions.
Significance of “Prisoner on the Hell Planet” Comic: A meta-narrative representing Artie’s struggle with his father's legacy and personal trauma.
Graphic Novel Definitions: Review terms and examples from the Introduction to Graphic Novels worksheet to understand visual storytelling.

Final Notes

Students are encouraged to relax and approach the exam with confidence, as long as they have been engaged throughout the semester, completed readings, and attended to all assignments.