Analysis Notes Gallery Walk

Allusion Definition: a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text. Example: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” – “Romeo” is a reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo, a passionate lover of Juliet, in “Romeo and Juliet”.

Tone Definition:is an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. Tone is generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject. Example: Father: “We are going on a vacation.” Son: “That’s great!!!” – The tone of son’s response is very cheerful.

Theme Definition:a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly. Example: A theme of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the coexistence of good and evil.

Motif Definition: Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work. Example: A motif of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is gothic details.

Symbolism Definition: the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Example: A symbol that is used in, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the mockingbird, and it represents innocence.

Mood Definition: In literature, mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional situation that surrounds the readers. Example: Robert Frost in his poem “The Road Not Taken” creates a gloomy feeling through his tone: “I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”