Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida by Victor Martinez Literary Terms Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida by Victor Martinez

Coming of Age Novel Also known as Bildungsroman. One in which the main character or protagonist matures, loses innocence, and gains knowledge. There will usually be pain and suffering along the way. Examples: Divergent The Hunger Games To Kill a Mockingbird

Narrator A narrator is the speaker or character that tells a narrative or story. The writer’s choice of narrator determines the story’s point of view.

Point of View First person POV: the narrator is part of the action; uses the pronouns I, me, and my; the reader only knows what the narrator knows. Third person POV: told by someone outside the action. Omniscient POV: all-knowing; is able to reveal ALL thoughts and feelings of ALL characters.

Characterization The creation of the character using dialogue, interior monologue action, and description. Authors give clues to help readers figure out what a character is like. They might… Describe what the character looks like Tell what the character does Show what the character says and thinks

Character Motivation The reason or reasons behind a character’s behavior. Why a character thinks, feels, acts, or behaves in a certain way. Personality combined with a situation. Examples: Why does Manny join a gang? Why does Magda lie to their mother?

Narrative Structure The way in which the story events are organized and revealed. Examples: Chronological Order: told in the order that events normally happen (from beginning to end) Flashback: a scene or incident that jumps back to an earlier time.

Conflict a struggle between opposing forces in a narrative Internal Conflict: occurs within a character who faces opposing ideas, feelings, or choices Man vs. Self External Conflict: occurs between a character and a larger force, or between two characters Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society

Epiphany sudden realization, insight into the reality or essential meaning of something An epiphany is usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

Theme a central message or insight conveyed in a work of literature What does the work make you think about the most? What does the work suggest about life or people? Stated Theme: is stated directly in the text of the work Implied Theme: is not stated but is suggested by the details in the work

Figurative and Descriptive Language As seen in Parrot in the Oven

Figurative & Descriptive Language Devices in the Novel Simile: comparison between two unlike things using the word “like” or “as” Metaphor: a comparison between two dissimilar things without using the word “like” or “as” to make the comparison Personification: when the speaker or writer gives human characteristics, qualities or traits to an object or idea Hyperbole: when the writer or speaker exaggerates for emphasis or effect Symbolism: anything that represents an idea, person, event, or object Irony: language that describes something that is the opposite of what the reader might expect