Marking Period One Essential Vocabulary and Literary Terms

Essential Vocabulary: Terms for Age and Experience Bildungsroman: (from the German: "formation novel” ) or coming-of-age story is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood during whichcharacter change is thus extremely important The Three Characteristics of a Bildungsroman1. The protagonist embarks on a journey away from the home orfamily due to feelings of loss or discontent 2. The protagonist finds himself at odds with society and its values 3. Eventually, the protagonist is ultimately incorporated into thesociety. The novel ends with the protagonist's assessment ofhimself and his new place in that society.

Frame of reference : a set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgments can be madeRite of Passage : a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, esp. birth, puberty, marriage, anddeath: a novel that depicts the state of adolescence and the rites of passage that lead to adulthood. Sweet Sixteen, driver’s license, Bar- MitzvahGeneration Gap: The differences of outlook or opinion between people of different generations. Child, parent,grandparent. Hippies in the 60’s vs. the more traditional oldergenerationLoss of Innocence: The moment when a person or a protagonist in a novel realizes that all is not always good andeasy in life.

Literary Terms for Characterization Characterization: the process by which a writer makes a character seem real to the reader Direct Characterization: the author literally tells the audience what a character is like. This may be done viathe narrator, another character, or by the character him-or herself.Indirect Characterization: the audience must infer for themselves what the character is like through thecharacter’s thoughts, actions, speech (choice of words, wayof talking), looks, and interaction with other characters,including other characters’ reactions to that particularperson.