Unit 1 Notes Part 1
What is theme? Theme- an insight into human nature that emerges over the course of a work. A theme may be directly stated or implied. Ex. Tortoise and the Hare Universal Theme- a theme that can be applied no matter where you are from.
How to find theme in a literary work Title- Does it prompt ideas or stir emotion? Does it suggest any universal theme? (love, friendship, etc.) Statements and observations- Comments by the narrator or main character may give us insight into the theme. What do their words suggest about themselves? Do any of their words pertain to humans or life in general?
Theme, continued Setting- When and where does it take place? Does anything about the setting offer perspective on the world? Character(s)- What are their traits? Do they learn any life lessons? How do they change throughout the work?
Theme, continued Symbol- Are any objects emphasized? Are they associated with a particular idea? Could they represent something deeper? Plot/Conflict- What are the characters’ struggles and what do they learn because of these struggles?
Plot Development Introduction/Exposition The author introduces the characters, establishes setting, and introduces a problem.
PLOT- Rising Action Events unfold and conflicts increase. These events create the suspense that keeps the reader interested.
PLOT- CLIMAX This is the highest point of action or suspense. The climax separates the middle and end of the story.
PLOT Falling Action These are the events following the climax, leading to the resolution.
PLOT Resolution This occurs at the end of the story. The problem is usually resolved.
PLOT DIAGRAM
Author’s Perspective This includes the author’s judgments, attitudes, and experiences that he/she brings to the work. This can determine which details the author includes in the story For example, one with firsthand experience may include more personal details. One with a positive view of a subject may emphasize its benefits. An author might also show other perspectives, including how he/she felt at the time of the event, and how he/she feels now.
Making Predictions You make predictions as you read and develop ideas about what will happen next. These can be based on details from the test, as well as your own background knowledge. As you read: Revise/adjust your predictions as you gather more information. Then, verify predictions by comparing what you thought would happen to what actually did happen.
Unit 1 Notes Part II
Conflict External- a character struggles against and outside force, such as an element of nature or another character. Internal- a character struggles with his or her own opposing desires, beliefs, or needs. Conflict usually intensifies until one force wins, and this leads to the resolution.
Cause and Effect A CAUSE is an event, action, or situation that brings about a result. That result is its EFFECT. To better follow a story, analyze causes and effects as you read. Reflect on key details that the writer spends time explaining. Reread passages to decide whether some events in a sequence are the reason for other things happening; also, look for key words (because, as a result, for that reason).
Author’s Purpose May be to inform, entertain, explain, persuade, etc. An author may have more than one purpose. If it is to inform or persuade, then they will present a THESIS– the main point or claim. Otherwise, pay attention to the author’s word choice and style—these will also point you to the author’s purpose.
Irony Definition- it is a contrast between readers’ expectations and reality (what really happens in the story) Irony can add to the emotional intensity of a story; also creates a sense of surprise
3 types of Irony Situational- an event is different than expected Verbal- a character says one thing and means another (sarcasm) Dramatic- the reader or audience knows something that a character does not
Paradox This is a statement that seems contradictory but actually reveals a deeper truth Example- “One must sometimes be cruel to be kind”