1. Forms of Literature Novel and Novella Short Story NonfictionPoetryDrama The American Folk Tradition

2. Novel and Novella Novels and Novellas are long works of prose fiction that tell a story about imaginary people or animals called characters who live in a made up world, or setting. Novels and Novellas are long works of prose fiction that tell a story about imaginary people or animals called characters who live in a made up world, or setting. A novella is briefer than a novel. A novella is briefer than a novel. Each has a plot, a series of events linked by cause and effect that reveals a conflict, or struggle, and usually shows its resolution. These works of longer fiction may also have subplots, smaller plots related to the main one. The plot and subplots explore a theme, or central idea or question about life. Each has a plot, a series of events linked by cause and effect that reveals a conflict, or struggle, and usually shows its resolution. These works of longer fiction may also have subplots, smaller plots related to the main one. The plot and subplots explore a theme, or central idea or question about life.

3. Short Story A short story is a brief work of prose fiction. It tells a story about imaginary people or animals called characters. The plot of a short story is simple and focused, and the story explores insight into life. A short story is a brief work of prose fiction. It tells a story about imaginary people or animals called characters. The plot of a short story is simple and focused, and the story explores insight into life.

4. Key Elements of Short Stories Plot and Conflict- The plot of a story is a sequence of events. A typical plot involves a conflict or problem. As the plot develops, the story builds to the point of greatest tension, the climax. The characters may or may not address and resolve the conflict as the story moves to its conclusion. Plot and Conflict- The plot of a story is a sequence of events. A typical plot involves a conflict or problem. As the plot develops, the story builds to the point of greatest tension, the climax. The characters may or may not address and resolve the conflict as the story moves to its conclusion.

5. Key Elements of Short Stories (Cont.) Characters- The characters in a story are the imaginary people, animals, or other beings that take part in the action. To bring them to life, authors use characterization, telling you directly what they are like or revealing their traits indirectly through their thoughts, words, actions, and reactions to situations. Characters- The characters in a story are the imaginary people, animals, or other beings that take part in the action. To bring them to life, authors use characterization, telling you directly what they are like or revealing their traits indirectly through their thoughts, words, actions, and reactions to situations.

6. Key Elements of Short Stories (Cont.) Point of View- A story’s point of view is the vantage point from which a story is told. Point of View- A story’s point of view is the vantage point from which a story is told. First Person- The narrator is involved in the action and refers to himself or herself as “I”. First Person- The narrator is involved in the action and refers to himself or herself as “I”. Third Person- The narrator is outside of the action and refers to characters as “he” or “she”. Third Person- The narrator is outside of the action and refers to characters as “he” or “she”. Omniscient Third Person-The narrator knows all of the characters’ thoughts. Omniscient Third Person-The narrator knows all of the characters’ thoughts.

7. Key Elements of Short Stories (Cont.) Setting- The setting includes not only the time and place of a story’s action, but also the customs and beliefs of that time and place. Setting- The setting includes not only the time and place of a story’s action, but also the customs and beliefs of that time and place.

8. Key Elements of Short Stories (Cont.) Theme- The theme of a story is an insight into life that it offers directly or indirectly. Certain recurring themes appear in many stories because they have meaning for numbers of readers. One such theme involves the battle between good and evil. When a theme is the reader must consider clues like the meaning of a story’s title, how a character solves a problem, and a passage that conveys powerful emotions. In some cases, an author does not even imply a theme that you can summarize, but instead explores an important question without answering it. Theme- The theme of a story is an insight into life that it offers directly or indirectly. Certain recurring themes appear in many stories because they have meaning for numbers of readers. One such theme involves the battle between good and evil. When a theme is implied the reader must consider clues like the meaning of a story’s title, how a character solves a problem, and a passage that conveys powerful emotions. In some cases, an author does not even imply a theme that you can summarize, but instead explores an important question without answering it.

9. Nonfiction Nonfiction tells the story of person’s life, narrates a series of true events, describes a real scene, or presents information. Readers explore this genre to learn about the lives of others, find valuable information, reflect on new ideas, and weigh arguments about important issues. Nonfiction tells the story of person’s life, narrates a series of true events, describes a real scene, or presents information. Readers explore this genre to learn about the lives of others, find valuable information, reflect on new ideas, and weigh arguments about important issues.

10. Types of Nonfiction Autobiography The story of part or all of person’s life, written by that person. Like fiction, it may have point of view, setting and theme. Unlike fiction it really happened and is not made up. Biography The author tells the story of someone else’s life. Like an autobiography, this literary form is factual with elements such as plot, setting and theme. However, there is often special emphasis on explaining the causes and effects of the subjects actions.

11. Types of Nonfiction (Cont.) Essays explore an author’s thoughts about ideas or experiences. Reflective essays explore an author’s thoughts about ideas or experiences. tell the story of actual events. Narrative essays tell the story of actual events. present people, situations, or places. Descriptive essays present people, situations, or places. try to convince readers to think or act in a certain way. Persuasive essays try to convince readers to think or act in a certain way.

12. Types of Nonfiction (Cont.) Informational texts can be guides, ranging from directions and warranties to maps and contracts. They are the real-world texts that you encounter as you manage your daily life. Informational texts help you perform necessary tasks or enjoy your recreation. Informational text- Informational texts can be guides, ranging from directions and warranties to maps and contracts. They are the real-world texts that you encounter as you manage your daily life. Informational texts help you perform necessary tasks or enjoy your recreation.

13. Poetry Poetry is literature that appears in verse form. Many poems have a regular rhythm and possibly a rhyme scheme. Most poems use highly concise, musical, and powerful language to tell a story or to convey a single image or idea. Poetry is arranged in lines and groups of lines called stanzas. Poetry is literature that appears in verse form. Many poems have a regular rhythm and possibly a rhyme scheme. Most poems use highly concise, musical, and powerful language to tell a story or to convey a single image or idea. Poetry is arranged in lines and groups of lines called stanzas.

14. Characteristics, Purposes and Forms of Poetry Purpose and Form Purpose and Form An elegy is a long formal poem about death or another serious topic. An elegy is a long formal poem about death or another serious topic. An epic is a long narrative poem written in an elevated style. It conveys the adventures of heroic characters and is connected to the history of a nation, race or religion. An epic is a long narrative poem written in an elevated style. It conveys the adventures of heroic characters and is connected to the history of a nation, race or religion. An ode is a dignified uplifting lyric written to celebrate a person, place, thing or event. An ode is a dignified uplifting lyric written to celebrate a person, place, thing or event. A sonnet is a 24-line lyric poem with one of several rhyme schemes. A sonnet is a 24-line lyric poem with one of several rhyme schemes.

15. Characteristics, Purposes and Forms of Poetry (Cont.) Narratives and Ballads- Narrative poems are poems that tell a story. A special type of narrative poem is the ballad, a form of verse meant to be sung or recited. Narratives and Ballads- Narrative poems are poems that tell a story. A special type of narrative poem is the ballad, a form of verse meant to be sung or recited. Lyric Poetry- A lyric poem expresses thoughts and feelings. Lyric Poetry- A lyric poem expresses thoughts and feelings. Symbols- A symbol is an object, person, or place that stands for something beyond itself (example—eagle stands for the United States). Symbols- A symbol is an object, person, or place that stands for something beyond itself (example—eagle stands for the United States). Imagery- Imagery is the descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses. Imagery- Imagery is the descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses.

16. Characteristics, Purposes and Forms of Poetry (Cont.) Figurative Language Figurative Language Similes use like or as to compare items as in “sunset hovers like a sound of golden horns.” Similes use like or as to compare items as in “sunset hovers like a sound of golden horns.” Metaphors describe one item as if it wre anther as in “turning his feet to swift half moons.” Metaphors describe one item as if it wre anther as in “turning his feet to swift half moons.” Personifications give human qualities to something nonhuman as in “Sir I encountered Death Just now among our roses.” Personifications give human qualities to something nonhuman as in “Sir I encountered Death Just now among our roses.”

17. Drama Drama, which can be written in prose or poetry, tells a story through the words and actions of actors who impersonate the characters. Most dramas are meant to be performed. Drama, which can be written in prose or poetry, tells a story through the words and actions of actors who impersonate the characters. Most dramas are meant to be performed.

18. Characteristics of Drama Staging-The term staging refers to all the elements that turn words on a page into a full-scale dramatic production: scenery, lighting, sound effects, and costumes (found in italicized and bracketed stage directions). Staging-The term staging refers to all the elements that turn words on a page into a full-scale dramatic production: scenery, lighting, sound effects, and costumes (found in italicized and bracketed stage directions).

19. Characteristics of Drama (Cont.) Historical Context- Often a drama captures the atmosphere and conflicts of a past era. When this is the case, you must be alert to the drama’s historical context, the political forces, beliefs, and events that influenced the characters in the play. Historical Context- Often a drama captures the atmosphere and conflicts of a past era. When this is the case, you must be alert to the drama’s historical context, the political forces, beliefs, and events that influenced the characters in the play.

20. Characteristics of Drama (Cont.) Plot and Subplot (same as in fiction) Plot and Subplot (same as in fiction) Dialogue- Dialogue is the words of the characters. It is used to reveal the traits of the characters. Dialogue- Dialogue is the words of the characters. It is used to reveal the traits of the characters.

21. The American Folk Tradition Folk Tale- A folk tale is a story passed on by word of mouth for the purpose of teaching the ideas and values of a culture. Folk tales originated among groups of people who could not read or write. Folk Tale- A folk tale is a story passed on by word of mouth for the purpose of teaching the ideas and values of a culture. Folk tales originated among groups of people who could not read or write. setting setting rituals and customs rituals and customs values values dialect dialect

22. The American Folk Tradition (Cont.) Myth- Myths are tales of gods, heroes, and animals that explain natural occurrences or customs and beliefs. Myth- Myths are tales of gods, heroes, and animals that explain natural occurrences or customs and beliefs. Tall Tale-A tall tale is a humorous story that recounts exaggerated (hyperbole) events in a matter-of-fact way, using the everyday speech of the common people. Tall Tale-A tall tale is a humorous story that recounts exaggerated (hyperbole) events in a matter-of-fact way, using the everyday speech of the common people.

23. Additional Terms 1. denotation: the exact meaning of a word, without the feelings or suggestions that the word may imply. It is the opposite of “connotation” in that it is the “dictionary” meaning of a word, without attached feelings or associations. 1. denotation: the exact meaning of a word, without the feelings or suggestions that the word may imply. It is the opposite of “connotation” in that it is the “dictionary” meaning of a word, without attached feelings or associations.connotation 2. connotation: an association that comes along with a particular word. Connotations relate not to a word's actual meaning, or denotation, but rather to the ideas or qualities that are implied by that word. 2. connotation: an association that comes along with a particular word. Connotations relate not to a word's actual meaning, or denotation, but rather to the ideas or qualities that are implied by that word.denotation 3. dialogue: The conversation between characters in a drama or narrative. A dialouge occurs in most works of literature. 3. dialogue: The conversation between characters in a drama or narrative. A dialouge occurs in most works of literature.charactersnarrativecharactersnarrative 4. figurative language: a type of language that varies from the norms of literal language, in which words mean exactly what they say. Also known as the "ornaments of language," figurative language does not mean exactly what it says, but instead forces the reader to make an imaginative leap in order to comprehend an author's point. 4. figurative language: a type of language that varies from the norms of literal language, in which words mean exactly what they say. Also known as the "ornaments of language," figurative language does not mean exactly what it says, but instead forces the reader to make an imaginative leap in order to comprehend an author's point.

24. 5. flashback : “an interruption of the chronological sequence (as of a film or literary work) of an event of earlier occurrence” (Merriam, 288). A flashback is a narrative technique that allows a writer to present past events during current events, in order to provide background for the current narration. 5. flashback : “an interruption of the chronological sequence (as of a film or literary work) of an event of earlier occurrence” (Merriam, 288). A flashback is a narrative technique that allows a writer to present past events during current events, in order to provide background for the current narration. 6. genre: a type of literature. 6. genre: a type of literature. 7. hyperbole: an extravagant exaggeration. From the Greek for "overcasting," hyperbole is a figure of speech that is a grossly exaggerated description or statement. In literature, such exaggeration is used for emphasis or vivid descriptions. 7. hyperbole: an extravagant exaggeration. From the Greek for "overcasting," hyperbole is a figure of speech that is a grossly exaggerated description or statement. In literature, such exaggeration is used for emphasis or vivid descriptions. 8. alliteration: a pattern of sound that includes the repetition of consonant sounds. The repetition can be located at the beginning of successive words or inside the words. 8. alliteration: a pattern of sound that includes the repetition of consonant sounds. The repetition can be located at the beginning of successive words or inside the words.

25. 9. protagonist: A protagonist is considered to be the main character or lead figure in a novel, play, story, or poem. It may also be referred to as the "hero" of a work. 9. protagonist: A protagonist is considered to be the main character or lead figure in a novel, play, story, or poem. It may also be referred to as the "hero" of a work. character 10. antagonist: a character in a story or poem who deceives, frustrates, or works again the main character, or protagonist, in some way. The antagonist doesn’t necessarily have to be an person. 10. antagonist: a character in a story or poem who deceives, frustrates, or works again the main character, or protagonist, in some way. The antagonist doesn’t necessarily have to be an person.protagonist 11. metaphor: a type of figurative language in which a statement is made that says that one thing is something else but, literally, it is not. It does not use the words like or as. 11. metaphor: a type of figurative language in which a statement is made that says that one thing is something else but, literally, it is not. It does not use the words like or as.figurative languagefigurative language 12. simile: a simile is a type of figurative language, language that does not mean exactly what it says, that makes a comparison between two otherwise unalike objects or ideas by connecting them with the words "like" or "as." 12. simile: a simile is a type of figurative language, language that does not mean exactly what it says, that makes a comparison between two otherwise unalike objects or ideas by connecting them with the words "like" or "as."figurative languagefigurative language

26. 13. personification: A figure of speech where animals, ideas or inorganic objects are given human characteristics. 13. personification: A figure of speech where animals, ideas or inorganic objects are given human characteristics. 14. point of view: a way the events of a story are conveyed to the reader, it is the “vantage point” from which the narrative is passed from author to the reader. 14. point of view: a way the events of a story are conveyed to the reader, it is the “vantage point” from which the narrative is passed from author to the reader.narrative 15. symbol: a symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object. The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible. 15. symbol: a symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object. The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible. 16. theme: a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work. A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader that may be deep, difficult to understand, or even moralistic. Generally, a theme has to be extracted as the reader explores the passages of a work. 16. theme: a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work. A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader that may be deep, difficult to understand, or even moralistic. Generally, a theme has to be extracted as the reader explores the passages of a work.