All Flashcards
What are the key features of a short story?
Concise narrative, limited characters, single plot line, and often focuses on a specific theme or moment.
What is the purpose of dialogue in a narrative?
To reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create conflict or tension.
How does setting function in a novel?
It establishes the context, influences characters, and contributes to the overall theme and atmosphere.
What is the role of exposition in a story?
To provide background information, introduce characters, and establish the setting and initial conflict.
What is the significance of the climax in a narrative?
The turning point or moment of highest tension, where the conflict reaches its peak.
What are the characteristics of first-person narration?
Uses 'I' or 'we,' provides a personal perspective, and can be biased or unreliable.
What is the effect of using stream of consciousness in a novel?
It provides insight into a character's inner thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of intimacy and psychological depth.
How does foreshadowing contribute to a narrative?
It hints at future events, creating suspense and anticipation.
What is the purpose of symbolism in literature?
To represent abstract ideas or emotions, adding depth and complexity to the text.
How does irony function in a story?
To create a contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting themes or critiquing societal norms.
What is the meaning of this quote: 'The old house stood on a hill overlooking the town, its windows like vacant eyes staring out into the perpetual twilight.'?
The quote establishes a setting that is isolated and melancholic, symbolizing loneliness and detachment.
What is the meaning of this quote: 'He had not seen another person in weeks, and the silence had become a constant companion, a heavy blanket smothering any hope of connection.'?
This quote emphasizes the character's isolation and the oppressive nature of his solitude, highlighting the theme of disconnection.
What is a protagonist?
The central character in a story, often the one the audience is meant to sympathize with.
What is an antagonist?
The character or force that opposes the protagonist. Not always a villain.
Define foil character.
A character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) to highlight particular qualities of the other character.
What is an archetype?
A universal pattern or theme that recurs across different works of literature, representing common human experiences and emotions.
Define stream of consciousness.
A narrative style that mimics the flow of thoughts in a character's mind, often using fragmented sentences and free association.
What is narrative distance?
The narrator's emotional and physical closeness to the story.
Define tone in literature.
The narrator's attitude toward the subject matter, which can be formal, informal, humorous, serious, etc.
What is perspective in narration?
The narrator's point of view or outlook on the story, revealed through details, diction, and syntax.
What is third-person limited narration?
A narrative perspective where the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
What is third-person omniscient narration?
A narrative perspective where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.