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AP Literature Chapter Concepts Flashcards

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5256505876Differentiate between commercial fiction and literary fiction-Commercial fiction is generally made to entertain and show an "adventure." Usually has one or more common tropes/cliche's, so there is a lack of characterization. -Literary fiction is made to explore a concept or make a point. Characters are differentiated via characterization.0
5256513000Explain the purposes of literary fictionLiterary fiction is made to explore a concept or make a point. Characters are differentiated via characterization.1
5256517554Review the different types of short stories2
5256521498Describe the best way to read a short story for the purpose of serious study.Read twice, once to familiarize, twice to digest its content.3
5256552181List the differing expectations we bring to the reading of commercial and literary fiction.-Commercial fiction is expected to entertain us -Literary fiction is expected to give us a new insight on the world.4
5256557220Define the term "plot"Plot is the sequence of events in a story.5
5256561070Describe the importance of conflict in fiction.Conflict serves as the excitement in a story and the significant meaning.6
5256566021Differentiate between the protagonist and the antagonist in a story.-The protagonist is the central character in the conflict -The antagonist is the force pitted against the antagonist.7
5256605690Explore the importance of the element of surprise in fiction.Suspense compels readers to keep reading, and generally ties the reader closer to the story.8
5256614033Consider the differences between a happy , an unhappy, and an indeterminate ending.-A happy ending results in the protagonist accomplishing his/her goals. Usually found in commercial fiction. -An unhappy ending results in an "imperfect" ending. Reflects human defeat, found commonly in literary fiction. -An indeterminate ending has no definitive conclusion, unresolved conflict.9
5256647332Review the importance of artistic unity in literary fiction.Artistic unity ensures everything in a story is relevant to the plot, nothing is excess. It allows for the plot constantly moving forward.10
5256651527Describe the significance of characterization in literary fiction vs. commercial fiction.-Commercial fiction can utilize cliches and tropes -Literary fiction defines characters by their thoughts, actions, words, etc.11
5256690242Distinguish between direct and indirect presentation of character in fiction.-Direct presentation describes characters via explicit description. -Indirect presentation describes characters via their actions.12
5256697705Review the terms "flat character," "round character," and "stock character."-Flat characters have 1-2 predominant traits, simple. -Round characters are complex, many-sided, like people. -Stock characters are cliched, standard characters.13
5256706131Consider the difference between a static character and a dynamic character.-A static character is relatively the same by the end of a story. -A dynamic character undergoes change by the end of a story.14
5256713466Explore the authors' use of characterization in the following stories (Everyday Use, Miss Brill, The Man Who Was Almost A Man)15
5256779938Review the definition of "theme" in fiction.The theme is a fiction's controlling idea or central insight.16
5256783600Describe the best way(s) in which the theme of a story may be stated.Theme can be stated directly, but is usually illustrated via implied actions of characters and the plot.17
5256838812Distinguish between the theme of a story and the central purpose of a story.-Theme is the main insight to be taken away from the story. -Central purpose is what the story aims to accomplish.18
5256849573Differentiate between the typical themes of commercial vs. literary fiction.-Commercial fiction generally confirms reader's prejudices and beliefs. -Literary fiction challenges a reader's held beliefs.19
5256853884Review the six principles relating to theme as described in this chapter.1. Statement w/ subject and predicate. 2. Generalization about life. 3. Generalization should not be larger than scale of story. 4. Theme is central/unifying concept, all aspects of story should fit in with theme. 5. More than 1 way to state theme. 6. Avoid brief, common sayings of theme.20
5256859754Explain how to determine the point of view in a story.Ask, "Who tells the story?" "How much are they allowed to know?" and "To what extent does the narrator look inside the characters and report their thoughts and feelings?"21
5256863039Describe the characteristics of omniscient point of view.-Third person -Knows everything about the events of the story.22
5256868205Review the definition of third-person limited point of view.-Third person -Viewpoint of a single character.23
5256877900Consider the virtues and limitations of first-person point of view.+Offers a gain in immediacy and reality -No opportunity for direct interpretation from author.24
5256898487Explore the use of objective point of view in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants," presented in this chapter.25
5256903984Review the definition of a literary symbol.A literary symbol is something that means more than what it is.26
5256907740Explore the uses of symbolic names, objects, and actions.Symbolic names/objects/actions usually mean something about the thing, referencing religious myths and history.27
5256917051Summarize the use of symbolism in Welty's "A Worn Path"28
5289768970Distinguish between symbolism and allegory-Symbolism applies a single object, action, or name. -Allegory applies to the story as a whole, emphasizes ulterior meaning.29
5289771794Describe the importance of ambiguity in a literary allegoryAmbiguity leaves the reader to interpret the allegory, analogizing it whatever they wish. It leaves breathing room to what it can represent.30
5289776442Define the term "fantasy" and describe the prominent features of a fantastic story.A story that transcends the bounds of known reality, unrealistic. Fantastic stories are generally implausible, impossible.31
5289782292Distinguish between verbal irony and dramatic irony.-Verbal irony is where the speaker says the opposite of what he/she intends to say. -Dramatic irony contrasts what a character thinks and what the reader knows to be true.32
5289784739Define the term "irony of situation"A discrepancy between appearance and reality.33
5289789350Explore the reasons why sentimentality is an undesirable trait in literary fiction.Stories which elicit easy emotional responses are not genuine, excessive.34
5289791662List the major characteristics of sentimental writing.-Make words do what the situation alone won't -Make excessively secletive use of detail. -Rely heavily on stock response.35
5289799239Describe the particular types of irony found in the following stories (The Drunkard, Rape Fantasies)36
5289804880Review the two basic principles required for evaluating fiction.-How fully it achieves its central purpose -The significance of its purpose.37
5289807530Describe the elements that make up a first-rate story.38
5289813736Analyze the literary quality of Connel's "The Most Dangerous Game" vs. Wolff's "Hunters in the Snow"39
5289816247Describe the importance of length in evaluating fiction.40
5289819320Choose any two stories in this book and evaluate them comparatively.41

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