Lit Fiction Test One Terms

Setting refers to the location and time in which a story takes place. It is considered one of the fundamental elements of fiction because it helps to create the overall atmosphere and context for the events that unfold in the story. The setting can influence the characters' actions and motivations, as well as contribute to the overall mood and tone of the narrative. It provides important details and background information that help the reader to fully understand and engage with the story.

Point of view refers to the narrative perspective from which a literary work is presented to the reader. It determines the relationship between the narrator and the events and characters in the story. There are four traditional points of view: third person omniscient, where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters; third person, where the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character; first person, where the story is told from the perspective of a character within the story; and second person, where the reader is directly addressed as "you".

The correct answer is "1st person" because when a character uses the personal pronoun 'I' to narrate the story, it indicates that the story is being told from their perspective. This allows the reader to have a direct insight into the character's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a more intimate and subjective narrative.

The term "omniscient" refers to someone or something that knows everything. In the context of the question, it is being used as a metaphor to describe a person or entity with unlimited knowledge and understanding. This suggests that the correct answer is "omniscient" because it aligns with the concept of having complete knowledge, while the other options - "metaphor," "dynamic," and "static" - do not convey the same meaning.

The story tells us about male and female roles in that setting through the lens of gender criticism. This means that we can analyze and interpret the gender issues presented in the story, whether they are intentional or unintentional on the part of the author. Gender criticism allows us to examine how the story portrays and constructs gender roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics between men and women in that particular setting.

Foreshadowing is a technique used by authors to provide clues or hints about future plot developments in a story. It allows the reader to anticipate or predict what might occur later on. Through foreshadowing, the author drops subtle hints that suggest upcoming events or outcomes, creating a sense of anticipation and building suspense in the narrative. This literary device helps to engage the reader and adds depth to the story by creating a sense of coherence and purpose in the plot.

Reader response criticism focuses on the subjective responses of the reader. It explores how the reader relates to the events or issues in the literature. This approach suggests that the reader might respond by writing his/her own story with a similar conflict or theme. It emphasizes the importance of the reader's interpretation and personal experience in understanding and analyzing a literary work.

The correct answer is climax. The climax is the turning point in a story where the tension and conflict reach their peak. It is the most intense and exciting part of the story, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge or danger. The climax is unexpected and keeps the reader engaged, as they eagerly anticipate the outcome and resolution of the story.

Figurative language is the correct answer because it encompasses various forms of language use where the intended meaning goes beyond the literal interpretation of words. It includes techniques such as hyperbole, litotes, simile, metaphor, synecdoche, and metonymy. These techniques enable writers and speakers to convey their ideas in a more creative and expressive manner, adding depth and imagery to their communication.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like," "as," or "as though." In the given example, "My love is like a red, red rose," the speaker is comparing their love to a rose using the word "like." This comparison helps the reader or listener to understand the intensity or quality of the speaker's love by relating it to the beauty and delicacy of a red rose. Therefore, the correct answer is simile.

Resolution refers to the part of the story that occurs after the climax, where the conflict is resolved. It is the point where the loose ends of the plot are tied up, and the outcome of the conflict is revealed. This is often a moment of final suspense, where the reader is uncertain about the ultimate resolution. In other words, resolution is the conclusion or ending of the story, where the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a close.

A flashback is a literary technique where the chronological order of events in a story is interrupted to present an incident that happened before the main time frame of the story. It is used by writers to add complexity to the plot's chronology and to provide a deeper understanding of human experience over time. In the story "A Rose for Emily" by Faulkner, flashbacks are used to reveal events from Emily's past, allowing readers to gain insight into her character and the motivations behind her actions.

The given answer "critical approaches" suggests that one possible way for readers to analyze literary works is through the use of different critical approaches. These approaches involve examining the text from various perspectives such as feminist, Marxist, psychoanalytic, or postcolonial, among others. By employing these critical lenses, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes, symbols, and underlying messages present in the literary works they read. This approach allows for a more comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the texts, enhancing the reader's engagement and appreciation of the literature.

The correct answer is "complication" because it refers to an important event that occurs as the characters take steps. In a story, the complication is a crucial point where the plot becomes more complex, introducing obstacles or conflicts that the protagonist must face. It often leads to rising tension and sets the stage for further development in the story.

The given example "My love is a red, red rose" compares love to a rose without using the words "like" or "as", making it a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing in terms of another, suggesting a similarity between the two. In this case, the speaker is expressing their love by comparing it to a beautiful and vibrant red rose.

The term "dynamic" refers to a character who undergoes significant changes throughout a story. This can include changes in their personality, beliefs, or actions. A dynamic character is often portrayed as complex and multi-dimensional, evolving as the plot progresses. In contrast, a static character remains unchanged. Therefore, "dynamic" is the appropriate answer as it aligns with the description provided in the question.

The term "same as flat character" suggests that the answer is related to a character in literature who lacks depth and development. In this context, "static" is the most appropriate choice as it refers to a character who remains unchanged throughout the story and does not undergo any significant growth or transformation. This aligns with the idea of a flat character who lacks complexity and remains consistent in their traits and behaviors. Therefore, the correct answer is static.

The term "confined knowledge" suggests that the knowledge is limited or restricted in some way. It implies that the knowledge is not comprehensive or all-encompassing, but rather has boundaries or limitations. Therefore, the correct answer is "limited" as it best aligns with the concept of confined knowledge.

The given answer "romanticism" is the most suitable explanation for the description provided. The mention of "Unusual occurrences--supernatural events" aligns with the themes often found in romantic literature. Romanticism was a literary movement that emphasized imagination, emotion, and the supernatural. It often featured unconventional settings and explored the mystical and supernatural elements of human experience. While not explicitly mentioned, the mention of "some similarities" suggests that although these novels may not fit the traditional definition of romance novels, they share some characteristics with romantic literature.

The correct answer is "plot". Plot refers to the sequence of events and actions that make up a story. It encompasses the overall structure and organization of the narrative, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The plot is responsible for driving the story forward and keeping the reader engaged. It determines the order in which events occur and how they are connected, ultimately shaping the story's meaning and impact.

Conflict is a problem or struggle between two opposing forces in a piece of literature. It can be classified based on the nature of the protagonist or antagonist. Conflict is a key element in storytelling as it creates tension, drives the plot forward, and allows for character development. It can be internal (within a character's mind) or external (between characters or groups). Conflict can take various forms such as man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, or man vs. self.

Irony refers to a contrast or discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between what happens and what is expected to happen. It is a literary device used to create humor, emphasize a point, or add depth to a story. Irony can be found in various forms, such as verbal irony (saying the opposite of what is meant), situational irony (when the outcome is different from what is expected), or dramatic irony (when the audience knows something that the characters do not).

The correct answer is "psychological". This answer is supported by the statement that we can use modern psychological analysis on stories of any age. It suggests that by studying the characters as if they are real people and analyzing their motivations and actions, we can gain insight into their psychological state and understand why they behave the way they do. This approach can be applied to traditional, mythological, and literary works as they are considered cultural artifacts.

The correct answer is 3rd person because in this narrative point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to the characters as "he," "she," or "they." The narrator has an outside perspective and can provide a broader view of the events and characters, allowing the reader to have a more objective understanding of the story.

The correct answer is "theme." In literature, a theme refers to a central idea or message that the author conveys through the narrative. It is a general and universal point about human nature or life that is explored in the story. Unlike the other options, such as antagonist, protagonist, or the point of view (1st person or 3rd person), the theme is not a character or a narrative perspective, but rather a broader concept that the author wants to explore and communicate to the reader.

An allegory is a symbolic narrative where the surface details of the story imply a deeper, secondary meaning. In an allegory, characters, events, and settings are often used to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. The correct answer, "allegory," fits this description perfectly as it aligns with the given definition of a symbolic narrative with hidden meanings.

The given description of being concerned with man's responsibilities to himself and to his country aligns with the ideals of the neo-classical age. This literary movement, also known as the Age of Reason, emphasized reason, order, and rationality. It focused on moral values, social responsibility, and the importance of civic duty. The term "neo-classical" itself refers to a revival of the classical ideals of Ancient Greece and Rome, which is mentioned in the question. Therefore, the answer "neo-classical age" is the most fitting based on the given description.

Realism is a literary movement that focuses on representing real life in a truthful and objective manner. It seeks to depict the middle classes and their everyday experiences, aiming to recreate the actualities of real life. Realist writers strive to portray characters and situations that are relatable and believable, often addressing social issues and exploring the complexities of human behavior. This movement emerged as a reaction against the idealized and romanticized portrayals of previous literary movements, such as romanticism. Realism aims to provide a more accurate and honest reflection of society and human nature.

A symbol is an object or action in a literary work that represents or stands for something beyond itself. It carries a deeper meaning or represents an abstract concept. In the examples given, the glass unicorn in The Glass Menagerie, the rocking horse in "The Rocking-Horse Winner," and the road in Frost's "The Road Not Taken" all serve as symbols. They are used to convey ideas or themes that go beyond their literal representation.

The correct answer is formalist. In this context, the question is asking for an explanation of the approach or perspective that the text assumes. A formalist approach focuses on the structure, patterns, repetition, and other elements of fiction within the text itself, rather than considering external factors such as author biography or historical context. This means that the text is analyzed and interpreted based on its own internal elements and how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the work.

The correct answer, "literature as a cultural artifact," suggests that through studying literature, we can gain insights into a historical period, a culture or society's attitudes, values, and beliefs. Literature serves as a reflection of the cultural context in which it is created, allowing us to understand the social, political, and cultural aspects of a particular time and place. By analyzing literature as a cultural artifact, we can deepen our interpretation of the story and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance it holds.

The given answer, puritan age, is correct because during the earliest English settlement in America, the majority of the settlers were Puritans who came seeking religious freedom. The Puritans placed a strong emphasis on religion and their literature reflected this focus, consisting mainly of spiritual autobiographies and stories of conversion. Therefore, the literature produced during this time period is often referred to as the Puritan Age.

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emphasizes the scientific and objective portrayal of reality, often focusing on the lower classes and their struggles. Naturalist literature often depicts man as a natural animal, subject to the forces of nature and driven by survival instincts. This movement rejects idealism and romanticism, instead presenting a harsh and unfiltered view of the world. The given characteristics of intensification of realism, lower classes, man as natural animal, nature as powerful, and survival of the fittest align with the principles of naturalism.

The correct answer is "exposition." Exposition refers to the part of a story that provides essential background information, such as introducing the characters, setting, and conflict. It sets the stage for the rest of the narrative by giving the reader necessary context and understanding of the story's elements. In this case, the given answer describes the exposition as it mentions the introduction of characters, the time and place of the story, and the conflict they face.

The protagonist refers to the main character in a story, typically portrayed as a good or heroic individual. They are the central focus of the narrative and drive the plot forward. This character is usually faced with challenges and conflicts, which they must overcome to achieve their goals. The antagonist, on the other hand, is the character or force that opposes the protagonist. The terms "3rd person" and "1st person" refer to the narrative point of view, with 3rd person being an external narrator and 1st person being a character within the story. Foreshadowing is a literary technique used to hint or suggest future events in the plot.

The correct answer is mythological because the explanation mentions looking for story elements and themes that are repeated throughout literature of many ages and cultures. This aligns with the study of mythology, which involves analyzing and exploring common mythological themes and motifs that are found across different cultures and time periods.

A flat character is a minor character in a work of fiction who does not undergo substantial change or growth in the course of a story. This means that their personality, traits, and behaviors remain consistent throughout the narrative. Flat characters are often used to support the development of the main characters or to provide specific roles within the story. Unlike round or dynamic characters who experience growth and transformation, flat characters typically serve a specific purpose and do not have complex or multi-dimensional personalities.

Modernism in literature is known for challenging the conventions of traditional storytelling and pushing the boundaries of narrative structure. It often features less tidy endings and less closure, leaving the reader with open-ended interpretations. This movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the changing social, political, and cultural landscape. Modernist writers sought to reflect the fragmented and chaotic nature of the modern world through their works, experimenting with form, language, and perspective. They rejected traditional storytelling techniques and embraced new narrative styles, such as stream of consciousness and nonlinear storytelling.

The correct answer is "denouement". Denouement refers to the final outcome or resolution of a story, where all loose ends are tied up and the conflicts are resolved. It is the point in the plot where the story reaches its conclusion and the reader gets a sense of closure. This term is often used in literature and drama to describe the final stage of a narrative, where the consequences of the climax are revealed and the story comes to a satisfying end.

A round character is a major character in a work of fiction who encounters conflict and is changed by it. Unlike flat characters who are one-dimensional and do not undergo significant development, round characters are multi-dimensional and exhibit complex traits, emotions, and motivations. They often have a more realistic portrayal and are more relatable to the readers. Through their experiences and interactions, round characters undergo personal growth and transformation, making them dynamic and engaging.

The correct answer is "traditional." This refers to a literary approach that focuses on the conventional elements and structures found in a particular genre or period. In this context, it suggests that the text being analyzed adheres to traditional storytelling techniques and themes, rather than experimental or unconventional ones. The reader may draw upon outside sources, such as the author's biography or other works, to gain a deeper understanding of the traditional elements employed in the text.

The term "objective" refers to a narrative perspective where the narrator remains unbiased and presents the story without any personal opinions or knowledge beyond what the reader knows. The narrator simply reports the events and actions as they occur, without delving into the thoughts or emotions of the characters. This allows the reader to form their own interpretations and conclusions based solely on the information provided.

The given correct answer is "antagonist". In a story, the antagonist is the character who opposes or creates conflict for the main character, often being portrayed as the villain or the opposing force. They are usually in direct conflict with the protagonist, who is the main character and often depicted as a good or heroic type. The antagonist can be portrayed from both the first-person or third-person perspective, depending on the narrative style of the story. Foreshadowing, on the other hand, refers to hints or clues given by the author to suggest future events in the story.