Literary Analysis Flashcards

An author's 'diction' refers to:

Answer: The word choices the author makes

Diction is the specific selection of words an author uses, which contributes to voice, tone, and style.

Which sentence structure technique involves beginning multiple sentences with the same word or phrase for emphasis?

Answer: Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, commonly used for rhetorical effect.

In analyzing a play, which term describes a remark spoken by a character that other characters onstage cannot hear, meant for the audience?

Answer: Aside

An aside is a brief remark a character makes directly to the audience that other characters are assumed not to hear.

When a story skips back to an earlier time to reveal relevant background information, this technique is called:

Answer: Flashback

A flashback interrupts the chronological narrative to present a scene from an earlier time, providing context or backstory.

A text with multiple layers of meaning in which characters and events represent abstract ideas is called:

Answer: An allegory

An allegory is a narrative in which characters, settings, and events symbolize broader moral, political, or philosophical ideas.

Which of the following best describes 'connotation' as it applies to word choice?

Answer: The emotional or cultural associations a word carries

Connotation refers to the implied meanings and feelings associated with a word beyond its literal dictionary definition.

In the CAASPP framework, which skill requires a student to analyze how an author's use of structure contributes to meaning?

Answer: Examining craft and structure

The CAASPP Literary Analysis standard 'Craft and Structure' requires students to analyze how an author's choices about structure, point of view, and language shape meaning.