Analyzing Literary Texts Flashcards

A story's narrator describes events without revealing any character's inner thoughts, only reporting dialogue and actions. Which narrative point of view is this?

Answer: Third-person objective

Third-person objective presents only observable actions and dialogue, never entering any character's mind.

In a poem, the speaker compares grief to 'a heavy stone carried in the chest.' What literary device is this?

Answer: Metaphor

A metaphor directly equates two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Which element of plot introduces the main characters and setting before the central conflict is established?

Answer: Exposition

The exposition is the opening section that provides background information about characters, setting, and situation.

An author repeatedly uses the word 'cold' to describe a character's home, voice, and personality. This technique of using one word across multiple contexts is best described as:

Answer: Motif

A motif is a recurring element — image, word, or idea — that develops and reinforces a theme throughout a text.

A character in a novel holds rigid, traditional beliefs but gradually opens her mind after befriending someone from a different background. This character is best classified as:

Answer: A dynamic character

A dynamic character undergoes significant internal change during the course of the story.

Which of the following best defines 'tone' in a literary text?

Answer: The author's attitude toward the subject or audience as conveyed through word choice

Tone reflects the author's attitude and is communicated through diction, syntax, and stylistic choices.

A short story ends with the protagonist returning home only to discover everything has changed. This moment, where the conflict reaches its highest tension and turns toward resolution, is called the:

Answer: Climax

The climax is the turning point of greatest tension in the story, after which events move toward resolution.