Final Exam Literary Terms - Of Mice & Men

Question 1

Definition of Allusion

Answer 1

A reference in one work of literature to another work of literature.

Ex: The title Of Mice and Men is a line from the poem “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns

Question 2

Definition of Characterization

Answer 2

Descriptions of characters that reveal aspects of a character’s personality and appearance.

Question 3

Definition of Direct Characterization

Answer 3

Things the narrator specifically tells the reader about the character.

This information is literal.

Question 4

Definition of Indirect Characterization

Answer 4

Things that the reader must infer about a character.

Question 5

Direct Characterization vs. Indirect Characterization

(Note: This is just helpful information, no need to think of an answer)

Answer 5

Indirect Characterization - Eli snapped at the man without warning
Direct Characterization - Eli is short - tempered

Question 6

Definition of Foreshadowing

Answer 6

Hints or clues about future events in a story.
Ex: George always ends up playing solitaire which foreshadows that he will become a lonely migrant worker.

Question 7

Definition of Idiom

Answer 7

An expression that develops in a region/culture that can’t be taken literally
Ex: Live off the fatta the land; get canned; build up a stake

Question 8

Definition of Plot

Answer 8

Series of events that make up a story

Question 9

Definition of Turning Point/Conflict

Answer 9

The height of the conflict, action, or drama of a story

Ex: Lennie and Curley’s wife talk in the barn.

Question 10

Definition of Symbol

Answer 10

An object, image or color that represents something other than itself.

Ex: Lennie’s hands are huge and described as paws. This symbolizes his strength and his lack of control over it.

Ex:

Question 11

Definition of Mood (5)

Answer 11

The feeling created in a story’s setting like
1. Weather
2. Colors
3. Objects
4. Images
5. Things we already associate with certain feelings