Literary Analysis Flashcards
The Crucible
author: Arthur Miller
summary: It is a play that takes place in Salem Massachusetts. Abigail Williams, the leader of the group of girls, accuses the villagers of witchcraft.
significance: Refers to the time of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It also serves as an example of the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity.
The Declaration of Independence
author: Thomas Jefferson
summary: It states that all men are created equal and that there are rights which governments should never violate. It also mentions the King of Great Britain, George III interfering with the colonists right and is guilty of 27 specific abuses. It officially declares independence.
significance: states the reasons the British colonies of North America sought independence in July of 1776
The Raven
author: Edgar Allen Poe
summary: On a December night, there was a man who misses his love, Lenore who died recently. He is grieving and a raven woke him up. The man asks the Raven several questions but only receives “Nevermore” as a response from the Raven.
significance: The Raven is a short story that symbolizes mournful and never-ending remembrance.
Walden
author: Henry David Thoreau
summary: writing about his experience about living the regular life behind and living alone in the woods from 1845-47. He built his own cabin and did this so that he can figure out what is important in life. During his time, he lived a very simple life, spending only $28 dollars the entire time he was there. In short it is about being yourself, finding happiness by connecting
with nature and focusing on what is truly important.
significance: it was to find the meaning of life
The Great Gatsby
author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
summary: Nick, the narrator of the book moves to West Egg. His neighbor is a self-made millionaire named Jay Gatsby. Nick is cousin’s with Daisy and Gatsby is in love with Daisy. Daisy is married to Tom but Tom also has a mistress. Daisy accidentally killed Tom’s mistress and Gatsby gets blamed for it and dies in his own swimming pool.
significance: a pessimistic examination of the American Dream
