Purpose In Literature, Analyzing Purpose In Literature, Comparing Themes Across Forms

Question 1

Author’s purpose

Answer 1

Author’s reason for writing–does the author want to inform, persuade, or entertain readers?

Question 2

satire

Answer 2

unique kind of literary work that uses humor and sarcasm to make a serious point; ridicules a person, idea, institution, or situation to expose shortcomings/weaknesses

Question 3

Why do people become writers?

Answer 3

They feel they have something important to share–a point of view or a specific story they feel should be told. Others indulge in art because they feel the pressure to create something beautiful or powerful.

Question 4

Point of View

Answer 4

Can shape the reader’s sympathies towards characters

Question 5

How to identify the purpose of a story, poem, or play?

Answer 5

1. Look closely at the title
2. If fiction, think about literary elements such as plot, setting, conflict, and resolution
3. Think about the main characters’ traits, motivations, and POVs–what words are used to describe the characters?
4. Consider the writer’s tone towards their subject

Question 6

Symbolic

Answer 6

Details that seem to have a larger significance of meaning beyond itself

(Ex: Mockingjay in THG)

Question 7

In short stories, how is theme developed?

Answer 7

Plot, setting, characterization, symbolism

Question 8

How is theme told in memoirs?

Answer 8

authors tell experiences in a straightforward manner; can be revealed in the title

Question 9

Why is theme revealed straightforwardly in memoirs?

Answer 9

Real life does not follow a neat arc of events like in most fiction, so authors tell in a straightforward way how they were affected

Question 10

How is theme revealed in a literary essay?

Answer 10

It focuses on a particular subject–may be stated in a straightforward way or indirectly

Question 11

How is theme expressed in poetry?

Answer 11

Imagery and figurative language

Question 12

How is theme expressed in plays?

Answer 12

Revealed in dialogue and plot

Question 13

By ____ and ____ themes, you gain a deeper understanding of both works that share similar themes

Answer 13

Comparing and contrasting

Question 14

How to identify similarities and differences in the themes of literary works?

Answer 14

1. Identify the theme in each piece
2. Explain how the themes in the two pieces are similar and different
3. Identify how the themes is expressed in each piece
4. Explain what is the same and different about how each work expresses its theme
   -include a discussion of similarities and differences related to each work’s genre