unit test kite runner vocab Flashcards
figurative language - simile
a comparison using the words like or as that show how two unlike things are alike in one important way
ex: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
figurative language- metaphor
a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. (comparing two things without using like or as)
figurative language: allusion
a brief reference to a famous historical or literary figure or event that stimulates ideas, associations and extra information in the readers mind.
ex: “She had a smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat.”
figurative language: personification
the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
“The weather was solemn.”
foil characters
a character who serves as a contrast to another character (usually the protagonist), so as to point out specific traits of primary characters
ex: Hassan serves as a foil to Amir. This shows Amirs cowardly behavior compared to Hassans bravery
parallel structure
Involves using the same pattern of words, phrases or clauses to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.
ex: “ I was a Pashtun and he was a Hazara. I was a Sunni and he was a Shi’a.”
Freud: Projection
the mental process by which people attribute to others what is in their own minds.
ex: He was accusing others of lying to him because he has lied to others recently
Freud: Displacement
Reassignment of some kind of aggression to a scapegoat to relieve the tension of a situation or feeling.
ex: Amir felt unpure because deep down he knew he wasnt being a good person but he blamed it on Hassans purity
Freud: Denial
Having a conscious awareness at some level but denies the reality of the experience by pretending it is not there.
ex: Baba pretended as though Hassan wasn’t his biological son, denying the experience he had with Sanubar after Sofia passed
Symbolism: Kite
freedom.
In kite runner they also can symbolize Amirs childhood and remind him of his betrayal to Hassan
symbolism: summer
warmth, jovialty, joy, ease, fullness.
For the hero this season symbolizes the peak of his or her power. This is a time to be outwardly expressive.
symbolism: winter
cold, despair, loneliness, emptiness
For the hero this is their literal or symbolic death. This is a time of introversion and contemplation.
symbolism: eyes
clairvoyance, (sixth sense) omniscience (the state of knowing everything), and/or a gateway into the soul.
symbolism: sea/ocean/water
Symbolizes the unconscious. To dive is to probe beneath the surface for hidden meanings, to learn about one’s submerged desires and emotions.
symbolism: mirror
Mirrors symbolize “imagination, consciousness, self contemplation, reflection of the universe” However a distorted mirror or mirror used in a destructive way symbolizes “self deception”
archetypal characters: hero
The Hero acts to redeem society by overcoming great odds in service to successfully completing extraordinary acts of strength, courage and goodness.
Usually have a strong moral compass and exhibit noble qualities such as courage, integrity, and compassion
archetypal characters: scapegoat
The person or character that is blamed or sacrificed for what is wrong with society.
archetypal characters: devil
represents the forces of evil, chaos and darkness. sometimes they will take a monstrous form or sometimes the apperance will be more subtle and shown in contrasts like dark skin and light eyes or light skin and dark eyes.
syntax: fragments
An incomplete sentence missing a subject or verb.
In books they are used to help you convey disjointedness, increase pacing, add emphasis, and mimic realistic speech and thought patterns.
syntax: short sentences
Add impact and can help build tension
syntax: run-ons
Can be used to represent breathless delivery, panic or excitement
syntax: long sentences
give more information and detail.
diction
word choice in a story
allusion
an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
(referencing something from history, religion or literature indirectly to provide the reader with deeper understanding)
