Exploring Key Terms in English Literature

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Exploring Key Terms in English Literature

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify and define key terms in English literature.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about key terms in English literature?

What is English Literature?

English literature refers to the body of written works in the English language, including novels, poetry, plays, and more.

Explain the definition of English literature to the students and provide examples of different types of written works.

Key Terms

Key terms are specific words or phrases that are commonly used in the study and analysis of English literature.

Explain the concept of key terms and their importance in understanding and discussing English literature.

Plot

The plot is the sequence of events that make up a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Define the term 'plot' and provide examples of how it is used in literature. Encourage students to think of examples from books they have read.

Characterization

Characterization is the process by which an author develops and portrays the personalities of the characters in a story.

Define the term 'characterization' and discuss different techniques authors use to create and develop characters.

Setting

The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which it takes place.

Explain the term 'setting' and discuss how it can affect the mood and atmosphere of a story.

Theme

The theme is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work.

Define the term 'theme' and provide examples of common themes found in literature.

Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in a literary work.

Explain the concept of symbolism and discuss how authors use symbols to convey deeper meanings.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author gives hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

Define the term 'foreshadowing' and give examples of how it is used to create suspense and build anticipation.

Irony

Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning of a word or situation is different from the literal or expected meaning.

Explain the concept of irony and provide examples of different types of irony commonly found in literature.

Imagery

Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental images in the reader's mind.

Define the term 'imagery' and discuss how authors use sensory details to engage the reader's senses.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Explain the term 'alliteration' and provide examples of how it is used to create rhythm and emphasis in literature.

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another thing.

Define the term 'metaphor' and give examples of how authors use metaphors to create vivid and imaginative descriptions.

Simile

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Explain the term 'simile' and provide examples of how authors use similes to make comparisons and enhance descriptions.

Review and Practice

Use the knowledge you've gained to identify key terms in short passages of literature. Discuss their significance and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the passage.

Engage students in a discussion or activity where they can apply their understanding of the key terms and analyze their importance in literature.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.