V4 Literature

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Today's objective

Literature & assignment

What's a literary analysis & what are literary devices?

Two examples of British literature after 1945 & some tips

 

is it external caused by the surroundings or environment the main character finds himself/herself in? 

 

6. Theme 

The theme is the main idea, lesson or message in the novel. It is usually an abstract, universal idea about the human condition, society or life, to name a few. 

What is the theme of the story? What (other) (sub)themes are there? 

How does the theme shine through in the story? 

Are any elements repeated that may suggest a theme? 

 

7. Style 

The author’s style has to do with the author’s vocabulary, use of imagery, tone or feeling of the story. It has to do with his attitude towards the subject. In some novels the tone can be ironic, humorous, cold or dramatic. 

Is the text full of figurative language? 

Does the author use a lot of symbolism? Metaphors, similes? An example of a metaphor is when someone says, “My love, you are a rose”. An example of a simile is “My darling, you are like a rose.” 

What do the images used mean and add to the story?  

 

8. Type of book: fiction/non-fiction 

Generally there are two types of story: 

Fiction: a story that does not play out in reality but is sprung from the writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction: the opposite of fiction, stories that are based on or describe real life events that have actually taken place. 

A mixture of both types is called faction or fact-fiction. The story is based on facts, but the author adds made-up events, enhances the story with them. This is done a lot in film adaptations. 

  

9. Beginning and ending 

A story can start at the real beginning (ab ovo). The author introduces the characters, sets the scene, gives information necessary to understand the story or to put it in its right perspective  

Sometimes a story seems to start without this type of introduction, and the reader feels part of the story has already passed (in medias res). Later on in the story events that happened before are included to give the reader the full picture. Flashbacks are often used in situations like these.  

A third option is that the story actually starts with the ending, and then continues to narrate all the events that led up to this ending (post rem). The flashback is a much used technique here too.  

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Literature portfolio V4

• Literature V4 = novels/poetry

• V4 novels assignment - literary analysis of 2 novels from British authors written after 1945

• Titles have to be approved by your English teacher!

• Assignment in Studiewijzer, literary analysis of both novels to be handed in in period III (upload in som)

• Read first novel during the fall break (week 42) and write a literary analysis

• The Literary Analysis needs to include title/author and a coherent writing on 10 literary devices

Is it internal where the character suffers inwardly? 

is it external caused by the surroundings or environment the main character finds himself/herself in? 

 

6. Theme 

The theme is the main idea, lesson or message in the novel. It is usually an abstract, universal idea about the human condition, society or life, to name a few. 

What is the theme of the story? What (other) (sub)themes are there? 

How does the theme shine through in the story? 

Are any elements repeated that may suggest a theme? 

 

7. Style 

The author’s style has to do with the author’s vocabulary, use of imagery, tone or feeling of the story. It has to do with his attitude towards the subject. In some novels the tone can be ironic, humorous, cold or dramatic. 

Is the text full of figurative language? 

Does the author use a lot of symbolism? Metaphors, similes? An example of a metaphor is when someone says, “My love, you are a rose”. An example of a simile is “My darling, you are like a rose.” 

What do the images used mean and add to the story?  

 

8. Type of book: fiction/non-fiction 

Generally there are two types of story: 

Fiction: a story that does not play out in reality but is sprung from the writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction: the opposite of fiction, stories that are based on or describe real life events that have actually taken place. 

A mixture of both types is called faction or fact-fiction. The story is based on facts, but the author adds made-up events, enhances the story with them. This is done a lot in film adaptations. 

  

9. Beginning and ending 

A story can start at the real beginning (ab ovo). The author introduces the characters, sets the scene, gives information necessary to understand the story or to put it in its right perspective  

Sometimes a story seems to start without this type of introduction, and the reader feels part of the story has already passed (in medias res). Later on in the story events that happened before are included to give the reader the full picture. Flashbacks are often used in situations like these.  

A third option is that the story actually starts with the ending, and then continues to narrate all the events that led up to this ending (post rem). The flashback is a much used technique here too.  

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Which things does a writer use
to "paint" a story
and
attract the reader?

Literature portfolio

1. Setting - 

When/where/social conditions/importance to plot and theme/present-past-future?

2. Characterisation - 

• Main and Secondary characters; 
• Round (develop in story) vs Flat (don't develop/1 character trait stands out) characters; 
• Characterisation: how are characters described (dialogue, interaction etc.); stereotypes etc.

3. Plot and structure 

• Plot = main sequence of events that make up the story. 
• Structure of plot: chronological/flashbacks/flash-forwards; story's climax (highest point of emotion) and/or anti-climax (disappointing end to an exciting series of events - what is expected doesn't occur)

 

What is the structure of the book? Chapters, parts? Is it a diary, are there letters? 

Is there a reason the author structured the book in this way? 

 

4. Narrator and point of view 

The narrator is the person telling the story. Point of view: whose eyes the story is being told through. 

Is the narrator also the main character, written in the “I” form? Is it one of the other characters, and if so, which? Is there an all-knowing 3rd person who can reveal what all the characters are thinking and doing at all times and in all places? What effect does the narrator / point of view have on the story? 

 

5. Conflict / tension 

Conflict or tension is usually the heart of the novel and is related to the main character. 

How would you describe the main conflict? 

Is it internal where the character suffers inwardly? 

is it external caused by the surroundings or environment the main character finds himself/herself in? 

 

6. Theme 

The theme is the main idea, lesson or message in the novel. It is usually an abstract, universal idea about the human condition, society or life, to name a few. 

What is the theme of the story? What (other) (sub)themes are there? 

How does the theme shine through in the story? 

Are any elements repeated that may suggest a theme? 

 

7. Style 

The author’s style has to do with the author’s vocabulary, use of imagery, tone or feeling of the story. It has to do with his attitude towards the subject. In some novels the tone can be ironic, humorous, cold or dramatic. 

Is the text full of figurative language? 

Does the author use a lot of symbolism? Metaphors, similes? An example of a metaphor is when someone says, “My love, you are a rose”. An example of a simile is “My darling, you are like a rose.” 

What do the images used mean and add to the story?  

 

8. Type of book: fiction/non-fiction 

Generally there are two types of story: 

Fiction: a story that does not play out in reality but is sprung from the writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction: the opposite of fiction, stories that are based on or describe real life events that have actually taken place. 

A mixture of both types is called faction or fact-fiction. The story is based on facts, but the author adds made-up events, enhances the story with them. This is done a lot in film adaptations. 

  

9. Beginning and ending 

A story can start at the real beginning (ab ovo). The author introduces the characters, sets the scene, gives information necessary to understand the story or to put it in its right perspective  

Sometimes a story seems to start without this type of introduction, and the reader feels part of the story has already passed (in medias res). Later on in the story events that happened before are included to give the reader the full picture. Flashbacks are often used in situations like these.  

A third option is that the story actually starts with the ending, and then continues to narrate all the events that led up to this ending (post rem). The flashback is a much used technique here too.  

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Literature portfolio

4. Narrator and point of view 

• Narrator = the person telling the story 

• Point of view: through whose eyes the story is being told through 

      -> First person = "I" form
      -> Omniscient third person = an all-knowing 3rd person who can reveals characters' thoughts and feelings 
     ->  Another character in the novel

• Effect of narrator/ point of view have on the story  

For example: a child tells a story about a rape she witnessed. But was it indeed a rape? Or was it her point of view (first person = less reliable) of something she witnessed and could not yet understand?

Literature portfolio

5. Conflict / tension 

• external conflict  (struggle between protagonist and antagonist) 
• internal conflict (character suffers inwardly) 

 6. Theme 

An abstract, universal idea about life (i.e. love, guilt, hate, coming of age etc.)

What are the themes of the story & give examples of how the themes shine through in the novel

 

7. Style 

The author’s style has to do with the author’s vocabulary, use of imagery, tone or feeling of the story. It has to do with his attitude towards the subject. In some novels the tone can be ironic, humorous, cold or dramatic. 

Is the text full of figurative language? 

Does the author use a lot of symbolism? Metaphors, similes? An example of a metaphor is when someone says, “My love, you are a rose”. An example of a simile is “My darling, you are like a rose.” 

What do the images used mean and add to the story?  

 

8. Type of book: fiction/non-fiction 

Generally there are two types of story: 

Fiction: a story that does not play out in reality but is sprung from the writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction: the opposite of fiction, stories that are based on or describe real life events that have actually taken place. 

A mixture of both types is called faction or fact-fiction. The story is based on facts, but the author adds made-up events, enhances the story with them. This is done a lot in film adaptations. 

  

9. Beginning and ending 

A story can start at the real beginning (ab ovo). The author introduces the characters, sets the scene, gives information necessary to understand the story or to put it in its right perspective  

Sometimes a story seems to start without this type of introduction, and the reader feels part of the story has already passed (in medias res). Later on in the story events that happened before are included to give the reader the full picture. Flashbacks are often used in situations like these.  

A third option is that the story actually starts with the ending, and then continues to narrate all the events that led up to this ending (post rem). The flashback is a much used technique here too.  

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Literature portfolio

7. Style 

• Tone (feeling of the story/shows author's attitude towards the subject): 

ironic, positive, cold, humorous, dramatic 

• Figurative language: 

-> symbolism (i.e. posters/images of Big Brother symbolize government control in the novel "1984")

-> metaphors (“My love, you are a rose”)

-> simile (“My darling, you are like a rose.” )

What's the importance of tone and images in the story?

 

 

Fiction: a story that does not play out in reality but is sprung from the writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction: the opposite of fiction, stories that are based on or describe real life events that have actually taken place. 

A mixture of both types is called faction or fact-fiction. The story is based on facts, but the author adds made-up events, enhances the story with them. This is done a lot in film adaptations. 

  

9. Beginning and ending 

A story can start at the real beginning (ab ovo). The author introduces the characters, sets the scene, gives information necessary to understand the story or to put it in its right perspective  

Sometimes a story seems to start without this type of introduction, and the reader feels part of the story has already passed (in medias res). Later on in the story events that happened before are included to give the reader the full picture. Flashbacks are often used in situations like these.  

A third option is that the story actually starts with the ending, and then continues to narrate all the events that led up to this ending (post rem). The flashback is a much used technique here too.  

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Literature portfolio

8. Type of book: fiction/non-fiction 

Fiction: writer’s imagination. 

Non-fiction:   real- life events

Fact-fiction:  facts +  made-up events to enhances the story ( film adaptations) 

The terminus is the last passage of the story, which can end in two ways: an open ending or a closed one. An open ending is used to give the reader the chance to use his or her own imagination as to a possible ending. This gives ample room for interpretation. Sometimes authors use this technique to keep the opportunity to write a sequel. A closed ending gives no room for interpretation. The author tells you exactly how the story ends, if the main character reached his or her goal, if all the other characters did their parts in achieving the final result. 

10. Title 

The title if a book is very important, it is not an out-of-the-blue invention. The author usually thinks long and hard about it and decides whether the title plainly gives a factual indication of the story, or has some thematic or symbolic significance. Sometimes a subtitle is added, or a quote from another author. These are deliberate actions, and you should find out the reason why. 

Literature portfolio

9. Beginning and ending 

• Real beginning (ab ovo) -  characters, scene, info immediately given

• No introduction (in medias res). Later on the full picture. 

-> Flashbacks 

• Starts with ending 

-> Flashbacks

• Open ending -> room for reader interpretation or 

• Closed ending  -> no room for reader interpretation

Literature portfolio

10. Title 

• Factual indication of the story
• Thematic or symbolic significance. 

• Subtitle/quote -> explain 

Literature portfolio

Handy websites to use:

• www.literary-devices.com

• www.literarydevices.net

• https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms

• www.sparknotes.com

• www.shmoop.com

• www.cliffsnotes.com

PDF complete novel 

in SOM

https:

Atonement - Ian McEwan

Setting: England, just before WW II/ aristocratic society/past - present 

Main Characters: Briony Tallis, Cecilia, Robbie

Plot: 

• Part I = a dreamy, upper-class 13-year-old control freak who wants to be a writer  When you write, after all, your characters do what they're told to. Briony's imagination ends up spreading chaos, misery and guilt. She ruins Cecilia's life - her sister - by falsely accusing her would-be boyfriend. / PRE-WAR / TALLIS HOME
• Part II = Robbie is sent off to prison and is then shipped to France to fight in WWII. Does he make it home? / WAR /FRANCE/DUNKIRK
• Part III=  Briony feels horrible and tries to atone for her "sin". She is looking for her sister Cecilia and Robbie. Will  Robbie and Cecilia ever meet again? What happens to Briony and does she atone for her sin? How does she do this? (Theme!)/ LONDON/HOSPITAL/PRESENT-DAY (epilogue)

Atonement

Conflict:

Briony has falsely accused Robbie (Cecilia's boyfriend) of raping Lola. Briony is trying to make up for her sin (atone).

Internal struggle to atone for a sin

Themes:

Literature and Writing; versions of reality; ...

Point of view:

Differs between Part I / II/II and final part (London 1999)

Homework

Of Course Unit 1.1 - ex. 14 (article on marine pollution) 

+ 

online practice vocab trainer/test yourself

Stiff Upper Lip

What made good queen Bess

Such a great success?

What made Wellington

Do what he did at Waterloo?

What makes every Englishman

A fighter through and through?

It isn't roast beef, or ale, or home, or mother

It`s just a little thing they sing to one another

Stiff upper lip, stout fella

Carry on, old fluff

Chin up, keep muddling through

The Outcast - Sadie Jones 

Review:

A mesmerizing portrait of 1950s hypocrisy and unexpected love, from a powerful new voice the story of a boy who refuses to accept the polite lies of a tightly knit community that rejects love in favor of appearances. 

Written with nail-biting suspense and cinematic pacing, The  Outcast is an emotionally powerful evocation of postwar provincial English society and a remarkably uplifting testament to the redemptive powers of love and understanding.

The Outcast - Sadie Jones 

It is 1957, and Lewis Aldridge, straight out of prison, is journeying back to his home in Waterford, a suburban town outside London. He is nineteen years old, and his return will have dramatic consequences not just for his family, but for the whole community. 

A decade earlier, his father's homecoming has a very different effect. The war is over and Gilbert has been demobilized. He reverts easily to suburban life—cocktails at six-thirty, church on Sundays—but his wife and young son resist the stuffy routine. Lewis and his mother escape to the woods for picnics, just as they did in wartime days. Nobody is surprised that Gilbert's wife counters convention, but they are all shocked when, after one of their jaunts, Lewis comes back without her. 

Not far away, Kit Carmichael keeps watch. She has always understood more than most, not least from what she is dealt by her own father's hand. Lewis's grief and burgeoning rage are all too plain, and Kit makes a private vow to help. But in her attempts to set them both free, she fails to foresee the painful and horrifying secrets that must first be forced into the open. 

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