Midterm Exam: Literary Concepts and Terms

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Conflict

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a tension in the text; sets the stage for the plot

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Types of conflict

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Internal conflict/External conflict

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Internal conflict

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a conflict within a character’s mind

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External conflict

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conflict with someone or something outside of the character

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Theme

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a universal or dominant idea/lesson in a text.

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How to identify theme in literature

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In literary texts, the theme is not usually explicitly stated. Instead, readers must infer the themes from the way the characters interact, the way the plot unfolds, and the resolution of the plot.

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How to identify theme in an informational text

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In informational texts, themes are often explicit. In other words, they are often directly stated. The author is trying to inform or persuade readers of something. Usually, one would find this information in the introduction in the thesis statement or in one of the concluding paragraphs. These are the two places to search.

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Frame story

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a story that takes place outside of the narrative where the actual conflict takes place. This is a narrative device that helps set the stage for readers. Usually, frame stories lack details that the interior story—the meat of the story—contains.

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Frame story

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outside; lacks detail; vague and general

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Interior story

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inside; meat of the story; complete plot with conflict