Elements of Literary Analysis Review

What is the definition of genre?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• The time and place of the events of a story

• The literary form, e.g., science fiction, short story, comedy, novel, essay, biography

Answer explanation

The question asks for the definition of 'genre'. The correct answer is 'The literary form, e.g., science fiction, short story, comedy, novel, essay, biography'. This is because a genre refers to a category of literature or art characterized by a particular form, style, or content. Therefore, the other options do not accurately define what a genre is.

What is the writer's style?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• The time and place of the events of a story

• The literary form, e.g., science fiction, short story, comedy, novel, essay, biography

Answer explanation

The question asks about the writer's style. The correct answer is 'The manner in which a writer says what he/she says'. This is because a writer's style refers to the unique way they use language to express their ideas. It's not about their attitude, the setting of their story, or the literary form they choose to write in.

What is the climax of a story?

• The part of the plot where the action is at its most intense and dramatic point

• The part of the story where the author provides background material

• The part of the plot where action moves or rises towards a climatic event

• The final part in which the strands of the plot are drawn together

Answer explanation

The climax of a story is the point where the action reaches its most intense and dramatic moment. This is the turning point in the narrative, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome becomes clear. The other options refer to exposition, rising action, and resolution, which are different parts of a story's structure.

What is foreshadowing?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• Hints or clues that provide a shadow of things to come

• The sequence of incidents or events of which a story is composed

Answer explanation

Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to provide hints or clues about future events in the story. It creates a sense of anticipation and helps readers make connections between earlier and later parts of the narrative. The correct choice, 'Hints or clues that provide a shadow of things to come,' accurately describes this concept.

What is suspense in a narrative?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The uncertainty, expectancy or tension that builds up as the climax approaches

• The clash of actions, ideas, desires, or wills

• The time and place of the events of a story

Answer explanation

Suspense in a narrative refers to the feeling of uncertainty, expectancy, or tension that builds up as the story progresses towards the climax. This element keeps readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. The correct choice highlights this aspect of suspense, differentiating it from other narrative elements such as the writer's attitude, conflict, or setting.

What is the definition of conflict?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• The struggle resulting from the interaction of two opposing forces

• The literary form, e.g., science fiction, short story, comedy, novel, essay, biography

Answer explanation

The definition of conflict is the struggle resulting from the interaction of two opposing forces. This is the correct choice because it accurately describes the essence of conflict, whereas the other options refer to different aspects of literature, such as the writer's attitude, the manner of expression, and the literary form.

What is the purpose of setting in a story?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• The time and place of the events of a story

• The predominant emotional feeling created in a literary work

Answer explanation

The purpose of setting in a story is not about the writer's attitude or the manner of expression. It is about the time and place of the events of a story. This is what gives the story its context and backdrop, helping readers to better understand the characters and their actions. The chosen answer is incorrect as it does not align with the definition of 'setting' in a story.

What is the theme of a literary work?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The main idea of a literary work

• The time and place of the events of a story

• The sequence of incidents or events of which a story is composed

Answer explanation

The theme of a literary work refers to its main idea or underlying message. It is not about the writer's attitude, the setting of the story, or the sequence of events. Instead, it is the central concept that the author wants to convey, which is why 'The main idea of a literary work' is the correct answer.

What is symbolism in literature?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The manner in which a writer says what he/she says

• A person, place, event, or object that represents or suggests a relationship

• The literary form, e.g., science fiction, short story, comedy, novel, essay, biography

Answer explanation

Symbolism in literature refers to the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. The correct answer is 'A person, place, event, or object that represents or suggests a relationship'. This means that symbolism can be an object, person, situation, event or action that has a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story.

What is the definition of characterisation?

• The writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers

• The technique an author uses to develop the personality of his/her fictional characters

• The time and place of the events of a story

• The sequence of incidents or events of which a story is composed

Answer explanation

Characterisation refers to the method an author uses to develop the personality of his/her fictional characters. This is the correct answer because the question asks for the definition of characterisation. The other options, while relevant to literature, do not accurately define characterisation. They refer to the writer's attitude, the setting of the story, and the sequence of events, respectively, which are not the same as characterisation.