Flashcard on Literary Analysis

Front

What is the main theme of the poem 'Incident'?

Back

The main theme revolves around the impact of racism and the loss of innocence, as illustrated by the speaker's memory of the Ku Klux Klan burning a cross.

Front

What does it mean to 'blunder about in the dark'?

Back

It means to move around blindly and with uncertainty, lacking direction or clarity.

Front

What is the purpose of the lists in Walker’s poem 'For My People'?

Back

The lists serve to celebrate both the joy and the heartbreak in the lives of African Americans.

Front

Which quotation from 'For My People' best illustrates the resilience of youth despite adversity?

Back

'For the boys and girls who grew in spite of these things to be man and woman, to laugh and dance and sing...'

Front

What experiences shape African American identity according to Walker's poem?

Back

The poem lists various experiences, including struggles and triumphs, that have contributed to the formation of African American identity.

Front

Define 'literary analysis'.

Back

Literary analysis is the examination of a text to understand its meaning, themes, and the techniques used by the author.

Front

What is the significance of symbolism in literature?

Back

Symbolism adds deeper meaning to a text by using symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal sense.

Front

Explain the concept of 'theme' in literature.

Back

The theme is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work, often reflecting on human experiences.

Front

What role does imagery play in poetry?

Back

Imagery creates vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, enhancing the reader's experience and understanding.

Front

What is the difference between tone and mood in literature?

Back

Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, while mood is the emotional atmosphere experienced by the reader.