What might a dark, oppressive forest symbolize?
A character's internal struggles, fear, or the unknown challenges they face.
What might a vast, empty plain symbolize?
Isolation, loneliness, or a lack of purpose in a character's life.
What might a decaying mansion symbolize?
Moral decay, the decline of a family or society, or the weight of the past.
How does literature explore the theme of societal influence on individuals?
By depicting characters conforming to or rebelling against group norms, and showing the power dynamics at play within those relationships.
How does literature explore the theme of personal transformation?
Through characters undergoing gradual or sudden changes in response to their experiences and relationships, revealing flaws or vulnerabilities.
How does literature explore the theme of disillusionment?
Often through epiphanies, where characters realize the falseness of their prior beliefs or romantic illusions.
How is the theme of the relationship between individuals and their environment explored in literature?
By showing how the setting shapes the character's actions and attitudes, and how characters interact with and change the setting.
Define 'gradual character change'.
A slow, progressive shift in a character's behavior, beliefs, or values over time due to experiences and relationships.
Define 'sudden character change'.
An abrupt, often dramatic transformation in a character, frequently triggered by a specific event or realization.
What is an epiphany?
A sudden moment of realization that causes a character to see something clearly for the first time, altering their understanding.
Define 'narrative pacing'.
How an author manipulates time in a narrative, speeding up or slowing down the story to create different effects.
What is a 'symbolic setting'?
A setting that represents deeper ideas or themes beyond its literal depiction, often reflecting a character's state of mind or societal issues.
What is 'historical context'?
The time period in which a work of literature was created, including the major events and prevailing attitudes.
What is 'societal context'?
The social norms, values, and issues that are prevalent during the time a work of literature was created.