SKIP TO CONTENT

Unit 7: The Novel and Analyze Literature

22 words 8 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Full list of words from this list:

  1. novel
    an extended fictional work in prose
    A novel may be defined most simply as a long work of fiction that often has an involved plot, many characters, and numerous settings.
  2. plot
    the story that is told, as in a novel, play, movie, etc.
    The plot is the series of events related to a central conflict, or struggle. The plot typically introduces a conflict, develops it, and eventually resolves it.
  3. exposition
    an account that sets forth the intent of a story
    The exposition, or introduction, sets the tone or mood, introduces the characters and setting, and provides necessary background information.
  4. rising action
    a series of plot events that build up toward the climax
    In the rising action, the conflict is developed and intensified.
  5. climax
    the decisive moment in a novel or play
    The climax is the high point of interest or suspense.
  6. falling action
    series of plot events following the climax of a narrative
    The falling action consists of all the events that follow the climax.
  7. resolution
    something settled
    The resolution, or denouement, is the point at which the central conflict is ended, or resolved.
  8. setting
    the context and environment in which something is situated
    The setting is the time and place of the unfolding action together with all the details used to create a sense of a particular time and place.
  9. mood
    a characteristic state of feeling
    The details that create the setting also create a mood, or atmosphere, the emotion created in the reader by part or all of a literary work.
  10. character
    an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction
    A character is an individual that takes part in the action of a literary work.
  11. protagonist
    the principal character in a work of fiction
    The main character, or protagonist, is the most important character in the work and is in conflict with the antagonist.
  12. antagonist
    the main character who opposes the protagonist in a narrative or play
    The main character, or protagonist, is the most important character in the work and is in conflict with the antagonist.
  13. narrator
    someone who tells a story
    A narrator is a character or speaker who tells a story.
  14. point of view
    the perspective from which a story is told
    Point of view is the vantage point, or perspective, from which the story is told.
  15. tone
    a quality that reveals the attitudes of the author
    Tone is the emotional attitude toward the reader or toward the subject implied by a literary work.
  16. theme
    a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary work
    A theme is a central message or perception about life that is revealed through a literary work.
  17. characterization
    a vivid verbal description
    Characterization is the act of creating a character.
  18. description
    a statement that represents something in words
    A description is a picture in words. Descriptive writing is used to portray a character, an object, or a scene.
  19. irony
    incongruity between what is expected and what occurs
    Irony is the difference between appearance and reality.
  20. foil
    a person or thing that serves to contrast with another
    A foil is a character whose traits contrast with and therefore highlight the traits of another character.
  21. archetype
    something that serves as a model
    An archetype is a type of character, image, theme, symbol, plot, or other element that appears in literature throughout the world.
  22. speaker
    the narrative voice of a poem (as distinct from the poet)
    The speaker is the character who speaks in, or narrates, a poem—the voice assumed by the writer.
Created on Tue Mar 09 10:12:17 EST 2021 (updated Mon Jun 21 12:31:01 EDT 2021)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.