Name ______Date ______Period _____
10th Grade World Literature and Composition Unit 1 Exam Study Guide
INSTRUCTIONS: In order to help you prepare for your first unit exam on myths, folktales, and epics, complete this study guide. Use your notes, classroom assignments, textbook, etc., to find the information that you need. Be sure to actually STUDY this study guide prior to the exam.
Myths and Folktales
1. Define myth:
2. List the 7 characteristics of myths:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
3. List the 8 reasons for myths:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
4. Define origin myth:
5. Define folktale:
6. List the 5 characteristics of folktales:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7. List the 3 types of folktales:
1.
2.
3.
8. List the 6 types of cultural details:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
“How the World was Made”
9. Provide a brief plot summary of the myth:
10. Explain how Maheo is characterized in this myth:
11. Define metaphor and provide an example:
12. Define simile and provide an example:
“The Wooden People”
13. Provide a brief plot summary of the myth:
14. Explain the origin that is explained at the end of “The Wooden People”:
15. Explain how “The Wooden People” reflects the unique perspective of the Quiche Mayan people:
“Coyote and the Origin of Death”
16. Explain the condition of the world before and after Coyote causes death to be permanent:
17. Explain the 2 origins that are explained in “Coyote and the Origin of Death”:
1.
2.
18. Define trickster:
19. Explain how the Coyote is characterized as a trickster:
20. Explain the central idea/theme of “Coyote and the Origin of Death”:
Archetypes
21. Define archetype:
22. Define situational archetype and provide at least 4 examples:
1.
2.
3.
4.
23. Define symbolic archetype and provide at least 4 examples:
1.
2.
3.
4.
24. Define setting archetype and provide at least 3 examples:
1.
2.
3.
25. Define character archetype and provide at least 4 examples:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Heroic Cycle
26. List and explain each of the 6 phases in the Heroic Cycle:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
“Demeter” and “Osiris and Isis”
27. Compare and contrast Demeter and Isis:
28. Explain how Demeter and Isis are archetypes:
“Theseus”
29. Describe the character of Theseus. What are his strengths? What causes his downfall?:
30. Explain the theme of “Theseus”:
Fables
31. Define fable:
32. Define moral:
33. List the 4 characteristics of a fable:
1.
2.
3.
4.
34. Define personification:
35. Explain where the moral of a fable can typically be found:
Epics
36. Define epic:
37. List the 6 conventions of an epic:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
38. List the 7 characteristics of an epic hero:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Epic of Gilgamesh
39. Describe Gilgamesh. Include both the real king and the character. Cover his personality, from beginning to end of the epic, and how he is an epic hero:
40. Describe Enkidu and his dream:
41. Explain the purpose of Gilgamesh’s quest:
42. Explain the advice Siduri provided Gilgamesh:
43. Explain the advice Utnapishtim, the faraway, provided Gilgamesh:
44. Describe Utnapishtim’s story of the flood:
45. List and explain the 6 phases of Gilgamesh’s Heroic Cycle:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
46. Determine and explain the theme of the Epic of Gilgamesh:
Dante’s Inferno
47. Define canto:
48. Define tercet:
49. Define terza rima:
50. Define symbol:
51. Define allegory and explain how the Inferno is one:
52. List the 9 Circles of the Inferno:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
53. Describe Virgil’s role in the Inferno:
54. Explain the importance of the number “3” in The Divine Comedy:
55. Explain what souls are in the Ante-Inferno and their punishment:
56. Explain what souls are in Circle 2 of the Inferno and their punishment:
57. Explain what souls are in Circle 9 of the Inferno and their punishment:
58. Explain the punishment of Judas Iscariot, Cassius, and Brutus:
59. Explain how Dante and Virgil exit the Inferno, and how Virgil explains this exit:
60. Explain the theme of The Divine Comedy: