UNIT 2 EXAM STUDY GUIDE … Are you ready?
In this second unit on narrative, we read several short stories centered on a common theme (not everything—or everyone—is what it seems) and explored how authors convey meaning through characterization, plot structure, and literary devices (irony and symbolism). It is now YOUR turn to demonstrate how much you have learned about the elements and structure of narratives.
Start by rereading the following five stories. The exam will feature 3-6 questions for every story.
"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl
"Desiree's Baby" by Kate Chopin
"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
"Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
You may be asked to talk about the plot of any of these stories. Make sure you know where exposition ends, where the climax is, and how the conflict is resolved for every story. Know what the characters do in each story and how conflict arises. Study things like your PPT notes, graphic organizers, and narrative elements quizzes for help.
Review the basics of narrative from the first unit. You will get 10 questions on the following topics:
Six narrative elements: setting, character, plot, theme, point of view, conflict
- Be able to provide definitions and talk about each of these elements for any of the 5 stories
- What are the different types of point of view? What sets them apart?
- What sets the protagonist apart from the other characters in a story? How is s/he special?
- What are sensory details? Be able to recognize as well as give examples
- What is direct characterization? Indirect characterization? How do you tell them apart?
Five stage of the plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
- Be able to define each stage: know what happens in each stage
- Be able to arrange them on a plot diagram
- Know what happens at the END of exposition
Four types of conflict: character vs. character, vs. nature, vs. society, vs. self
- What is external conflict? How is it different from internal conflict?
- Be able to pick out examples of each type of conflict from the stories
Know how to define the following. Be able to recognize and provide examples from the stories. Know which type(s) of irony are present in each story.
Three types of irony (dramatic, situational, verbal), mood, imagery, foreshadowing, symbol, allegory
What are some characteristics of Creoles? What did the bourgeoisie value? What did the Puritans believe? What is the significance of the title of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?