Notes on Symbolism

A SYMBOL IS----a person, place, object or activity that stands for something beyond itself. Now, we are looking past the basics: not a peace sign, flag, etc. But in literature, a journey may represent life, or night may represent death, etc. YOU HAVE TO THINK A LITTLE---IT ISN'T ALWAYS OBVIOUS.
1ST--LOOK FOR IMAGES
2ND--LOOK FOR ANYTHING THAT SEEMS TO BE REPEATED
3RD--THINK ABOUT THE SETTING
4TH--THINK ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING---FOCUS ON THINGS YOU DO UNDERSTAND, NOT JUST ON THINGS YOU MAY FIND DIFFICULT

Poetry----1st set of literary terms (should be review)

Imagery--description of the 5 senses: taste, sight, touch, sound,smell
alliteration-- repetition of beginning consonant sounds
Tone--author's attitude towards the topic (look at diction:word choice)

Notes on Style and Voice

Style-Every author has a basic writing style. Style is not what an author writes, but the manner in which he/she writes it. It is an author’s unique way of communicating ideas. One might say that style is the verbal identity of a writer. Here is a checklist of some of the elements of style.

Voice-the distinctive style or manner of expression of an author or narrator.
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Key Aspects of Swift's Style:
*the use of persona--a narrator or speaker other than Swift as an object of satire
*words, phrases, and situations that are shocking and disturbing
*ironic statements and situations that point out human shortcomings and faults
*the exposing of a mindless acceptance of surface facts without regard to their deeper meaning (called understatement)
*Use of words with a negative connotation
*Some reasons or solutions that make sense

Satire and "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift

Please copy into your notes for future reference:
satire-a literary technique in which ideas, customs, behaviors, or institutions are ridiculed for the purpose of improving society. May be: gently witty, mildly abrasive, or bitterly critical,and often uses exaggeration to force readers to see something in a more critical light. An important element of satire is irony.

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Review: (only copy this if you need it)
irony--a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

Remember verbal irony from Macbeth?
Ex: When Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to make sure she is nice to Banquo at the feast that evening, when he knows Banquo will never make it because he is having him killed.

New Prefix, Root Word, and Suffix

Notes: Connotation/Denotation

Denotation--a word's literal meaning (slim,scrawny=thin)
Connotation--the feelings associated with it (scrawny=insult, slim=compliment)

Practice:
Describe a day like today using words with a positive connotation.
Describe a day like today using words with a negative connotation.

(You can write about weather, back to school, etc.)

Have a Wonderful Holiday Break!

You are almost done with the first half of your senior year! Can you believe how quickly the time has passed? I just wanted to take a minute and let all of you know that I have really enjoyed working with you for the first two marking periods and expect great things in the second two! I hope the coming weeks will make you feel prepared for your life's journey whatever it may be! Enjoy your break!
Mrs. C