Unit 5: Craft and Structure

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. value
    an ideal accepted by some individual or group
    Stories from the oral tradition teach a culture’s central values and beliefs.
  2. belief
    a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
    Stories from the oral tradition teach a culture’s central values and beliefs.
  3. oral
    using speech rather than writing
    The term oral tradition refers to the literature they passed down through the ages by word of mouth.
  4. point of view
    a mental position from which things are perceived
    The points of view, or perspectives on life, expressed in this literature reflect the cultural experiences of the tellers—the basic experiences that shaped life in their society.
  5. social
    relating to human society and its members
    Experiences of war along with the emphasis placed on bravery and loyalty form the social and cultural context for such tales—the values, beliefs, and experiences the tales reflect and affirm.
  6. cultural
    relating to the shared knowledge and values of a society
    Experiences of war along with the emphasis placed on bravery and loyalty form the social and cultural context for such tales—the values, beliefs, and experiences the tales reflect and affirm.
  7. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
    Experiences of war along with the emphasis placed on bravery and loyalty form the social and cultural context for such tales—the values, beliefs, and experiences the tales reflect and affirm.
  8. theme
    a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary work
    Like much literature, works in the oral tradition convey themes—deeper meanings or insights.
  9. universal
    of worldwide scope or applicability
    A universal theme is an insight into life and human nature that appears in the literature of many different times and cultures.
  10. archetype
    something that serves as a model
    An archetype is an element that recurs throughout the literature of different cultures.
  11. trickster
    a mischievous supernatural being (often a stock character)
    The trickster is a clever person or animal that can fool others but often gets into trouble through curiosity.
  12. quest
    the act of searching for something
    In the hero's quest, a clever or brave person undergoes a series of tests or trials while on a search for something of great importance.
  13. protagonist
    the principal character in a work of fiction
    The character of the hero is often called the protagonist, and the antagonist is the character or force that stands in opposition.
  14. antagonist
    the main character who opposes the protagonist in a narrative or play
    The character of the hero is often called the protagonist, and the antagonist is the character or force that stands in opposition.
  15. monster
    an imaginary creature usually having human and animal parts
    Often, the opposing force is a monster, a nonhuman or semi-human figure that menaces society and must be destroyed by the hero.
  16. myth
    a traditional story serving to explain a world view
    Myth • describes the actions of gods or heroes or explains the origins of elements of nature
  17. folktale
    a traditional story or legend circulated by word of mouth
    Folk Tale • follows a simple formula; deals with heroics, adventure, magic, or romance
  18. legend
    a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
    Legend • recounts the adventures of a hero from the past
  19. epic
    a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
    Epic • is a long narrative poem • combines features of myths and legends
  20. imply
    express or state indirectly
    Frequently, however, the theme of a work is implied, or suggested, by story details.
  21. purpose
    an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions
    The author's purpose is his or her main reason for writing.
  22. entertain
    provide amusement for
    Writers usually write to entertain, to inform or explain, or to persuade.
  23. inform
    impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to
    Writers usually write to entertain, to inform or explain, or to persuade.
  24. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    Writers usually write to entertain, to inform or explain, or to persuade.
  25. persuade
    cause somebody to adopt a certain position or belief
    Writers usually write to entertain, to inform or explain, or to persuade.
Created on Tue Oct 13 09:45:18 EDT 2020 (updated Thu Oct 15 11:57:55 EDT 2020)

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