Let’s make it meaningful. MWDS Let’s make it meaningful.

Literary Periods Definition: This refers to the time period in which a work was composed. Although not always true, it assumes that every age has its characteristic special features. Why? Because literary works often participate in the culture of their times. So many sources! Research it. You’ll be glad. http://electricka.com/etaf/muses/literature/literary_periods/literary_periods_pop ups/understanding_literary_periods.htm http://www.online-literature.com/periods/ https://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/Periods_Lit_History.pdf

Genres Definition: a term used to distinguish works that possess commonly held qualities. The internet can be your friend! Research the various genres. http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/rl/litrlgenres.asp http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/lit/literaryterms/section4.php

Author’s Style Definition: The ways in which the author uses words—including word choice, sentence structure, use of figurative language, sentence arrangement, sentence length, level of formality, etc. Elements that work together to establish mood, images, and meaning in the text. This can include not only HOW the writer writes, but WHAT the writer chooses as subject matter. Know that an author’s style is not necessarily static. Seek quality sources online for help. “No man is an island.” ~John Donne http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson209/definition_style.pdf http://www.wheaton.edu/Academics/Services/Writing-Center/Writing-Resources/Style- Diction-Tone-and-Voice https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/575/1/

Point of View Definition: (POV) Refers to who is telling a story, who is narrating it. Can be told in three main ways: first person, second person, third person. It is the angle of considering things, and often has impact on how the story, and what story, is told. Consider the implications. http://www.mpsaz.org/rmre/grades/grade5/homework_help/files/point_of_view.pdf http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-point-of-view-in-literature.html http://www.right-writing.com/understand.html https://www.sophia.org/tutorials/analyze-the-impact-of-the-point-of-view http://www.ohio.edu/people/hartleyg/ref/fiction/pov.html

Author’s Purpose Definition: The reason an author decides to write about a specific topic. Probably not arbitrary. Would YOU sit down to write a book without considering what you want to write about and why? PIE = Very basic, but tried and true (essentially). P=Persuade, I=Inform, E=Entertain. (add an S and you have Satirize, but that’s essentially to persuade/inform, no?) Go beyond this simple response. About what is the author trying to persuade or inform? What is being satirized and why?

Symbols/Motifs Symbol = an object, person, or concept has another meaning other than its literal meaning. Often concealed at first sight, and representative of several other aspects, concepts, or traits. http://literarydevices.net/symbolism/ http://literaryterms.net/symbol/ Motif = any recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Through repetition, can produce theme or mood. http://literarydevices.net/motif/ http://study.com/academy/lesson/motif-in-literature-definition-examples-quiz.html

Theme Definition: a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly. **Avoid confusing THEME with a SUBJECT. Subject is a topic which acts as a foundation for a literary work, while a theme is an opinion or idea expressed on the subject. (e.g. A subject may be war, but the theme could be that War is a curse for humanity.) Readers explore the theme of a literary work by analyzing characters, plot, conflicts, symbols, and other literary devices that seem prevalent. http://study.com/academy/lesson/motif-in-literature-definition-examples-quiz.html http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-theme-in-literature-definition-examples- quiz.html

Bottom Line When completing a MWDS effectively, you will need to combine your understanding of the work as a reader, independent of outside sources, with . . . . Yes, outside sources. You don’t’ have to do it alone; however, reading information from other sources will never take the place of reading the work and producing your own ideas. Life is not about regurgitating what is available elsewhere. Experience literature, art, and life for yourself. (But there’s nothing wrong with comparing or expanding what you’ve come up with on your own with others’ ideas. Just never let others’ ideas take the place of the ideas YOU come up with on your own.)