Add to your Note Cards under the “Literary Terms” Section Day #3 Monday, 3 Jan.
Terms Stated Theme A central message or insight into life revealed through a literary work that is directly expressed (stated) in the work.
Ex. #1: In your personal narrative, when you conclude with, “I learned that …” Ex. #2: Anthem: “To be free, a man must be free of his brothers.”
Terms Implied Theme A central message or insight into life that is revealed through a literary work, but not stated directly. Page R23
Ex. #1: Harrison Bergeron: A moment of excellence is better than a lifetime of average. Ex. #2: Anthem: The individual is more important than the collective. Ex. #3: The Wife’s Story: Things are not always as they appear.
The writer’s distinctive “sound” or way of “speaking” on the page. Terms Voice The writer’s distinctive “sound” or way of “speaking” on the page. Page R30
Voice is related to such elements as: Word Choice Sentence Structure Tone It is similar to an individual’s speech style Can be described in the same way: Fast Slow Blunt Meandering Breathless Voice resembles Style Author’s typical way of writing Voice can be changed from work to work (style stays the same)
Terms Diction An author’s choice of words, especially with regard to range of vocabulary, use of slang, and level of formality. Page R23
Ex. #1: In “The Wife’s Story” her language is a little “off,” suggesting a local dialect or slang Ex. #2: The use of “We” in Anthem emphasizes that everyone must be the same. Ex. #3: The bland dialogue in “Harrison Bergeron” suggests boredom. Also, Hazel’s limited vocabulary indicates below-average intelligence.