Secret Life of Literary Terms

Juxtaposition The act or instance of placing two things side by side for comparison. A form of contrast writers use to draw attention to differences between people, things or ideas. As we continue reading, focus on the juxtaposition between Lily’s emotional isolation and the isolation of blacks from white society. Also look at the juxtaposition between Rosaleen and August.

Motif A recurring image, word, phrase, action, object, or situation used throughout a piece of writing, unifying the work by tying the current situation to previous ones or new ideas to the theme. Looks at the use of bees (obvi) and religion and prejudice. Also look for additional motifs to pop up throughout the novel.

First Person Point of View A character tells the story as a narrator Look for ways that the story could be different if it was told from another person’s point of view. What if Rosaleen was the narrator?

Dialect A way of speaking that is characteristic of a certain group or the inhabitants of a certain geographical area. Pay attention to the white dialect versus the black dialect. Also, think about the 1960s Southern American dialect versus other are times/places in America.

Allusion Reference to someone or something that is known from history, literature, religion, sports, or another branch of culture. Consider why Sue Monk Kidd includes Biblical allusions throughout her novel; she also alludes to Shakespeare and Walden Pond.