Review: Elements of Literature

Symbolism: The place or location of the action Time period The setting provides the historical and cultural context for characters A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well Beyond the obvious Setting:

Point of View: Language that appeals to the senses Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms of our senses –Taste –Smell –Touch –Hear –Sight Who tells the story How the story is told First-Person –The narrator is a character in the story who can reveal only his/her personal thoughts and feelings –Can’t tell the readers thoughts of other characters Imagery:

A figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be Example: The road was a ribbon of moonlight. Metaphor:

Billie Holiday “Strange Fruit”

Considered by many to be the greatest jazz vocalist of all time Born in 1915, spent most of her life in Baltimore Discovered at age 20 in Harlem 1930s: collaborated with many artists; created a distinct sound Songs showed her undeniable talent, and at the same time her incredible pain “Lady Day”

“Strange Fruit” 1939 Written by Abel Meeropol (pen name Lewis Allan), NYC public school teacher 3 stanzas in length Called the original protest song Disturbing and condemnation of racism Voice was quiet but strong

Lynchings: By State and Race, State White Black Total Alabama Lynching is the illegal execution of an accused person by a mob It has been estimated that between 1880 and 1920, an average of two African Americans a week were lynched in the United States. Lynching was originally a system of punishment used by whites against African American slaves However, whites who protested against this were also in danger of being lynched

To Kill A Mockingbird