Intro to Literature Midterm

Historicism

(n.) the theory that each period of history has its own unique beliefs and values and can only be understood in its historical context

the Enlightenment era was characterized by:

A celebration of reason and the scientific method A celebration of humans' ability to perfect themselves A belief that nature is orderly, even machine-like

Which statement best explains Franklin's anecdote of the speckled ax?

A complete shine on the ax, like total perfection, isn't necessary and a few faults are okay.

Conceit

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.

Define what is meant by a frame story and explain the relationship and effect of the frame to the story proper in both Crèvecoeur's "Letter III" and Irving's "Rip Van Winkle."

A frame story is a story that contains another story. Crèvecoeur has created a frame of a fictional persona called Farmer James, who is exchanging letters with a Mr. F.B. in England, into which "Letter III" is set. Thus, the sections of Crèvecoeur's text are called letters. Similarly, the tale of Rip Van Winkle supposedly came from the papers of the deceased historian Knickerbocker. So the part of the story about Knickerbocker forms the frame within which we have the story proper about Rip Van Winkle. Both Knickerbocker and Rip are fictional. From the first publication of Letters from an American Farmer, "Letter III" has been read in isolation from the rest of the book, which distorts the understanding of Crèvecoeur's text and intentions. If a reader pays attention to the fact that it is set in a fictional frame, he or she will be more likely to recognize that "Letter III" is not a factual, sociological description of American life so much as a utopian vision of the promise of America. Similarly, by setting a fantastic tale of a twenty-year nap into a frame in which a historian insists upon the truth of the tale, Irving is drawing a connection between legend and history. By doing so in a tale about the new America and new American identity, he is also calling attention to the importance of fiction to national identity.

poetry

A kind of rhythmic, compressed language that uses figures of speech and imagery designed to appeal to our emotions and imagination.

Symbol

A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.

Who wrote "The Prologue", "The Author to Her Book", "A Letter to Her Husband, Absent upon Public Employment", "Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666"

Anne Bradstreet

Who wrote The Crucible?

Arthur Miller

For the character listed below, provide a character analysis: Aylmer

Aylmer is a major character. He is an eighteenth-century scientist who believes in human perfectibility. He is a sort of "mad scientist" character. Science is his passion. Indeed, we are told that his love of science rivaled his love of woman. Also, the language used to describe his commitment to science is the language of religion, such as "devoted," "miracle," and "faith." Aylmer is also a newlywed. His wife is very beautiful and, to paraphrase, ready for heaven without dying (that is, her personality and qualities are also beautiful), yet she has a small birthmark on her cheek that Aylmer dislikes. However, some people like the birthmark, so it reveals more about the viewer than about the wife, Georgiana. Aylmer wants to rid her of the birthmark; he has god-like aspirations in that he thinks he can improve upon one of God's loveliest creatures. Aylmer does not change significantly over the course of the story. Despite his record of many failed scientific experiments and despite the risk to his wife, he persists in his quest. The consequences are grave: although the birthmark disappears briefly and he declares himself successful, his wife immediately dies upon the fading of the birthmark. Aylmer is central to one of Hawthorne's major concerns. As a romantic who values the imagination, Hawthorne is criticizing the values of the previous age, the Enlightenment era, in which human perfectibility and the scientific method were very important. Again, using romantic values such as a lack of verisimilitude (that is, not being concerned with a truthful portrayal of the actual world) and exploring the extraordinary and the unusual, Hawthorne twists and draws out Enlightenment values to a very different conclusion than did, say, Benjamin Franklin.

Who wrote The Autobiography?

Benjamin Franklin

theme

Central idea of a work of literature

Author, title, and what is this quotation describing? "Men are like plants; the goodness and flavor of the fruit proceeds from the peculiar soil and exposition in which they grow."

Crèvecoeur Letters from an American Farmer The process of immigrants' assimilation into American society is described by comparing it to the image of a plant. The soil into which this plant is planted (or transplanted) refers to America, which provides a new political system and a new social system, as well as a new geography, all of which allow immigrants to prosper in many ways. The best geographical region, per Crèvecoeur, is the rural middle area between the coasts and the woods.

imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

who wrote The Fall of the House of Usher?

Edgar Allan Poe

Author? Title? What literary technique is at work in this quotation? Identify the technique, define it, and explain how it applies to this quotation. "Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability. Perhaps the eye of a scrutinizing observer might have discovered a barely perceptible fissure, which, extending from the roof of the building in front, made its way down the wall in a zigzag direction, until it became lost in the sullen waters of the tarn."

Edgar Allan Poe "The Fall of the House of Usher" In this quotation, we see the use of foreshadowing, which is defined as any technique that hints at a future development in a work of literature. Even though the passage states that the House of Usher appears decayed but is basically stable, the "slightly perceptible fissure" (or crack) is a hint that the house is actually unstable. So a reader shouldn't be surprised at the end of the story when the house comes crashing down. The fall of the House of Usher has been foreshadowed by this passage (as well as by the title).

What is the main difference in Franklin's and Jefferson's autobiographies?

Franklin's text focuses on the private life and Jefferson's on the public life.

Themes in Of Plymouth Plantation

God's providence and community

Persona

Greek for "mask." The face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience.

How does the assistant Aminidab compare to Aylmer?

He is a physical being, whereas Aylmer is intellectual.

Which statement most accurately describes Mr. Morton of Merrymount?

He was a threat to the Pilgrims because of his licentiousness and gun-trading with Native Americans.

Characteristics of Romantic Literature

Highlights the imagination and intuition Concerned with the individual Concerned with nature and the wild No verisimilitude (that is, not concerned with a truthful portrayal of the actual world) Settings are often exotic, distant, historic Explores the extraordinary and the unusual Lots of symbolism Plot is important

Themes of the Crucible

Intolerance; hysteria; reputation, moral flexibility

Feminist Criticism

Involves close reading of canonical texts written by male authors in order to examine how female characters are portrayed. Typically, the objective is to understand how these works reveal a bias against women and reinforce male dominance and patriarchal ideology

In Franklin's autobiography, what is the influence of Puritanism?

It can be seen in his valuing of hard work and introspection.

In what way does "The Fall of the House of Usher" most directly critique Enlightenment values?

It emphasizes the failure of reason and analysis.

What is the main significance of this line: "a scrutinizing observer might have discovered a barely perceptible fissure...extending from the roof of the building"?

It foreshadows the fall of the house.

What rhetorical purpose is served by Bradford's description of the sailors who did not care for each other in illness?

It helps him develop a theme about the close-knit Pilgrim community (a counter-example).

What is the main significance of this line: Aylmer "had devoted himself too unreservedly to scientific studies"?

It illustrates a religious-like commitment to science with the word choice "devotion."

Which statement best explains the significance of Franklin's use of the word "errata"?

It illustrates the Enlightenment belief that moral failings are correctable mistakes rather than inherent sins

Which statement best describes the aesthetic of the Puritan plain style?

It influenced literature, visual arts, and design in early America.

Which statement most accurately refers to the term Pilgrim?

It is a term Bradford applied to the Puritans who settled at Plymouth.

Which statement is most accurate about the role of society in the draft of The Declaration of Independence?

It is at the heart of the document, which is about the rights of social groups.

How is Franklin's view of religion best described?

It is one of tolerance and utilitarianism.

In the draft of The Declaration of Independence, what role is played by emotion?

It is present but subordinate to a reasonable argument.

What is a memoir?

It is similar to an autobiography but has more of an outward focus.

In what way does "The Birth-Mark" most directly critique Enlightenment values?

It reveals the failure of devotion to science and pursuit of perfection.

Which statement best explains the importance of knowing that Hawthorne wrote "The Birth-Mark" while he was a newlywed?

It supports an interpretation of the story being about male/female relations

Which statement most accurately describes the view of nature in the Enlightenment era?

It was seen as orderly and machine-like.

Who wrote Letters from an American Farmer?

J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur

Which pair is not an example of doubling in "Usher"?

Madeline and the narrator

Who wrote "The Birthmark"?

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Who could be considered the main character in "Usher"?

Roderick or the narrator

In what poem do we find the line "I washed thy face, but more defects I saw"?

The Author to Her Book"

Why was the Enlightenment era considered a time of optimism?

The belief in perfection led people to be happy and hopeful.

Which statement most accurately describes the Pilgrims at Plymouth?

The community weakened because individuals prospered and pulled away.

Which statement best interprets the following line from Bradstreet's "The Prologue"? "Give thyme or parsley wreath, I ask no bays"

The poet appears humble at the same time she is expecting to be honored.

According to Bradford, what is true about the reports of the bountiful food at the first Thanksgiving?

The reports were true.

Which statement best explains why "The Birth-Mark" is an example of romanticism?

The story is highly imaginative and explores an unusual situation

Who wrote Rip Van Winkle?

Washington Irving

Who wrote Of Plymouth Plantation?

William Bradford

Author, title, and give the theme this quote pertains to: "...in two or three months' time half of [the Pilgrims] died...there was but six or seven sound persons, who, to their great commendations be it spoken, spared no pains, night nor day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made their beds, washed their loathsome clothes...and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren...."

William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation, and community. The caring and close-knit nature of the Pilgrims is clearly a source of pride that Bradford wants to share with his readers. In comparison, he also describes the sailors' treatment of their sick comrades. When illness affects the sailors, they begin now to desert each other. Indeed, one sick sailor who is cared for by the Pilgrims sees the difference, commenting on their Christian-like behavior and noting how the sailors let each other die like dogs.

Which characteristic do we see in all of the assigned Bradstreet poems?

a balancing of opposites

Which best defines plot?

a causal arrangement of events

Bradstreet's poem "The Author to Her Book" illustrates which of the following?

a conceit because it compares two dissimilar things

Tale

a fictitious or true narrative or story, especially one that is imaginatively recounted.

Romantic period in American literature

a literary period from approximately 1830 to 1865, ending with the culmination of the Civil War. The values of literary romanticism (discussed more fully in the commentary section below) focus on innovation, imagination, and the individual. In this course, the words romantic and romanticism never refer to amorous relations as they often do in daily life. Instead, they are literary terms that suggest certain characteristics and attitudes toward life and literature dominant during a particular time period.

Genre

a major category or type of literature

Criticism

a serious examination and judgment of something

Anecdote

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

Art for art's sake

a slogan that expresses the belief that literature and other art forms should be valued for their inherent qualities rather than for any moral or practical purposes.

Frame story

a story within a story

Enlightenment era literature

an eighteenth-century (that is, the 1700s) literary movement characterized by an emphasis on rationality, scientific inquiry, and representative government. (These values differed from the Puritan focus on tradition and unquestioning religious dogma, and the experience of living under a monarchy.)

Caricature

an exaggerated portrayal of one's features

Mythic criticism

an interpretive approach to literature that looks at recurring mythic elements. This approach recognizes fundamental universal patterns in literature that transcend time periods and different cultures.

How did the Pilgrims view Squanto?

as a special instrument of God

Bradford complains that the sailors would not give him something to drink when he was ill. What did they deny him?

beer

Why or how did the young Ben Franklin have articles published in his brother's paper?

by anonymously submitting them under the door at night

Puritan Plain Style

characterized by short words, direct statements, and references to ordinary, everyday objects

What two themes are developed in Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation?

community and God's providence

The Declaration of Independence includes a list of about twenty items. What are they?

complaints about the injuries imposed on the colonists by King George

What literary term best applies to the following excerpt? "...the lady Madeline (for so she was called) passed slowly through a remote portion of the apartment....her features—all, in their very minutest development...were identically those of the Roderick Usher who sat beside me."

doppelgänger

What are the components of Poe's three-part structure?

enclosed setting, journey into the mind, and horror

What is Roderick Usher's greatest fear?

fear of fear

Does Georgiana's attitude toward her birthmark change, and if so, how does it change?

from thinking it charming to wanting to be rid of it

From "Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666," what is referred to by the line, "Thou hast an house on high erect"?

heaven

When deists say that God is like a watchmaker, what do they mean?

hey suggest that the world can function on its own without interference from its maker.

Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation is an example of which?

history

Utopian literature

literature describing an ideally perfect place or ideal society.

In "Usher," as the storm rages and Madeline, risen from her tomb, stands outside the door, what does Roderick shriek?

madman!

Enlightenment values that present themselves in Jefferson's autobiography:

optimism, society, reason, experimentation, religion

According to Benjamin Franklin, what were the two most difficult virtues for him to master?

order and humility

What was the main revision made to Thomas Jefferson's draft of The Declaration of Independence?

removing the passage that disapproves of slavery

Which element of literature is largely responsible for a work's atmosphere?

setting

According to Franklin, what was the main reason he wrote his autobiography?

so that others could imitate the means by which he lived a successful life

What written document is a forerunner of the U.S. Constitution?

the Mayflower Compact

What kind of imagery do we find in Bradstreet's "A Letter to Her Husband"?

the body and seasons

irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Atmosphere

the general feeling created in a reader by a work of literature; it is significantly influenced by the setting.

In "Usher," what is symbolized by the Haunted Palace in the song/poem?

the human mind

In this course, the image of Franklin wearing a coonskin cap helps us understand what?

the important role of persona to Franklin

In "Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666," the poet vacillates between what?

the material world and the divine

In addition to ridding Georgiana of the birthmark, what powers does Aylmer believe in and hint that he might be able to create?

the powers of immortality and creating gold out of worthless material

What is one key similarity between Franklin's and Jefferson's autobiographies?

the purpose of wanting to be remembered

What was a second significant revision to the draft of The Declaration of Independence, according to Jefferson's autobiography?

the removal of censures against the people of England

Canon

those works that are privileged or given special status by a culture

Setting

where and when the story takes place

What are the two dominant colors in "The Birth-Mark" and what do they symbolize?

white and red, suggesting purity and sexuality

verse

writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme