UNIT 1 The Process of the Journey Nightjohn

UNIT 1: The Process of the Journey Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen

Term Definition Explicit textual evidence Clear, openly stated information in a story that tells you the meaning. Example This Is Just To Say by William Carlos Williams I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold

Term Definition Example Implicit textual evidence Indirect (not stated outright) information in a story that helps you understand the meaning. From: “i carry your heart with me” by e. e. cummings i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear. ) Based on the poem, what do you think the author is really trying to say?

Term Definition Example Literal Language The exact meaning of a word or phrase. Home: a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.

Term Definition Example Figurative Language used in a nonliteral way to express a relationship between unlike things. Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole “Her smile was a rainbow. ”

Term Definition Example Hero/Heroine The main character in a story. The hero or heroine is usually trying to accomplish a goal. Heroes in Harry Potter: Harry Potter Male=Hero Female=Heroines in Harry Potter: Hermione Granger

Term Definition Example Narrative A story or account Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone of events, experiences, or The Diary of a Wimpy the like. Kid Twilight Little Red Riding Hood

Term Definition Example Setting Where and when a story takes place. The day, season, place, room, time, year, etc. Harry Potter: Where: Hogwarts Castle, England When: present

Term Definition Example Character Who or what Characters in Harry is in the story Potter: Harry Potter Hermione Granger Ron Weasley Prof. Dumbledore Voldemort Draco Malfoy Ginny Weasley

Term Definition Example Plot The organization of events in a story. Think of a story you have recently read. Write down a short PLOT summary. Include the major events (including conflicts), but do not add too many details! Conflict (Problem) The suspense, anticipation, or curiosity that will carry your reader to the end of the story.

Term Definition Example Plot The organization of events in a story. The punch line of a joke is a good example of climax. Climax The turning point of the story. The climax occurs at the highest emotional point. Suddenly the person hearing the joke changes and understands why the joke is funny. At the climax in a story, things change from what they were.

Term Definition Example Plot Think of a story you The organization of events in a story. have recently read. Write down the RESOLUTION to that Tying up any loose story. How did the story ends and resolving end? Resolution the conflict of the story.

Term Definition Example Theme The underlying message of the poem. The message the author wants you to get. Love, patriotism, regret, overcoming obstacles, believing in yourself, etc. A theme should be fit with the story you are reading, but also be general enough to fit with other stories, too. A theme is usually a complete sentence. Bad Example: Through his many struggles, Harry Potter found a way to overcome any obstacle whether it be caused by Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, or just the difficulties of being a teenager. Good Example: Teenagers can learn to overcome any obstacles even if they seem impossible in the moment.

Term Definition Example Sensory Details that are meant to make solid images in the reader’s mind. (sight, sound, smell, touch & taste. ) Bad Example: Larry is a sloppy dresser. Good Example: Larry wears dirty, baggy pants, shirts too small to stay tucked in, socks that fail to match his pants or each other, and a stained coat the Salvation Army rejected as a donation.

Term Definition Example Allegory A story where the characters and events are used to connect to or symbolize a deeper meaning. Various X-Men comics: mutants as an allegory for various social and racial minorities. Avatar: an allegory for the Native American Extermination for riches (gold, mahogany, etc. ).

Term Definition Example Satire A literary composition where A Modest Proposal human folly is held up to By Jonathan Swift (1729) scorn or ridicule by use of irony. For Preventing The Children of Poor People in Ireland From Being A Burden to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to The Public “I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled. . . ”

Term Definition Example Strength of Character One that does not avoid responsibility who stands by their decisions in the face of the enemy, peers and superiors. In Nightjohn, John feels a responsibility to come back to the South, even after a successful escape to the North, to teach other slaves to read. He does so knowing that he could become a slave again himself and receive very harsh punishments.

Term Definition Example Symbolism The representation of an idea by an object. Wedding Ring = commitment American Flag = freedom What is another example of symbolism?

Term Definition Example Writing Style How an author writes what they write. The author's style could be humorous, serious, casual, formal, etc. An author could use long or short sentences, formal or informal language, etc. In Nightjohn, Gary Paulsen is very visual in his writing. His stories are realistic in setting and character type. He also uses informal language (in the form of dialect and slang).

Term Definition Example Allusion A reference within a work to something famous outside it, such as a well-known person, place, event, story, or work of art, literature, music, pop culture. When Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die in battle from an arrow. So his mother took Achilles to a magical river which was supposed to offer powers of invincibility and dipped his body into the water. But as she held Achilles by the heel, his heel was not washed over by the water of the magical river. Achilles grew up to be a man of war who survived many great battles. But one day, an arrow shot at him was lodged in his heel, killing him instantly. When someone wants to discuss one’s weak point, s/he will refer to it as his/her “Achilles’ Heel, ” meaning that they are strong in all areas except for that one tiny spot.