Literary Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real CAASPP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Literary Analysis flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes 'symbolism' in literature?
Answer: Using an object, person, or place to represent a larger idea
Symbolism is when a concrete element in the text stands for an abstract concept, such as a dove representing peace.
A story within a story, often told by one of the characters, is called a:
Answer: Frame narrative
A frame narrative is a story that contains another story within it, creating a narrative 'frame' around an inner tale.
In persuasive and literary texts, an appeal to the audience's emotions is called:
Answer: Pathos
Pathos is the rhetorical appeal that attempts to evoke an emotional response from the audience.
What is the primary purpose of a 'foil' character in literature?
Answer: To contrast with the protagonist and highlight their traits
A foil character has traits opposite to the protagonist's, which emphasizes the protagonist's characteristics by contrast.
Which of the following is an example of situational irony?
Answer: A fire station burns down
Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what would logically be expected, as when the one place meant to prevent fires is destroyed by one.
A recurring image, idea, or symbol that develops the work's themes throughout a text is called a:
Answer: Motif
A motif is a recurring element — image, phrase, or idea — that reinforces a text's central themes.
The CAASPP Literary Analysis tasks often require students to cite evidence. Why is text evidence important in literary analysis?
Answer: It supports claims with specific details directly from the text
Citing textual evidence grounds literary analysis in the actual work and supports the writer's claims with specific, verifiable details.