Literary Terms Exercise

English Literary terms

Directions: For each term given, record its definition and find examples in the lyrics or excerpts provided. Make sure to keep this packet filed in the vocabulary section of your binder all year.

1.

Allusion:

“Eden” by 10,000 Maniacs

We are the roses in the garden, beauty with thorns among our leaves. To pick a rose you ask your hands to bleed. What is the reason for having roses when your blood is shed carelessly? It must be for something more than vanity.

Believe me, the truth is we're not honest, not the people that we dream. We're not as close as we could be. Willing to grow but rains are shallow. Barren and wind-scattered seed on stone and dry land, we will be. Waiting for the light arisen to flood inside the prison. And in that time kind words alone will teach us, no bitterness will reach us. Reason will be guided another way.

All in time, but the clock is another demon that devours our time in Eden, in our Paradise.

Will our eyes see well beneath us, flowers all divine? Is there still time? If we wake and discover in life a precious love, will that waking become more heavenly?

A.

Circle any allusions that you find.

B.

To what work(s) does the allusion(s) refer?

C.

What is the context of the allusion in the song?

2.

Apostrophe:

“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

Goodbye Norma Jean

Though I never knew you at all

You had the grace to hold yourself

While those around you crawled

They crawled out of the woodwork

And they whispered into your brain

They set you on the treadmill

And they made you change your name

And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never knowing who to cling to

When the rain set in

And I would have liked to have known you

But I was just a kid

Your candle burned out long before

Your legend ever did

Loneliness was tough

The toughest role you ever played

Hollywood created a superstar

And pain was the price you paid

Even when you died

Oh the press still hounded you

All the papers had to say

Was that Marilyn was found in the nude

Goodbye Norma Jean

From the young man in the 22nd row

Who sees you as something more than sexual

More than just our Marilyn Monroe

A.

Circle the lyrics that are examples of apostrophe.

B.

Who or what is being addressed?

C.

How does this qualify as an apostrophe?

1

3.

Ballad:

“Rocky Raccoon” by the Beatles

Now somewhere in the black mountain hills of Dakota

There lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon

And one day his woman ran off with another guy

Hit young Rocky in the eye Rocky didn’t like that

He said I’m gonna get that boy

So one day he walked into town

Booked himself a room in the local saloon.

Rocky Raccoon checked into his room

Only to find Gideon’s bible

Rocky had come equipped with a gun

To shoot off the legs of his rival

His rival it seems had broken his dreams

By stealing the girl of his fancy.

Her name was Magill and she called herself Lil

But everyone knew her as Nancy.

Now she and her man who called himself Dan

Were in the next room at the hoe down

Rocky burst in and grinning a grin

He said Danny boy this is a showdown

But Daniel was hot-he drew first and shot

And Rocky collapsed in the corner.

Now the doctor came in stinking of gin

And proceeded to lie on the table

He said Rocky you met your match

And Rocky said, doc it’s only a scratch

And I’ll be better I’ll be better doc as soon as I am able.

Now Rocky Raccoon he fell back in his room

Only to find Gideon’s bible

Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt

To help with good Rocky’s revival.

A.

Relate the series of events in your own words.

4.

Carpe Diem:

“I Wanna Go Too Far” by Trisha Yearwood

Everything in moderation, that's the way it's always been

Never gettin' out of control - never hanging it out

Always reelin' it in

2

I saved my money for a rainy day

But now I've had enough of playin' it safe

I wanna go too far, I wanna go too fast

Somebody draw the line so I can blow right past

I wanna spend too much, I wanna stay too late

I'm gonna roar too loud, I'm gonna be that way

I wanna play too hard, I wanna go too far

I'm the one they all depend on

Sensible, predictable, and strong

But every now and then,

I feel like I've played that role too long

I need to rock the boat, I need to speak my mind

Just this once let it all unwind

I wanna go too far, I wanna go too fast

Somebody draw the line so I can blow right past

I wanna spend too much, I wanna stay too late

I'm gonna roar too loud, I'm gonna be that way

I wanna play too hard, I wanna go too far

I've gotta set this spirit free

That's hiding here inside

I feel like a bird in a cage

It's time for me to fly

A.

How do the lyrics demonstrate the idea of carpe diem?

5.

Conceit:

Sometimes I stop on my way home

And watch the children play

And I wonder if they wonder

What they'll be some day

Some will dream a big dream

And make it all come true

While others go on dreaming

Of things they'll never do

(Chorus)

We're all just seeds

In God's hands

We start the same

But where we land

Is sometimes fertile soil

And sometimes sand


In god's hands

I saw a friend the other day

I hardly recognized

He'd done a lot of living

“Seeds” by Kathy Mattea

Since I'd last looked in his eyes

He told his tale of how he'd failed

The lessons he'd been taught

But he offered no excuses

And he left me with this thought

(Repeat Chorus)

And as I'm standing at a crossroads once again

I'm reminded we're all the same when we begin

And in the end?

(Repeat Chorus)

(Tag)


In god's hands

3

A.

What two seemingly dissimilar things are being compared?

B.

What is the point the song is trying to make based on the comparison?

6.

Connotation:

7.

Denotation:

“That’s Life” by David Lee Roth

That's life, THAT'S LIFE that's what all the people say.

You're riding high on Monday, shot down in May.

But I, I ain't never gonna change my tune when I'm back on top in the month of June.

I said, that's life. THAT'S LIFE

And as funny as it may seem, some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream.

But I, I don't never let it get me down

'cause that big ol' world keeps spinnin' 'round.

Been a puppet, pirate, a poet, a pauper, a pawn and a king.

Been up and down and over and out and I know one thing: each time that I find myself flat on my face

I pick myself up and get back in the race.

That's life. THAT'S LIFE

And I can't deny it, many times I thought of quitting, babe, but my heart wouldn't buy it.

If I didn't think it was worth one try

I'd jump right on a big bucket and fly.

Been a puppet, poet, pirate, pauper; now I'm a king.

Been up, down, I know one thing: each time that I find myself flat on my face

I pick myself up and get back in the race.

That's life. THAT'S LIFE

And I can't deny it, many times I thought of quitting, babe, but my heart wouldn't buy it.

If I didn't think it was worth one try

I'd just roll myself up in a big ball and fly

4

A.

Make a list of the underlined words and put the literal definition next to each.

B.

Why would the author select these words to describe different phases of life?

8.

Dialect:

“Cotton-Eyed Joe,” traditional v. modern

Listen closely to the musical characteristics of each version. In the chart below, list those characteristics that contribute to each version’s unique style. This can include discussion of instrumentation, tempo, dynamics, vocals, etc.

Traditional Modern

Text from “His Grandfather’s Old Ram” by Mark Twain

I don’t reckon them times will ever come again. There never was a more bullier old ram than what he was. Grandfather fetched him from

Illinois–got him of a man by the name of Yates–Bill Yates–maybe you might have heard of him; his father was a deacon–Baptist–and he was a rustler, too; a man had to get up ruther early to get the start of old

Thankful Yates; it was him that put the Greens up to jining teams with my grandfather when he moved west. Seth Green was prob’ly the pick of the flock; he married a Wilkerson–Sarah Wilkerson–good cretur, she was–one of the likeliest heifers that was ever raised in old Stoddard, everybody said that knowed her. She could heft a bar’l of flour as easy as I can flirt a flapjack. And spin? Don’t mention it! Independent?

Humph!

5

9. Dramatic Monologue:

“Are You Lonesome Tonight” by Elvis Presley

Are you lonesome tonight, do you miss me tonight?

Are you sorry we drifted apart?

Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day

When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?

Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?

Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?

Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

I wonder if you're lonesome tonight

You know someone said that the world's a stage

And each must play a part.

Fate had me playing in love you as my sweet heart.

Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance

You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue

Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange

And why I'll never know.

Honey, you lied when you said you loved me

And I had no cause to doubt you.

But I'd rather go on hearing your lies

Than go on living without you.

Now the stage is bare and I'm standing there

With emptiness all around

And if you won't come back to me

Then make them bring the curtain down.

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?

Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight

A.

Whom do you think is being addressed?

B.

Summarize the message you think the speaker is trying to communicate.

10. Elegy:

6

“In My Life” by John Lennon

There are places I'll remember

All my life though some have changed

Some forever not for better

Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments

With lovers and friends I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers

There is no one compares with you

And these memories lose their meaning

When I think of love as something new

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them

In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them



A.

Who or what do you believe is being mourned?

B.

What are three specific things he mentions that he misses about what he is mourning?

11. Epiphany:

“How Bizarre” by OMC

Brother Pele's in the back, sweet Seena's in the front

Cruising down the freeway in the hot, hot sun

Suddenly red blue lights flash us from behind

Loud voice "all will please step out onto the line"

Pele breathes words of comfort, Seena just hides her eyes

Policeman taps his shades, Is that a Chevy 69?

How bizarre, how bizarre, how bizarre

Destination unknown, as we pull in for some gas

A freshly pasted poster reveals a smile from the pack

Elephants and acrobats, lions next monkey

Pele speaks righteous, Sister Seena says funky


Ooh baby, (ooh baby), it's making me crazy,

7

Every time I look around, (look around)

Every time I look around, every time I look around

It's in my face

Ringmaster steps up, says the elephants left town

People jump and jive, and the clowns inch back around

T.V. news and cameras, there's choppers in the sky

Marines, police, reporters, ask the where, for and why

Pele yells "we're outta here", Seena says "right on"

Make your moves and starting grooves, before they knew we're gone

Jump into the Chevy, headed for big lights,

Wanna know the rest? Hey, buy the rights


Refrain (3x)

A.

Summarize two things that the singer characterizes as bizarre.

12. Epithet:

“Run-Around Sue” by Dion and the Belmonts

Here's my story, its sad but true

It's about a girl that I once knew

She took my love then ran around

With every single guy in town

Ah, I should have known it from the very start

This girl will leave me with a broken heart

Now listen people what I'm telling you

A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

I miss her lips and the smile on her face

The touch of her hair and this girl's warm embrace

So if you don't wanna cry like I do

A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

Ah, she likes to travel around

She'll love you but she'll put you down

Now people let me put you wise

Sue goes out with other guys

Here's the moral and the story from the guy who knows

I fell in love and my love still grows

Ask any fool that she ever knew, they'll say

Keep away from-a Runaround Sue

She likes to travel around

She'll love you but she'll put you down

Now people let me put you wise

Sue goes out with other guys

Here's the moral and the story from the guy who knows

I fell in love and my love still grows

Ask any fool that she ever knew, they'll say

Keep away from-a Runaround Sue

8

A.

What are the qualities of Sue that earned her the epithet?

13. Irony:

“Ironic” by Alanis Morissette

An old man turned ninety-eight

He won the lottery and died the next day

Its a black fly in your chardonnay

Its a death row pardon two minutes too late

Isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?

Chorus:

Its like rain on your wedding day

Its a free ride when you’ve already paid

Its the good advice that you just didn’t take

Who would’ve thought... it figures

Mr. play it safe was afraid to fly

He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye

He waited his whole damn life to take that flight

And as the plane crashed down he thought

Well isn’t this nice...

And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?

Repeat chorus

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you

When you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right

And life has a funny way of helping you out when

You think everything’s gone wrong and everything blows up

In your face

A traffic jam when you’re already late

A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break

Its like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife

Its meeting the man of my dreams

And then meeting his beautiful wife

And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?

A little too ironic... and yeah I really do think...

Repeat chorus

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you

Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out

Helping you out

A. List THREE examples of ironic situations from the song and explain why EACH is ironic.

9

14. Paradox:

“Blinded by Rainbows” by the Rolling Stones

Did you ever feel the pain

That he felt upon the cross

Did you ever feel the knife

Tearing flesh that's oh so soft

Did you ever touch the night

Did you ever count the cost

Do you hide away the fear

Put down paradise as lost

Yeah you're blinded by rainbows

Watching the wind blow

Blinded by rainbows

Do you dream at night

Do you sleep at night

I doubt it

Did you ever feel the blast

As the semtex bomb goes off

Do you ever hear the screams

As the limbs are all torn off

Did you ever kiss the child

Who just saw his father shot

Do you ever shed a tear

As the war drags on and on

Do you ever touch the night

Or is it just another job

Do you feel the final hours

Put down paradise as lost

A.

What is the paradox?

Yeah you're blinded by rainbows

And faces in windows

Blinded by rainbows


Do you sleep at night

I doubt it

Do you ever fear the night

Could it be the war is lost

Do you fear the final hour

Do you kneel before the cross

You're blinded by rainbows

And watching the wind blow

Blinded by rainbows


Do you scream at night

Do you smell of fear

Is your conscience clear

Are you caked in sweat

Are your clothes all wet

Do you see the light

Is the end in sight

See the face of Christ

Enter paradise

I doubt it

B.

In real terms, why would this be a paradox?

C.

How would you apply this paradox to the message of the song?

15. Personification:

10

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel

Hello darkness, my old friend,

I've come to talk with you again,

Because a vision softly creeping,

Left its seeds while I was sleeping,

And the vision that was planted in my brain

Still remains

Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone

Narrow streets of cobblestone,

'Neath the halo of a street lamp,

I turned my collar to the cold and damp

When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light

That split the night

And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw

Ten thousand people, maybe more.

People talking without speaking,

People hearing without listening,

People writing songs that voices never share

And no one dared

Disturb the sound of silence.

"Fools" said I, "You do not know

Silence like a cancer grows.

Hear my words that I might teach you,

Take my arms that I might reach you."

But my words like silent raindrops fell,

And echoed

In the wells of silence.

And the people bowed and prayed

To the neon god they made.

And the sign flashed out its warning,

In the words that it was forming.

And the sign said, the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls

And tenement halls.

And whispered in the sounds of silence.

A.

Cite the three examples of personification in this song.

B.

What human quality is being given to what non-human thing?

16. Satire:

11

“I Lost on Jeopardy” by Weird Al Yankovic

I was there to match my intellect on national TV

Against a plumber, oh, and an architect, both with a PhD

I was tense, I was nervous, I guess it just wasn't my night

Art Fleming gave the answers

Oh, but I couldn't get the questions right, -ight, -ight

I lost on Jeopardy, baby (oooh)


Well, I knew I was in trouble now

My hope of winning sank

Oh, 'cause I got the Daily Double now

And then my mind went blank

I took Potpourri for one hundred

And then my head started to spin

Well, I'm givin' up Don Pardo

Just tell me now what I didn't win, yeah, yeah



That's right, Al--You lost. And let me tell you what you didn't win: a twenty volume set of the

Encyclopedia International, a case of Turtle Wax, and a year's supply of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco

Treat. But that's not all. You also made yourself look like a jerk in front of millions of people. You brought shame and disgrace to your family name for generations to come. You don't get to come back tomorrow.

You don't even get a lousy copy of our home game. You're a complete loser!

Don't know what I was thinkin' of

I guess I just wasn't too bright

Well, I sure hope I do better

Next weekend on The Price Is Right, -ight, -ight



I lost on Jeopardy, baby

A.

What human weakness or folly is the singer making fun of?

B.

What change in people might he want to encourage?

17. Soliloquy:

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans

Yeah... this right here

Goes out, to everyone, that has lost someone

That they truly loved

Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show

I laced the track, you locked the flow

So far from hangin on the block for dough

Notorious, they got to know that

Life ain't always what it seem to be

Words can't express what you mean to me

12

Even though you're gone, we still a team

Through your family, I'll fulfill your dream

In the future, can't wait to see

If you open up the gates for me

Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend

Try to black it out, but it plays again

When it's real, feelings hard to conceal

Can't imagine all the pain I feel

Give anything to hear half your breath

I know you still living your life, after death

Every step I take, every move I make

Every single day, every time I pray

I'll be missing you

Thinkin of the day, when you went away

What a life to take, what a bond to break

I'll be missing you

I miss you Big

It's kinda hard with you not around

Know you in heaven smilin down

Watchin us while we pray for you

Every day we pray for you

Til the day we meet again

In my heart is where I'll keep you friend

Memories give me the strength I need to proceed

Strength I need to believe

My thoughts Big I just can't define

Wish I coul turn back the hands of time

Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks

You and me taking flicks

Makin hits, stages they receive you on

I still can't believe you're gone

Give anything to hear half your breath

I know you still living you're life, after death



I'll be missing you



I'll be missing you

Somebody tell me why

One black morning

When this life is over

I know I'll see your face

Every night I pray, every step I take

Every move I make, every single day

Every night I pray, every step I take

Every day that passes

Is a day that I get closer

To seeing you again

We miss you Big... and we won't stop

Cause we can't stop... that's right

We miss you Big



I'll be missing you



I'll be missing you

A. Summarize what inner feelings are being expressed in the soliloquy.

18. Style:

Cooper

Deerslayer watched his opportunity, and finding two of his recent tormentors in a range, his rifle first broke the silence of the terrific scene. The bullet brought down both at one discharge.

This drew a general fire from the Hurons, and the rifle and war cry of the Serpent were heard in the clamor. Still the trained men returned no answering volley, the whoop and piece of Hurry alone being heard on their side, if we except the short, prompt word of authority, and that heavy, measured and menacing tread. Presently, however, the shrieks, groans, and denunciations that usually accompany the use of the bayonet followed. That terrible and deadly weapon was glutted in vengeance. The scene that succeeded was one of those of which so many have occurred in our own times, in which neither age nor sex forms an exemption to the lot of a savage warfare.

13

Fitzgerald

May at last. Dexter walked the streets at night when the darkness was damp as rain, wondering that so soon, with so little done, so much of ecstasy had gone from him. May one year back had been marked by Judy’s poignant, unforgiveable, yet forgiven turbulence – it had been one of those rare times when he fancied she had grown to care for him. That old penny’s worth of happiness he had spent for this bushel of content. He knew that Irene would be no more than a curtain spread behind him, a hand moving among gleaming teacups, a voice calling to children… fire and loveliness were gone, the magic of nights and the wonder of the varying hours and seasons… slender lips, down-turning, dropping to his lips and bearing him up into a heaven of eyes… the thing was deep in him. He was too strong and alive for it to die lightly.

Hemingway

There had been this to do. Now it was done.

It had been a hard trip. He was very tired.

That was done. He had made his camp. He was settled. Nothing could touch him. It was a good place to camp. He was there, in the good place. He was in his home where he had made it. Now he was hungry.

A.

Circle the characteristic associated with each author in the style analysis chart below.

Characteristic

Word Choice

“The Deerslayer”

Common/Elevated

“Winter Dreams”

Common/Elevated

“Big Two Hearted River”

Common/Elevated

Degree of Formality Formal/Informal Formal/Informal Formal/Informal

Simple/Complex Grammatical

Structure

Sentence Length

Simple/Complex

Long/Short

Simple/Complex

Long/Short Long/Short

19. Symbol:

“Bridge over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel

When you're weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;

I’m on your side. when times get rough

And friends just cant be found,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.


I will lay me down.

When you’re down and out,

When you’re on the street,

When evening falls so hard

I will comfort you.

Ill take your part.

When darkness comes

And pains is all around,


I will lay me down.


I will lay me down.

Sail on silver girl,

Sail on by.

Your time has come to shine.

All your dreams are on their way.

14

See how they shine.

If you need a friend

I’m sailing right behind.


A.

What is the symbol in this song?

B.

What does it symbolize?

I will ease your mind.


I will ease your mind.

20. Tone:

“War” by Edwin Starr

War, huh, yeah, What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing

Uh-huh

War, huh, yeah, What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing

Say it again, y'all.

War, huh, good God y’all. What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing. Listen to me.

Ohhh, war, I despise because it means destruction of innocent lives.

War means tears to thousands of mothers eyes

When their sons go to fight and lose their lives.

I said, war, huh, Good God, y'all. What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing. Say it again.

War, whoa, Lord. What is it good for?


War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker

War, friend only to the undertaker

Ooooh, war. it's an enemy to all mankind

The point of war blows my mind

War has caused unrest within the younger generation

Induction then destruction, who wants to die?

Aaaaah, war-huh. Good God y'all. What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing. Say it, say it, say it

War, huh, what is it good for?



War, it's got one friend, that's the undertaker.

Ooooh, war, has shattered many a young mans dreams

Made him disabled, bitter and mean

Life is much to short and precious to be fighting wars these days

War can't give life, it can only take it away

15

Ooooh, war, huh. Good God y'all. What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing. Say it again.

War, whoa, Lord. What is it good for?



War, friend only to the undertaker

Peace, love and understanding

Tell me, is there no place for them today

They say we must fight to keep our freedom

But Lord knows there's got to be a better way

Ooooooh, war, huh. Good God y'all. What is it good for?

You tell me. Say it, say it, say it, say it

War, huh. Good God y'all. What is it good for?

Stand up and shout it. Nothing.

A.

What is the attitude of the speaker toward war?

B. Cite three examples that demonstrate this attitude.

16

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