Topic 1: Lexical Items in Literary Texts

1. Define what lexical items are in the context of literary texts. Lexical
items are words or phrases that convey meaning in a text. In literary texts, they
contribute to themes, character development, tone, and imagery. They can
include single words, collocations, idiomatic expressions, and even phrases that
have specific meanings within a context.

2. Identify five lexical items from the following sentence:

“The wind howled as the rain hammered the windows, and the old tree groaned
under the pressure.”

o wind

o howled

o rain

o hammered

o groaned

3. What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is the literal meaning of a word—the dictionary definition—while
connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word evokes
beyond its literal meaning. For example, the word "home" denotes a physical
dwelling but connotes warmth, safety, and family.

4. Give an example of a lexical item with both a literal (denotative) and a

symbolic (connotative) meaning.
The word "rose" literally refers to a type of flower (denotation), but symbolically,
it often represents love and passion (connotation).

5. In literary analysis, why is it important to consider the connotations of

lexical items?
Considering connotations helps readers understand the deeper meanings and
emotional layers of a text. It allows for a more nuanced interpretation of
themes, character motivations, and the overall tone.

6. Find two lexical items in the following text that suggest a dark or
ominous tone:
“Shadows crept across the floor as the door slowly creaked open.”

o shadows

o creaked

7. List three lexical items from a poem you have read recently and
explain their effect on the reader’s interpretation of the poem.

o whisper: evokes a sense of secrecy or intimacy, enhancing the poem's

emotional impact.

o shattered: conveys loss and destruction, influencing the reader's

perception of conflict.
 o eternal: suggests timelessness, impacting the poem's themes of love or
memory.

8. Explain how an author’s choice of verbs affects the tone of a passage.

Verbs convey action and emotion, shaping the tone by suggesting intensity or
subtlety. For example, "sprinted" implies urgency and excitement, while
"ambled" suggests a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere.

9. Choose two nouns from a literary text and explain how they contribute
to the theme.

o “freedom”: highlights the theme of liberation and the struggle against

oppression.

o “chains”: symbolizes bondage, reinforcing the theme of confinement and

the desire for emancipation.

10. In a literary text, how can adjectives shape a character’s

portrayal?
Adjectives provide insight into a character's traits and emotions. Describing a
character as "stoic" implies strength and resilience, while "timid" suggests
vulnerability and fear.

11. Identify the lexical item in the following line that has symbolic
significance:
“The leaves, golden in the late afternoon sun, whispered secrets of the past.”

o whispered: suggests intimacy and the idea that nature holds memories
or truths.

12. Provide an example of an idiomatic expression in a literary text

and explain its meaning.
“Bite the bullet” means to endure a painful situation or face a difficult decision
with courage. It often reflects themes of bravery and resilience.

13. What are collocations, and how do they help in understanding a

text’s meaning?
Collocations are words that commonly appear together, forming natural
phrases. They help readers grasp idiomatic meanings and the text’s overall
tone, enhancing comprehension.

14. Rewrite the following sentence by replacing the lexical items to

change its tone:
“The child skipped joyfully through the meadow.” (Make it ominous.)
“The child trudged warily through the overgrown field.”

15. Select three lexical items from a piece of historical fiction. How
do they reflect the time period of the story?

o “carriage”: indicates transportation methods of the era.

o “bonnet”: reflects women's fashion and social norms.

 o “cannon”: suggests warfare and conflict characteristic of historical
periods.

16. Explain how archaic lexical items in Shakespeare’s works affect

modern readers’ understanding.
Archaic terms can create barriers to understanding, leading to
misinterpretations. However, they also enrich the text's authenticity,
encouraging readers to engage more deeply with historical contexts.

17. Find an example of lexical items used to create imagery in a

literary text.
In a description of a forest: “The towering trees loomed, their gnarled branches
reaching like skeletal fingers into the misty sky.” This evokes a vivid image of
the forest's eerie atmosphere.

18. How do phrasal verbs contribute to the style of a modern novel or

short story?
Phrasal verbs add colloquialism and relatability to characters’ dialogue, making
them sound more natural and contemporary, thus enhancing realism.

19. Identify the verb in this sentence and explain how it adds to the
overall tone:
“He trudged through the snow, exhausted and cold.”

o trudged: implies weariness and struggle, contributing to a somber tone.

20. Choose two lexical items from a Gothic novel and explain how
they contribute to the atmosphere.

o “gloom”: creates a sense of foreboding and despair.

o “haunted”: evokes feelings of fear and the supernatural.

21. Why might an author use technical or specialized lexical items in

a literary text?
Specialized lexical items lend authenticity and credibility to the narrative, often
reflecting characters’ backgrounds or professions, enhancing the text's depth.

22. How does the use of foreign or borrowed lexical items add
authenticity or realism to a text?
Using foreign terms can enrich the narrative by grounding it in a specific culture
or setting, making the story feel more authentic and relatable.

23. Give an example of lexical cohesion in a literary text and explain

its function.
The repeated use of “ocean” and “waves” in a poem creates cohesion and
reinforces themes of nature and continuity, enhancing the reader's
understanding.

24. How does the choice of lexical items differ between narrative
texts and poetic texts?
Narrative texts tend to use more straightforward and descriptive language to
 convey plot, while poetic texts often employ condensed, evocative language for
emotional impact.

25. Write a short passage using carefully chosen lexical items to

create a joyful tone.
“The children laughed and danced under the radiant sun, their cheerful voices
mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, filling the air with a vibrant
sense of joy.”

Topic 2: Figures of Speech or Figurative Language

1. Define what a figure of speech is.

A figure of speech is a rhetorical device that conveys meaning by comparing or
contrasting different concepts, often to create a vivid or imaginative effect.

2. Identify the figure of speech in this sentence:

“The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky.”

o Personification: attributing human qualities (dancing) to non-human

entities (stars).

3. Give an example of a metaphor from a poem you have read.

In Robert Frost's “The Road Not Taken,” “the road less traveled” symbolizes
choices in life and their consequences.

4. Explain the effect of similes in a literary text.

Similes create vivid comparisons that enhance imagery and help readers
understand emotions or concepts by relating them to familiar experiences.

5. Find and analyze a personification example from any literary work.

In “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson, Death is personified
as a kind and patient driver, illustrating a more approachable view of mortality.

6. Rewrite this sentence using a hyperbole:

“The cake was delicious.”
“The cake was so delicious that I could eat it a thousand times and never get
tired of it!”

7. Identify the alliteration in this sentence:

“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

o The repetition of the “p” sound creates a musical quality and enhances
memorability.

8. Explain how irony is used in the following sentence:

“What a beautiful day,” she said, as the storm raged outside.
This situational irony highlights the contrast between the speaker's words and
the reality, creating a sense of sarcasm.

9. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile makes a comparison using "like" or "as," while a metaphor directly
equates one thing to another without using these words.
 10. Provide an example of oxymoron and explain its effect in a poem
or story.
“Bittersweet” combines contradictory terms, conveying complex emotions and
emphasizing the coexistence of joy and sorrow.

11. Identify the hyperbole in this sentence:

“I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!”
This exaggeration emphasizes the speaker's frustration and urgency.

12. Why do authors use figurative language instead of literal

language?
Figurative language evokes emotions,

meaning, and vivid imagery, allowing authors to convey complex ideas and feelings
more effectively than literal language can.

13. Identify the figurative language in this sentence:

“The classroom was a zoo during recess.”

o Metaphor: Compares the chaotic classroom to a zoo, suggesting disorder

and noise.

14. Explain how personification enhances imagery in poetry.

Personification gives human traits to non-human elements, creating vivid
imagery that evokes emotions and makes abstract ideas relatable. For example,
describing the “angry sea” suggests turmoil and danger.

15. What is the figure of speech in this sentence:

“He is as brave as a lion.” What does it imply about the character?

o Simile: This comparison suggests that the character possesses immense

courage, akin to that of a lion, emphasizing bravery.

16. Identify the irony in this situation:

“The fire station burned down.”
This situational irony highlights the unexpected outcome where a place
designed to combat fires becomes a victim of one.

17. Find a line of onomatopoeia in any literary work and explain its
effect.
In Edgar Allan Poe's “The Bells,” the phrase “tinkle, tinkle” creates a ringing
sound that enhances the poem’s auditory imagery, drawing readers into the
scene.

18. Explain how a metaphor can develop a theme in a poem.

A metaphor can encapsulate central ideas, as in Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird,”
where the caged bird symbolizes oppression, developing themes of freedom and
resistance against constraints.

19. Give an example of a simile from a well-known work of literature

and analyze its meaning.
In "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald writes, “He stretched out his arms toward the
dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he
 was trembling.” This simile compares Gatsby’s yearning to a physical stretch,
emphasizing his deep desire and the futility of reaching for unattainable
dreams.

20. Find a line from a poem that uses hyperbole and explain its
effect.
In “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell, the line “Love you ten years before
the Flood” exaggerates the speaker's devotion, illustrating the depth of his
feelings and the urgency of time.

21. What is the figure of speech in this sentence:

“Time is a thief.” What does it suggest about time?

o Metaphor: This suggests that time stealthily takes away moments and
opportunities, highlighting the preciousness of time and the inevitability of
loss.

22. Create a sentence using alliteration.

“The soft, silky shadows slipped silently across the shimmering sea.”

23. Identify the figurative language in this sentence:

“Her smile was like the sunshine after a storm.”

o Simile: This comparison suggests warmth, relief, and happiness, implying

that her smile brings light after a difficult period.

24. Explain how a writer’s use of irony can influence the tone of a
story.
Irony can introduce humor, sarcasm, or tragedy, affecting the reader's
perception and emotional response. For instance, using situational irony can
create a tone of pessimism or disillusionment, prompting deeper reflection.

25. State a sentence that personifies the wind.

“The wind whispered secrets through the rustling leaves, sharing tales of distant
lands.”

Topic 3: Elements of Poetry

1. Define the term "theme" in the context of poetry.

The theme is the central idea or underlying message that the poet seeks to
convey through their work, often reflecting universal truths or human
experiences.

2. Identify the rhyme scheme in the following stanza:

The sun is bright, the sky is blue,
The birds are singing, it feels brand new.

o AABB: Each pair of lines rhymes.

3. What is imagery? Provide an example from a poem you’ve read.

Imagery involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid
mental pictures. For example, in Keats' "Ode to a Nightingale," the imagery of
“the grass, and the dew” evokes a serene, lush landscape.
4. Explain how tone influences a poem’s mood.
Tone, the author’s attitude toward the subject, shapes the reader’s emotional
response, creating a specific mood. A melancholic tone can induce sadness,
while an upbeat tone can create joy or hope.

5. Define "symbolism" and provide an example from any poem.

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent larger ideas or concepts. In “The
Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, the diverging roads symbolize life choices and
their consequences.

6. What is a metaphor, and how is it used in poetry?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using
"like" or "as." In poetry, metaphors create depth and evoke emotions by linking
the abstract to the tangible.

7. Analyze the theme of Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”
The theme revolves around choices and their impact on life. The speaker's
reflection on the roads symbolizes the inevitable choices we face, suggesting
that decisions shape our identities and futures.

8. Define "meter" in poetry and explain its importance.

Meter is the rhythmic structure of a poem, determined by the pattern of
stressed and unstressed syllables. It establishes the poem's pace and can
enhance its emotional and musical qualities.

9. What is the tone of Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could Not Stop for
Death”? How does it affect the poem’s meaning?
The tone is calm and reflective, treating death as a natural part of life. This
serene approach alters the reader’s perception of mortality, suggesting
acceptance rather than fear.

10. Identify the figurative language used in the poem “O Captain! My

Captain!” by Walt Whitman.
Whitman employs metaphor and apostrophe, addressing the deceased captain
directly and using the captain as a symbol of leadership and loss.

11. What is the significance of rhyme in poetry?

Rhyme enhances the musicality of a poem, aids memory, and creates a sense of
unity and structure, often reinforcing themes or emotions.

12. Explain the difference between a free verse poem and a sonnet.
A free verse poem does not adhere to a specific structure or rhyme scheme,
allowing for flexibility and personal expression, while a sonnet follows strict
forms and rhyme patterns, typically exploring a single theme.

13. Provide an example of alliteration from a poem you have studied.

In “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, the phrase “silken, sad, uncertain rustling”
uses alliteration to create a haunting sound and mood.

14. Analyze the use of imagery in the poem “Daffodils” by William

Wordsworth.
Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to evoke the beauty and vibrancy of daffodils,
 contrasting them with the narrator’s inner feelings of loneliness, ultimately
inspiring joy and reflection.

15. What is enjambment, and how does it affect the flow of a poem?
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues into the next without a
pause. It creates a sense of movement and urgency, enhancing the poem’s
emotional impact.

16. Identify the meter in the following line:

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

o Iambic pentameter: The line consists of five iambs, each containing an

unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

17. Explain how symbolism enhances meaning in poetry.

Symbolism deepens the reader's understanding by connecting concrete images
to abstract ideas, allowing for multiple interpretations and enriching the overall
message.

18. What is the rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?

A Shakespearean sonnet follows the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG,
consisting of three quatrains followed by a couplet.

19. Find an example of a simile in any poem and explain its effect.
In “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth, the simile compares
the speaker’s wandering to a cloud, suggesting a sense of freedom and isolation
while also conveying a dreamy quality.

20. How does diction (word choice) affect the tone of a poem?
Diction shapes tone by conveying emotions and attitudes. For example, formal
diction can create a serious tone, while colloquial diction may produce a relaxed
or familiar atmosphere.

21. What is the purpose of a refrain in poetry?

A refrain reinforces key themes and emotions, creating rhythm and enhancing
memorability. It can evoke a sense of longing or urgency throughout the poem.

22. Identify the poetic structure in “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good
Night” by Dylan Thomas.
The poem is structured as a villanelle, featuring a specific pattern of repetition
and rhyme that emphasizes its themes of resistance and mortality.

23. Write a short poem using a set rhyme scheme.

In the garden where flowers bloom (A)
Colors dance beneath the sun’s warm glow (B)
Sweet scents linger, dispelling gloom (A)
Nature’s beauty, a wondrous show. (B)

24. Explain the effect of alliteration in the poem “The Raven” by Edgar
Allan Poe.
Alliteration creates a musical quality that enhances the poem's haunting
atmosphere. The repeated sounds mimic the rhythmic tapping of the raven,
 drawing readers into the eerie mood of the poem and emphasizing its themes of loss
and longing.

25. Analyze the imagery in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

by Robert Frost.
Frost uses vivid imagery to paint a serene winter landscape, describing the
“frozen lake” and “darkest evening of the year.” This imagery evokes feelings of
tranquility and contemplation, contrasting the beauty of nature with the
responsibilities and obligations that await the speaker.