Ch 2: Craft & Structure in Reading Literature

1. What is Structure in Writing and How Does it Affect Meaning?

In this lesson, we will define the role of structure in literature. From there, we will look at the different ways to structure fiction and how it affects the meaning.

2. How Structure Affects the Style of a Text

In this lesson, we're going to explore the ways in which a text's structure affects its style. Focusing on nonfiction texts, we'll identify several common styles and see how they fit together with several common structures.

3. How the Structure of a Poem or Drama Contributes to Meaning

Look closely at the form of any poem or play. Authors put a lot of thought into the structure of their work. This lesson discusses how that structure contributes to the overall meaning of the piece as a whole.

4. What is Parallel Structure? - Definition & Examples

This lesson will explain what parallel structure is and present examples of it. It will also provide you with direction on how to use this literary technique and how to find and fix issues with parallel structure.

5. What is Foreshadowing? - Types, Examples & Definitions

Learn about how authors use foreshadowing, both subtle and direct, as part of their storytelling process. Explore many examples of foreshadowing, from classical plays to contemporary stories.

6. What is a Flashback in Literature? - Definition & Examples

This lesson will assist you in identifying and understanding the components of flashbacks found in literature. See examples of flashbacks, and then test your understanding through a quiz.

7. Figurative Language: Definition & Examples

This lesson introduces you to a variety of ways that figurative language can help you express yourself. You'll learn terms for several types of figurative language and see examples of each.

8. Interpreting Figures of Speech in Context

Figures of speech can add humor or drama to any situation, but you have to understand what they mean in order to connect the dots. In this lesson, we'll discuss how to interpret figures of speech, such as verbal irony, puns, idioms, and hyperbole.

9. Impact of Word Choice on Meaning and Tone

In this lesson, you'll learn how authors can influence the meaning and the emotional effect of a sentence just by choosing the right words or by making references and comparisons. You'll learn the appropriate literary terms along with examples for each.

10. Interpreting Tone in Fiction

This lesson will explore tone in fiction. We will define tone, talk about various types of tone, discuss how authors communicate tone, and practice identifying the tone of some writing samples.

11. What Are Connotation and Denotation? - Definitions & Examples

Discover the difference between a word's denotation and its connotation in this lesson. Explore how authors use both denotation and connotation to add layers of meaning to their work with some literary examples.

12. Understanding Words By Their Relationships

Many words in the English language have multiple meanings. To really understand a word, we have to understand the relationship between particular words. In this lesson, we will examine this through connotations, denotations, synonyms, and analogies.

13. Evaluating an Author's Point of View

Two authors have differing opinions on the same topic. Which one should you believe? This lesson details several things to look for when evaluating points of view and forming your own informed decisions.

14. Point-of-View: Definition & Examples

Find out what 'point of view' means and how it's used in literature. Learn about some points of view that are used less often, then test your knowledge with a brief quiz.

15. How Point of View Creates Suspense and Humor

Point of view influences how readers understand literature. In this lesson you'll learn how writers use point of view to create feelings as different as suspense and humor, and you'll be able to test your understanding with a short quiz at the end.