AP English Literature AMSCO Guided Notes
2.1: Characterization
AP English Literature Guided Notes
AMSCO 2.1 - Characterization
Essential Questions
- How do the specific textual details of a poem reveal the nature of a character and that character's perspective and motives?
I. Characterization
1. How do characters in literature allow readers to explore different values, beliefs, and cultural norms?
2. What role do specific textual details play in revealing a character's nature, perspective, and motives?
A. Details that Reveal Character, Perspectives, and Biases
1. What does it mean when a poet 'distills' character details, and why is this important in poetry?
2. How do a character's words, decisions, and actions reveal their perspectives and biases?
3. In 'The Children's Moon,' what do the teacher's clothing choices and appearance reveal about her character?
4. How do the teacher's actions of 'lipstick-marked my girls,' 'saluted,' and 'drove myself to school' reveal her character traits?
B. Details that Reveal Perspective and Bias
1. How does the teacher's decision to point out the children's moon reveal her perspective about the classroom situation?
2. What does the teacher's imagined fear that students might disrespect her authority reveal about her bias, and what historical context explains this bias?
3. How does the children's actual response to the teacher contrast with her imagined fears, and what does this reveal about her initial bias?
C. Details that Reveal Motivation
1. What is the relationship between a character's perspective and bias and their motives?
2. What are the four types of details in the STEAL method, and what does each type reveal about a character?
3. Based on the details in 'The Children's Moon,' what are the teacher's primary motives for her behavior on the first day of school?
Key Terms
details
perspectives
biases
motives