Assignment: Literary Masterpieces Matrix
Complete the following matrix for each cultural period shown. Provide examples from at least two literary works to illustrate your entries in each category. If discussing contemporary literature, for example, a thematic focus might be the relationship of mainstream with minority literatures, and your examples incorporate Rushdie's and Cronin's works.
Your entries in these columns must go beyond a few words or a simple bullet point. There is no required minimum word length, but you must go into sufficient detail to demonstrate your comprehension of these literary components.
This assignment is designed to be completed throughout the course. It is easier to complete when approached this way; it also functions better as a foundation for your individual paper-The Literary Masterpiece in Contemporary Society Paper-due in Week 5.
Note. Ancient and classical literature are grouped together in the first week's readings, but they are separated here to sharpen your understanding of the distinctions between the two periods.
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Literature category
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Thematic focus
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Literary qualities
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Shared characteristics
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Influence of earlier periods
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Ancient literature
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(Does not apply)
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Classical literature
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Medieval literature
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Renaissance literature
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Enlightenment and Romantic literature
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Contemporary literature
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Explanation of Terms
Thematic focus: This is the primary subjects and concerns the works focus on. These subjects or concerns might be concrete, such as war, or more abstract, such as justice.
Literary qualities: These are how the works are written. These might address the forms of the works (epic poetry, drama, and so on), the modes of composition (oral, written, and so on), or stylistic qualities (emphasis on metaphor, rhyme, and so on).
Shared characteristics: These are any other qualities these works have in common. These characteristics might include the role of the author (noble, middle class, and so on), period views of literature, and so forth.
Influence of earlier periods: This is how the works in this period show evidence of working in a literary tradition. Signs of influence might be as direct as quoting an earlier work or reusing a character from a work, or as subtle as using a similar literary style.