American literature and authors

“American literature” offers a treasure trove of benefits for ESL learners, like yourself. It exposes you to rich vocabulary and diverse writing styles, helping you develop fluency and comprehension. By encountering the experiences and perspectives explored by American authors, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the American identity and its evolution. Today’s vocabulary words will help foster cultural bridges and enrich your overall experience of living in the United States. So, let’ jump right in!

In today’s lesson, you’re going to have:

• 5 advanced English vocabulary words about American literature and authors.

• 15 examples of phrases that you can use on a daily basis.

• Eye-catching images will help you learn and retain the vocabulary.

1. Satire

📚 DEFINITION

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

📄 Example Sentences:

1. Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" employs satire to critique societal norms and racism.

2. The comedian's satire of political figures drew both laughs and criticism.

3. Satire has a long history in literature as a tool for social commentary and critique.

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2. Allegory

📚 DEFINITION

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

📄 Example Sentences:

1. George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is an allegory of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

2. The novel's allegorical elements allow readers to ponder deeper philosophical questions.

3. Allegory often serves as a vehicle for conveying complex ideas in a digestible form.

3. Irony

📚 DEFINITION

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

📄 Example Sentences:

1. The irony of the situation was not lost on the audience, as the villain turned out to be the hero's long-lost brother.

2. Situational irony occurs when the unexpected happens contrary to what is expected.

3. Irony in literature can deepen characterization and highlight themes.

4. Theme

📚 DEFINITION

The central topic, subject, or message in a literary work.

📄 Example Sentences:

1. Love and betrayal are recurring themes in Shakespeare's plays.

2. The theme of social justice is prevalent in contemporary American literature.

3. Analyzing themes helps readers understand the deeper meaning of a story.

5. Narrative

📚 DEFINITION

Noun- A spoken or written account of connected events; a story. Adjective- Consisting of or being a narrative.

📄 Example Sentences:

1. The novel's narrative follows the protagonist's journey through adversity and self-discovery.

2. Narrative techniques such as flashback and foreshadowing enhance storytelling.

3. The author's narrative style evokes a sense of place and time.

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✔️ Audio file version for each vocabulary
✔️ 25+ English PDFs each month

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