Literary Terms

The central idea, lesson, or message explored in a work of literature

Attributing human characteristics to non-human things or ideas

An advance indication of what is to come later in a story

Usage of an image, object, or idea to represent and comment on something beyond its literal meaning

The author's attitude toward a subject matter, conveyed through a narrator or character's word choice

A symbolic element or pattern recurring in a story to point toward a larger theme

When a word or phrase is used again and again to provide clarity, emphasis, or deeper meaning

Subverting reader expectation by way of sarcasm, unintended outcomes, or something revealed only to the audience

Comparison of two unrelated things using "like" or "as" to show common qualities

The equation of two unrelated things by demonstrating that they share certain qualities

A reference to a person, place, or event within another work, or to the work as a whole

Overstatement and exaggeration for emphasis, not meant to be taken literally

Traits, motives, and/or psychology of a character revealed to the audience directly or indirectly

Repetition of the same consonant sound at the start of words close together

Vivid description of a sensational or emotional experience, meant to paint a picture in the reader's head