Literary Terms Review 2

a brief reference to art, history, mythology, etc. within the story

descriptive use of figurative language to create images for the reader

The leaves danced in the breeze.

a comparison between two things using "like" or "as"

Ex: "awfully good" or "bittersweet" or "crash landing"

the atmosphere created by the text for the reader

characterization where traits are specifically stated

a distinctive feature or dominant idea within the text; repeated patterns

a statement that seems contradictory, but may actually be true

the author's attitude toward the subject

the author's choice of words

literal meaning or definition of a word

a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

a story with a hidden meaning/lesson

Ex: "Less is more." "The best offense is defense."

giving human qualities to non-living things or animals

an object that represents something else/has a deeper meaning within the story

Cat Lady vs. Cat Woman

characterization that is described, but not directly stated

Ex: "the patient boy" "the quiet girl" "the beautiful dancer"

"as slow as a turtle"

the central message that is taught through the text

emotional effect of a word; can be positive/negative/neutral

a phrase that is overused