Literary terms

Introduces the setting, characters, and basic situations

Figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect, (foolish wisdom)

2 + ideas/places/characters & actions side by side-narrative poem of comparisons/contrasts

Reference to another literature work, person, or event

Reader is a character in the story; directly addresses the reader as 'you'

Brief subjective poem with imagination, melody, & emotion. Creates a single, unified impression

Play on words-humorous effect/suggests 2+ meanings/similar sounding words different meanings.

Using an object or action to represent something more than it's literal meaning

Technique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form

Literal/dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings.

Use of informal words, phrases or even slang in a piece of writing.

Combination of the ideas expressed and the author's individuality

Word or pronoun in a line/sentence refers to an earlier word,front of or before.

When the audience is aware of an event/knowledge, yet the character is not aware of the event

Main character in story, the hero/heroine

What were some of the motives behind...?

Rhetorical figure of repetition which same word/phrase is repeated, usually at beginning.

Feeling, how the story makes you feel, tone

Figure of speech, involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis (He weighs a ton)

One character tells the story; uses "I" statements

Struggle between opposing needs, desires, or emotions within a single character

Word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning/vagueness and confusion

Logical deductions based on premises deemed true/ultimately sees different interpretations

Lesson taught by a story or fable

Polite, indirect expressions which replace words/phrases considered harsh/impolite /unpleasant.

Type of writing that ridicules (criticizes) something in order to reveal a weakness

Boastful, excessive pride, confidence

Character who doesn't change, their heart/personality stays the same

Brief narrative that focuses on particular incident/event.

Summary, a shortened version of the main aspects of a story

Recurrent image, idea or a symbol that develops or explains a theme

An act of placing together side by side especially for comparison/contrast

When the author says one thing and means something else

Style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words by a speaker or a writer.

Five line humorous poem. Lines 1, 2, & 5 rhyme, and lines 3 & 4 rhyme. (AABBA fomat)

Narrative that serves as an extended metaphor

Repetition of a vowel sound within 2 or more words in close proximity

Words like "sputter, splat, buzz, hiss, and whoosh."

Difference between the expected result and the actual result

Giving human qualities to an inanimate objects

Major recurring idea, larger meaning of a literary work

Meaning implied by word apart from the thing described explicitly, emotional association

Narrator doesn't reveal characters' internal thoughts/motivations, only external facts

Comparison of two different things that are similar in some way.

Brief fictional prose narrative

How is ...similar to..?

Writing that tells a story

Conflicts are resolved

Appeals to audience's intellect. Provides valid/relevant facts which supports his/her position

Distinguish between ...and ...? What's the underlying theme...? What are the problems of...?

Rhetorical device-two opposite ideas put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect

Figure of speech, which presents a short story typically with a moral lesson at the end.

Emotional discharge that brings a moral/spiritual renewal/welcome relief from tension/anxiety

Narrator tells internal thoughts/feelings/motivations of one character, usually main character

Vantage point from which the author tells a story

Author's attitude towards the subject/audience

Poetic justice where good characters rewarded for virtues/evil characters punished for vices

Uncertainty or anxiety felt about what might happen in a story

Narrator knows/partially reveals internal thoughts/feelings/motivations of all characters

Using contradictory statements/situations to reveal a reality different from what is true

Sequence of events in a literary work

Short, pointed and memorable saying based on facts, veritable truth by the majority of people.

Story is told through narrator; readers watch story unfold through narrator's eyes

Language without formal metrical structure/ordinary grammatical structure/ traditional poetry

Convey messages/moral lessons/persuasive repetition (Ex. antithesis)

Character whom is used as contrast to another character

Specific phrases/words by writers in a particular situation/profession. Convey hidden meanings.

Character in conflict, the villain

Moment in story-character achieves realization, after which events are seen through new light

Repetition of initial consonant sounds