Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Anything that stands for or represents something else

An author's word choice

Where and when a story takes place

a character alone thinking aloud on stage.

A story in which animals portray human types

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Is an objective point of view used for research papers; i.e. they, he, she, it

the outer story, surrounding and joining together the stories within

compound words in Anglo-Saxon poetry that are like little riddles

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Reference to a well-known person, event, place, literary work or work of art.

A type of literature that makes fun of aspects of society or humanity for the purpose of reform

A comparison between two things using like or as

a story that has 2 or more layers of meaning

Force or character working against the main character in a story

A code of conduct for knights in Medieval Times

Hints that the author gives of things that are to come in the story.

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

A difference between what is expected and what is actually real.

a 14-line poem that conveys intense feelings

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

a long narrative poem celebrating a hero's deeds

A character telling the story is taking part in the story; i.e. I, me, my

Biased or misleading language used for a political cause.

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

The main character in a story