Literary Terms English 12
A broad comparison between two basically different things that have some points in common.
Aspirations toward space are not new. Consider the worm that becomes a butterfly.
A direct comparison between two basically different things. A simile is introduced by the words “like” or “as”.
My love is like a red, red rose.
A great exaggeration to emphasize strong feeling.
I will love you until all the seas run dry.
An implied comparison between two basically different things. Is not introduced with the words “like” or “as”.
His eyes were daggers that cut right through me.
A reference to a historical figure, place, or event A reference to a historical figure, place, or event.
The teams competed in a David and Goliath struggle.
Human characteristics are given to non-human animals, objects, or ideas.
My stereo walked out of my car.
An absent person or inanimate object is directly spoken to as though they were present.
Brutus: “Ceasar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will.”
Hints given to the reader of what is to come.
“The stalwart hero was doomed to suffer the destined end of his days.”
The use of concrete details that appeal to the five senses.
Cold, wet leaves floating on moss- colored water.
A contrast between what is said and what is meant. Also, when things turn out different than what is expected.
“The treacherous instrument is in thy hand, unbated and envenomed. The foul practice has turned itself on me.” Laertes
The overall atmosphere or prevailing emotional feeling of a work.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
A seemingly self- contradictory statement that still is true.
The more we learn, the less we know.
A series of events that present and resolve a conflict. The story being told.
The plot of “The Most Dangerous Game” is that Rainsford is being hunted by General Zaroff.
The vantage point from which an author presents the action in a work.
1st person-tale related by a character in the story. “I or me” 3rd person-story told by someone not participating in the plot. “he, she, they”
The time (both the time of day and period in history) and place in which the action of a literary work takes place.
“Tiger! Tiger! burning bright In the forests of the night”
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words.
“Swiftly, swiftly flew the ship”
The use of words whose sounds suggest the sounds made by objects or activities.
“Blind eyes could blaze like meteors” Other examples: buzz, hum, kiss Other examples: buzz, hum, kiss
Something concrete, such as an object, action, character, or scene that stands for something abstract such as a concept or an idea.
“Do not go gentle into that good night Rage, Rage against the dying of the light” Both phrases are symbols that stand for death. Both phrases are symbols that stand for death.
The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.
“Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes”
A story with more than one meaning, usually moral or religious. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Aesop are examples of allegories.
The Antagonist is a character or force in conflict with a main character, or protagonist. When we read “Othello”, you will recognize Iago As the antagonist. When you think about Antagonists, remember the saying “Don’t antagonize me!”
The Protagonist is the main character in a literary work. The protagonist is the “Hero”. When we read “Othello”, you will recognize Othello as the Protagonist.
Diction is the manner in which we express words; the wording used. Diction = enunciation Some easy examples are: Don’t say ‘goin’ – say ‘going’, Don’t say ‘wanna’ – say ‘want to’
A flashback is a literary device in which an earlier episode, conversation, or event is inserted into the sequence of events. Often flashbacks are presented as a memory of the narrator or of another character.
The movie Titanic is told almost entirely in a flashback.
Tone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or other literary work. Tone may be communicated through words and details that express particular emotions and that evoke and emotional response from the reader. For example, word choice or phrasing may seem to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or sarcasm.
Figurative language is used for descriptive effect, often to imply ideas indirectly. It is not meant to be taken literally. Figurative language is used to state ideas in vivid and imaginative ways.
An Oxymoron is a figure of speech that is a combination of seemingly contradictory words. Examples:Same difference Pretty ugly Roaring silence
The ideas of a writer are imitated through word and style to make them ridiculous. Daffy Duck as “Stupor Duck” Daffy Duck as “Robin Hood Duck”
Text that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way. Satire is meant to improve society through humor, not to tear it down through vicious ridicule. Doesn’t simply abuse (as in invective) or get personal (as in sarcasm). Targets groups or large concepts rather than individuals
Many shows are satirical, such as “The Simpson’s” and “South Park”.
Author’s attitude toward subject matter as revealed through style, syntax, diction, figurative language, and organization. Author’s tone creates mood in the text by use of the above tools.
The effect of purification experienced by the audience which is achieved by tragic drama. The audience is made to feel pity for a character, but in the end the audience feels that the character deserved the tragic end.
When we read “Oedipus Rex”, you will “feel” catharsis for Oedipus, Jocasta, and Creon.
Humorous interludes, usually found in tragedy, which relieves tension and heightens the tragic element. In plays, clowns and court jesters are frequently used to “lighten” the mood.
The type, species, or class of a literary work. Some genres are romance, mystery, comedy, adventure, crime, horror, etc…
The way in which words and clauses are ordered and connected so as to form sentences, or the set of words governing such word order.
The story of a person or persons who face misfortune and which ends in disaster.
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