Literary Terms in Short Stories: Part II Along with: Figurative Language in Short Stories

Alliteration ► The repetition of the initial consonant. ► There should be at least two repetitions. ► Example: “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles…”

Allusion ► A reference in a work of literature to a character, place, historical event, piece of literature (most often the Bible) or element of pop culture. ► Ex: the great depression is referenced in To Kill a Mockingbird

Suspense ► Involves techniques that authors use to keep readers wondering what will happen next

Imagery ► Language that appeals to any sense or any combination of the 5 senses ► It describes something in detail, using words to create sensory stimulation ► Most commonly used in the form of visual imagery.

Irony (Review) ► Irony is created when the speaker really means the opposite of what his or her words literally say. ► Very similar to sarcasm ► Most commonly used is situational irony, but there can also be dramatic irony and verbal irony in a story

Dramatic Irony ► Another technique used to give readers clues about events that will happen later in the story

Tone ► The author’s “tone of voice” ► Expresses the writer’s own attitude ► The author’s tone has a direct impact on how the reader responds to the story. ► The tone can evoke emotions from the reader, like: sadness, fear, horror or humor

Symbol or Symbolism ► An image, object, character, or action that stands for an idea(s) beyond its literal meaning. ► The objects represent an abstract idea. ► A symbol must be tangible or touchable, while the idea it symbolizes must be abstract.

Foreshadowing (Review) ► When the author gives clues to the reader about events that will happen later in the story. ► Hints of what is to come

Flashback ► A dramatic scene that is presented out of chronological plot sequence. ► It takes the reader back to an earlier time than the present action of the story.

Assonance ► The repetition of similar vowel sounds ► Ex: The cat in the hat sat on a bat

Connotation ► The suggested or implied meaning associated with a word (not the literal or dictionary meaning) Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral. ► Ex: When we think of New Orleans, we think of Hurricane Katrina=negative connotation

Hyperbole ► An extreme exaggeration used to make a point or be humorous ► Ex: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse ► Yo’ mama jokes…

Onomatopoeia ► The use of a word that actually imitates the sounds of what it describes. ► Ex: “Buzz” is the word we give to describe the sound a bee makes

Idiom ► An expression that has a meaning other than its literal meaning. ► Ex: It’s raining cats and dogs

Figurative Language ► Definition: Language that is not intended to be interpreted in a literal sense ► Types of Figurative Language  Metaphor  Simile  Personification

Metaphor ► Figure of speech that makes a comparison without the use of special language ► Comparison in which one thing is said to be another ► Example: “The cat’s eyes were jewels, gleaming in the darkness.”

Simile ► Figure of speech that makes a comparison of unlike things using the words “like”, “as” or “as though” ► Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” -from Forrest Gump ► Example: “She floated in like a cloud.”

Personification (Review) ► Figure of speech in which an animal, object, natural force, or idea is given personality or described as if it were human ► When an inanimate object is given human like traits ► What story have we read where an animal is personified?