1. Elements of Literature
symbolism
point-of-view
tone
characterization
conflict
mood
plot
theme
English II
Miss Romeo

2. What are literary elements?
They are typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her message(s) in a simple manner to his or her readers.
When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work.

3. Third-Person-Limited
Point-of-View
The vantage point from which a writer tells a story.
First-Person
The narrator is a character in the story.
Tells us only his/her experiences
Many not always be reliable, as it is only his/her account
Third-Person-Limited
The narrator is outside the story, but tells the story from the vantage point of only one character.
Can only reveal the vantage point character’s thoughts
Omniscient
The narrator knows everything that’s going on in the story.
God-like observer
Can tell us what characters are thinking and feeling

4. Symbolism Common Symbols The dove is a symbol of peace.
The use of a character, figure, or color to represent an abstract idea or concept.
Common Symbols
The dove is a symbol of peace.
A red rose or red color stands for love or romance.
Black is a symbol that represents evil or death.

5. Tone Mood Tone & Mood sets
-the author’s attitude toward the writing (his characters, the situation) and the readers.
-A work of writing can have more than one tone.
-is set by the setting, choice of vocabulary and other details.
-the general atmosphere created by the author’s words.
-the feeling the reader gets from reading those
words.
-can change throughout a work of writing.

6. Melancholy Frightening Mysterious Frustrating
Sad
Amused
Clear
Humorous
Matter-of-fact
Pessimistic
Angry
Serious
Formal
Informal
Resigned
Playful
Suspicious
Cheerful
Gloomy
Ironic
Pompous
Optimistic
Witty
Horror
Light
Fanciful
Gloomy
Melancholy Frightening Mysterious Frustrating
Sentimental
Happy
Sorrowful
Joyful
Romantic
Suspenseful
Words that describe:
Tone
Mood

7. Plot
This is the main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence.

8. Takes place inside the body and mind. Takes place outside the body.
Conflict
This is the struggle a character, or characters, face.
Internal
Takes place inside the body and mind.
External
Takes place outside the body.
Man vs. Self
a character struggles to overcome fear, addiction, emotional damage or other crippling personal issue.
Batman
Man vs. Man
pits the
protagonist directly against another character
with apparently opposing aims.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows PT. 2
Man vs. Nature
pits a story's main character or characters against a natural force such as a flood, predatory animal, or disease epidemic.
The Day After Tomorrow
Man vs. Society
the protagonist battles an unjust
element of government or culture.
The Hunger Games

9. Characterization Speech-What does the character say?
This is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.
Indirect
When the author shows things that reveal the personality of a character.
Direct
When the author tells the audience what the personality of the character is.
Speech-What does the character say?
Thoughts-What is revealed through his/her thoughts?
Effects on others-How do other characters feel about him/her?
Actions-What does he/she do?
Looks-What does he/she look like?
Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”

10. Characterization Antagonist Protagonist Types of Characters
The adversary of the protagonist in a work of fiction.
Protagonist
The leading character in a work of fiction.
Characterization
Types of Characters
Flat
A minor, one dimensional character in a work of fiction.
Static
A character that does not experience basic changes during the course of the story.
Round
A fully developed character.
Dynamic
A character who experiences changes throughout the plot of a story.

11. Theme
Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.
THEME SUBJECT
-The theme is the idea that the author wishes to reveal about the subject.
-Is usually expressed in a statement.
Example:
The theme of Romeo and Julie is the struggle between love and hate, and the consequences of both.
-The topic the author chose to write about.
-Can usually be expressed in one or two words.
Example:
The subject of Romeo and Julie is love and tragedy.

12. Example from movie/music/text
Exercise
Directions: Work with a partner to find an example of each element in a movie/text/lyrics.
Literary Element
Example from movie/music/text
Characterization
Theme
Mood/Tone
Plot
Conflict
Symbolism