20 Littlerary Terms

Question 1

Metaphor

Answer 1

A figure of speech in which two things are compared without the use of LIKE or AS

Example: “The fog is a gravy veil over the city.”

Question 2

Moral

Answer 2

The lesson taught by a literary work

Question 3

Irony

Answer 3

A mode of expression in which the author says one thing and means the opposite. The term also applies to my situation or the outcome of an event (or series of events that is contrary to what is naturally hoped for or expected.)

Question 4

Alliteration

Answer 4

The repetition of a constant sound, usually at the begging of two or more words in a sentence;

EX: “the goose gabbled in the farm yard.”

Question 5

Atmosphere

Answer 5

The general overall feeling of a literary work conveyed in large part by the setting and the mood

Question 6

Antagonist

Answer 6

The force (usually a person) that opposes the main character (the protagonist) in his attempt to solve a problem and thus resolve the conflict in which he is involved.

Question 7

Characterization

Answer 7

The portrayal in a literary work of an imaginary person by what he says or does, by what others say about him or how they react to him and by what the author reveals directly or through a narrator.

Question 8

Conflict

Answer 8

The struggle between two opposing forces ideas or beliefs which form the basis of the plot. The conflict is resolved when once force is usually the protagonist succeeds or fails in overcoming the opposing force or gives up trying.

Conflict inner: The struggle between conflicting forces within the heart and mind of the protagonist.

Conflict external: I should go between the protagonist and some outside force.

Question 9

Dialogue

Answer 9

The printed conversation between two or more characters in a work of fiction.

Question 10

Flashback

Answer 10

A device by which a writer interrupts the main action of a story to re-create a situation for incident of an earlier time as though it were occurring in the present.

Question 10

Foreshadowing

Answer 10

The dropping of important hints by the author to prepare the reader for what is to come and to help him to anticipate the outcome.

Question 12

Hyperbole

Answer 12

A figure of speech employing obvious exaggeration.

Example: his mind was 1,000,000 miles away

Question 13

Mood

Answer 13

The frame of mind or state of feeling created by a piece of writing.

Example: are you skeptical mold or a sentimental mood.

Question 14

Personification

Answer 14

A figure of speech in which human form or characteristics are given to animals objects or ideas.

Example: “Liberty was a prisoner of tyranny.”

Question 15

Plot

Answer 15

The series of events or episodes that make up the action of a work of fiction

Question 16

Setting

Answer 16

The time and place in which the events in a narrative take place

Question 17

Symbol

Answer 17

An object that stands for an idea believe superstition, social or political institution. A pair of scales.

EX: is often a symbol for just justice.

Question 18

Simile

Answer 18

A figure of speech in which a comparison is made between two objects essentially unlike but resembling each other in one or more respects.
Indicated by LIKE or AS.

Example: he fought like a lion

Question 19

Theme

Answer 19

The idea general truth or commentary of life or people brought out through a literary work.

Question 20

Tone

Answer 20

The feeling conveyed by the authors attitude toward the subject and a particular way in which he writes about it.