Glossary of Literary Terms Flashcards
Metaphor
Comparison of two things without using like or as
Love is a battlefield
Simile
Comparison of two things using like or as
Love is like a battlefield
Imagery
Descriptions that appeal to all five senses: Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch, Smell
The heat sizzled and scratched across her skin like sandpaper. The air was dry and parched as the sun’s reflection shimmered and shifted in a hazy dance.
Alliteration
Repetition of letter sounds in neighbouring words
She sells seashells by the sea shore
Personification
Giving human qualities to anything non-human
The wind screamed its anger.
Onomatopoeia
Words that sound like their meaning
Buzz, Bang
Oxymoron
When two words that contradict each other are placed side by side for effect
Jumbo shrimp
Bittersweet
Pun
A joke or phrase that uses multiple meanings of words or words that sound alike for a humorous effect
The cyclist was two tired to win the race.
Allusion
Making reference during a story to characters, stories, myths, or events that are from a completely different story
I guess you left your magic carpet at home tonight.
Foreshadowing
Hints about events that will happen later in the story
Suspense
The feeling of tension a reader feels when they are unsure or nervous about what will happen next.
Spooky, dark descriptions before the monster attacks
Mood/Tone
The emotional feeling in a story or the author’s intended “tone of voice”
Emotional, dramatic, funny, sarcastic, etc.
Theme
The author’s message or lesson
Think: Topic + Author’s point about topic = THEME
Acceptance is the only way to true peace.
Symbolism
When objects in a story represent something that can not be touched [a memory, feeling, idea, message, etc]
A wedding ring.
Allegory
Where a character, setting, or situation/plot can be interpreted to represent a hidden meaning with moral or political significance typically with direct ties to a real historical event or social movement
The novel Animal Farm about animals taking over a farm actually represents the Russian Revolution
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally and used for emphasis, to evoke strong feelings, and/or creates strong impressions.
This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me.
Irony
Verbal Irony
When the intended meaning is opposite of the literal meaning
Situational Irony
A situation where actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows more than the characters so that the full meaning of a character’s actions, words, and thoughts carry deeper meaning or implications that are only clear to the audience
Sarcasm
Stress-reducing candles burn down your house
When Romeo takes poison and kills himself because he can’t live without Juliet and thinks she is dead, the audience knows she is actually still alive
