Glossary of Literary Terms

Question 1

Metaphor

Answer 1

Comparison of two things without using like or as

Love is a battlefield

Question 2

Simile

Answer 2

Comparison of two things using like or as

Love is like a battlefield

Question 3

Imagery

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Alliteration

Answer 4

Repetition of letter sounds in neighbouring words

She sells seashells by the sea shore

Question 5

Personification

Answer 5

Giving human qualities to anything non-human

The wind screamed its anger.

Question 6

Onomatopoeia

Answer 6

Words that sound like their meaning

Buzz, Bang

Question 7

Oxymoron

Answer 7

When two words that contradict each other are placed side by side for effect

Jumbo shrimp
Bittersweet

Question 8

Pun

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Allusion

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Foreshadowing

Answer 10

Hints about events that will happen later in the story

Question 11

Suspense

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Mood/Tone

Answer 12

The emotional feeling in a story or the author’s intended “tone of voice”

Emotional, dramatic, funny, sarcastic, etc.

Question 13

Theme

Answer 13

The author’s message or lesson
Think: Topic + Author’s point about topic = THEME

Acceptance is the only way to true peace.

Question 14

Symbolism

Answer 14

When objects in a story represent something that can not be touched [a memory, feeling, idea, message, etc]

A wedding ring.

Question 15

Allegory

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Hyperbole

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Irony

Answer 17

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