Literary Device Flashcards
Suspense
The excitement or tension that the reader feels as they wait to find out how a story ends or a conflict is resolved.
Conflict
A struggle between two opposing forces
EXTERNAL conflict
A character pitted against an outside force such as nature
PHYSICAL conflict
character pitted against another character
INTERNAL conflict
A character pitted against themselves
Connotation
The emotional and imaginative association of a word. Brings emotion to the reader
Denotation
The strict dictionary definition of a word
Characterization
Highlights and explains an individual within a text. The reader must examine: (1) speech, (2) thoughts, (3) emotions, (4) actions, (5) looks/appearance of the character
Diction
The author’s writing style determined by the authors word choice; adding to the tone of the story
FORMAL diction
ex. Press conference, news articles, biography
INFORMAL diction
ex. Texting friends, journal entry
PLAIN diction
ex. Simples and clear; unambiguous
POETIC diction
ex. Imaginative, romantic
Motif
A RECURRING element in a literary work meaning the idea or image occurring again and again. Ex. Repeating images enhance/bring attention to the idea or stories motif
Theme
Underlying message about life or human nature that the writer wants the reader to understand. Not stated directly!
RECURRING theme
Found in a variety or works
UNIVERSAL theme
Found throughout literature of all times
Tone
Reflects the writers or the speakers feelings about a particular subject matter or audience.
Purpose: helps the reader better understand/relate to the feelings and emotions
