Literary Elements/Movements Flashcards
Direct Characterization
When an author tells the reader about a characters traits through direct statements.
Example “Bob Ewell is a racist”
Allusion
A literary reference, usually to another work of literature.
Examples are a raisin in the sun and the dead
Indirect characterization
When an author tells the reader about a character’s traits through action and dialogue, not direct statements.
Example: Bob Ewell says racist things
Figurative language
Refers to words or phrases used in an imaginative, non-literal sense. Example: metaphors, similes, personification, etc.
Foreshadowing
Refers to a suggestion of events to come
Example: thought tormented music
Imagery
Refers to the use of figurative language and language that appeals to the five senses, creating a vivid picture or the suggestion of sound, feeling, taste, etc.
Irony
Is the opposite of what is expected For example, a lifeguard who needs to be saved from drowning is ironic
Dramatic irony
Is when the audience knows something that the characters do not
Metaphor
Is a comparison of dissimilar things without using like or as
For example the sun is an orange
Personification
Is a figure of speech that applies human qualities to objects, animals, or ideas.
For example “the sun smiled on us all”
Protagonist
The main character of a subject or conflict
Setting
Refers to the time, place, duration, and general mood of the story
Simile
Is the comparison of two dissimilar things using “like” or “as”
for example the sun is like an orange
Symbol
Is something that stands for both itself and for something deeper, beyond itself
Theme
Is the main idea of a work of fiction. That is, the author or poet’s statement about life or human nature that he wishes to make
