Literary Terms Flashcards
Verbal
Contrast between what is said and meant. Sarcasm
Irony
Contrast between appearance and reality
Dramatic
When audience knows and what the character knows
Situational
Reversal of expectations
Point of view
noun
1.
a particular attitude or way of considering a matter.
(in fictional writing) the narrator’s position in relation to the story being told.
Omniscient
Addresses a character or reader, use of present tense, detachment (the narrator is a detached observer)
Limited third person
storytelling in which the narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of a single character, while other characters are presented only externally
First person
Narrator participates in the action of the story.
Plot
Structured order of events intended to bring about a specific outcome
Exposition
Before conflict, the rising action
Types of conflict
Person vs person
Person vs nature
Person vs self
Climax
High focal point of the story. Plot twist
Resolution (denouement)
The ending of a story
Static character
Character who undergoes no or little change, stays the same
Dynamic character
Undergoes an important change
Flat/stereotype
Flat characters are stereotypes. Never change
Archetype
The original from which all other models are made. Pattern across different cultures
Theme
Statement that expresses a story’s central insight about life. Identify in short works. Be able to identify in short works
Symbol
Something concrete that stands for something abstract
Writing
FC3
Focus
What is my thesis? Claim? Topic sent?
Coherence
What am I trying to prove?
Conventions
Who cares?
Content
How will I organize my essay? What evidence will I use?
