Literary Terms Flashcards
This tool will help you to remember the essential literary terms for 9th grade English.
Characterization
the method in which the author develops a character.
Setting
the time and place in which a story takes place
Plot
the series of events that make up a story
narrative
a story that is written or told
exposition
the beginning of a story that reveals basic background information, setting, and characters
rising action
the conflicts leading up to the climax
climax
the turning point of a story, usually the most dramatic and action-packed
falling action
the events that occur as a result of the climax
resolution
the end of the story, conflicts are often resolved
theme
the main moral or life lesson of a piece of literature.
Internal Conflict
A problem/decision within the own characters’ mind, a personal conflict
External Conlict
a problem a character faces with an outside force
Situational Irony
When something other than what is EXPECTED to happen, happens (think “The Necklace”)
Verbal Irony
When a character says something, but means something else (think Montresor saying he’s worried about Fortunato’s health)
Dramatic Irony
when a character or the audience knows more than another character in the story.
Symbolism
When an object stands for something greater than itself, usually an idea.
First Person Point of View
the narrator is part of the story and uses personal pronouns (think Young from Shattering Glass)
Third Person Omniscient
the narrator is not part of the story, the all-knowing voice (think Of Mice and Men)
Imagery
words or phrases that appeal to the 5 senses to create an experience for the reader (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
Allusion
A reference to another piece of literature, art, music, or historical event (think Of Mice and Men- an allusion to “To a Mouse”by Robert Burns)
Simile
the method of comparing something by saying it is “like” or “as” another thing (my bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep)
Metaphor
a word or phrased used to refer to something else to suggest that they are similar. (Juliet is the sun.)
Alliteration
the repetition of consonant sounds (blue baby bottle)
Personification
a literary device in which an author gives human characteristics to an inanimate object (Death is my son-in-law)
Onomatopoeia
A word that is created based on the sound it imitates (meow, crack, smash, boom)
Hyperbole
a literary device in which an author uses an extreme exaggeration (this book weighs a ton)
Foreshadow
to hint at events that are to come later
Repetition
the repeating of a word or phrase to provide emphasis
Antithesis
the contrast of ideas by parallel arrangement of words
