literary terms test Flashcards
A narrative in which characters and setting stand for abstract ideas or moral qualities.
Example: We learn that strong and steady wins the race in the fable The Tortoise & the Hare
allegory
what’s the difference between parables and fables?
parables and fables are actually short allegories. the main difference between parables and fables is that the main characters of parables tend to be humans whiles fables feature animals. plants, and inanimate objects.
The reason or intent for writing. We often connect this to the theme. What message might the author want readers to learn from the material?
author’s purpose
What are the 5 types of author’s purpose?
Persuade
Inform
Entertain
Describe
Explain
What are the 4 types of Character Classification?
Static Character is one who does not change much in the course of the story.
A Dynamic character changes as a result of the story’s events.
A Flat character has only one or two traits, and there is no depth
A Round character is like a real person who has many different traits sometimes these traits contradict each other.
Struggle or clash between opposing characters or opposing forces.
conflict
a conflict within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing feelings or between different courses of action.
internal conflict
an internal conflict within a character, where aspects of his or her personality (emotional, intellectual, or moral) may struggle for dominance.
Man versus Self
a conflict between a character and an outside force, such as another character, nature, or society.
external conflict
types of external conflict
Man versus Man: an external conflict between two characters.
Man versus Society: an external conflict between a character and a social force or condition produced by society, such as poverty, political revolution, or a set of values
Man versus Nature: an external conflict between a character and some natural obstacle or natural condition
Scene in a movie, play, short story, novel, or narrative poem the interrupts the present action of the plot to flash backward and tell what happened at an earlier event.
flashback
What is imagery?
Language that appeals to the senses.
-hearing, smell, taste, sight, touch
An object, phrase, idea or concept that appears repeatedly throughout a literary work. It helps reinforce the main idea an author wants to emphasize.
Motif
UNLIKE A THEME, a motif can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be expressed as a complete sentence.
A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, in which one thing becomes another thing without using the words like or as
metaphor
What are the 3 types of POV point of view?
1st person POV: Uses “I” pronoun - from the perspective of the main character.
2nd person POV - Uses “You/Your” pronouns
3rd person: Uses “He/she/they” pronouns
What are the types of 3rd person?
3rd person limited - focuses on one character only
3rd person omniscient - all-knowing narrator
3rd person objective - journalistic/no inner thoughts (narrator is like a documentary camera)
The voice telling a story
narrator
What is an unreliable narrator?
A narrator whose credibility has been compromised. Sometimes a character who may be immature or doesn’t recall all details might be considered unreliable.
The use of a person, place, thing, or event to represent an idea or quality
Something concrete representing an abstract concept
examples
Symbolism
Example: a sword may be a sword and also symbolize justice. A symbol may be said to embody an idea.
Example: depending on the story, a chain can symbolize slavery OR unity
Figurative of speech that compares two unlike things using like or as.
Example: She is thin as a rail. His legs are like tree trunks.
simile
The central message of a literary work. It is the main idea and gives an insight into human nature.
MORE than one word - it is a complete statement.
theme
