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Literary Terms

Terms in this set (27)

alliteration
the repetition of initial consonant sounds in 2 or more words that are side-by-side. Most tongue twisters are a form of ALLliteration (Petter Piper picked a peck of picked peppers)
anecdote
A very brief story about a personal experience, event or incident, like a story; can be used to clarify a point.
ballad
a traditional folk song or extended poem that tells a legend, tragedy, or adventure. (ex. The Odyssey)
caricature
an exaggeration that distorts a character's prominent features, usually as a form of mockery. (political cartoons)
dialect
The use of syntax (grammar and sentence structure) to show the way people talk in different communities; this helps identify the spreader, contributes to characterization.
epic
a lengthy poem or narrative story that describes the deeds of a heroic figure. (usually begins with an oral story and later becomes a classic)
epiphany
a sudden, powerful, life changing realization that a character reaches in an ordinary everyday moment.
euphemism
Words that are used in place of offensive or nasty expressions. The politically correct word is African American instead of "n*****."
flashback
a character vividly remembering a past event (memory)
foreshadowing
hints or clues given to the reader that suggest future events that actually come true, such as omens
hyperbole
a huge exaggeration of someone or something; excessive overstatement
idiom
An expression where the literal meaning does not match what is actually said; can be extremely confusing.
irony
Un unexpected twist (the unexpected happens)
metaphor
Comparing two different things using "is" and "are" not "like" and "as."
onomatopeia
words that are used to show sound (buzz, hiss, bing, boing, da-ding)
oxymoron
using words that are antonyms right next to each other (bittersweet)
personification
when animals or objects are given human qualities
point of view
perspective on an idea, topic, or issue; the writers voice
first person
one character talking "i"
third person limited
observer; one character is witnessing events but not to them directly
third person omniscient
there is an all-knowing narrator who tells the story including how the character feels (NO I)
prose
any composition not written in verse that uses sentences (not poetry)
rhetorical question
a question that is asked but that doesn't require an answer, it only calls attention to something or someone else = thinking question
satire
ridiculing or scorning human voices; using wit, irony, or sarcasm.
simile
comparing two unlike things using, "like' and 'as'
stereotype
a misinformed opinion or attitude, judgement, that is believed by a group of people about another group of people
symbolism
using animals and objects to represent an idea or belief
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