Literary terms examples grammar literature worksheets literary terms examples figure of speech examples. Caricature a representation of a character in which, in literature, his or her characteristics are exaggerated to produce a comic effect. Glossary of literary terms when writing a literary analysis or a poetic explication, the students job is to ask how the writer says what he or she is saying and why. Both literary elements and literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices. Glossary of literary and rhetorical terms allegory a form of symbolism in which ideas or abstract qualities are represented as characters or events in a story, novel, or play. Anecdote brief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows.
Some information in this packet came from modern english by arnold lazarus, et. Connotations of words can have an important influence on style and meaning. The to be or not to be soliloquy from hamlet is an excellent example. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples. Understanding literary terms literary device meaning example alliteration the repetition of sounds, most often consonant sounds, at the beginning of the words winning ways win a wave onomatopoeia the use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes. Alliteration is the repetition of similar sounds, generally at the beginning of words and usually by means of consonants.
Attributing human characteristics to an inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea. The big brown bear boldly bowed to the royal red raccoon lick the lemon lollipop, luis cats cuddle close on the cozy couch. One of the two printable worksheets focuses on definitions and the other emphasizes recognizing examples of literary terms. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work. A literary device is any specific aspect of literature, or a particular work, which we can recognize, identify, interpret andor analyze.
If the author wants to reflect some abstract ideas, an allegory is the best way to do this. The exercises that follow each text will help you use the terms. Alliteration is the repetition of a sound at the beginning of words. Epistle a poem or other literary work in the form of a letter or series of letters.
A motif differs from a theme in that it can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any other form of writing. This technique is often incorrectly called personification. He draws from her autobiography to explicate the text of her plays, explaining what associations she had with some of the. Below is a list some of the more common literary and poetic terms. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or. A famous example is the metaphor used by john donne in his poem, the flea, in which he pleads with his mistress not to leave him. Repeating a k might sound harsh and quick, whereas an l can be soft and lulling. This glossary of literary terms is a list of definitions of terms and concepts used in the discussion, classification, analysis, and criticism of all types of literature, such as poetry, novels, and picture books, as well as of grammar, syntax, and language techniques. A statement in which a seeming contradiction may reveal an unexpected truth. Literary terms have a wide range of application, from the poets beauty, to the speakers persuasion, to the novelists story development.
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of word groups occurring one after the other. Lord of the flies alliteration repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. Literary terms cheat sheet act one of the main divisions of a play or opera allegory figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another alliteration when the beginnings or middles of words sound alike when either consonant or vowel sounds are repeated. An allegory generally teaches a lesson by means of an interesting story. Topic sentence what this paragraph will discuss, how it will prove your thesis b. Free verse is poetry that does not conform to any regular metre. A reference within a literary work to a historical, literary, or biblical character, place, or event. Glossary of literary terms for the ap spanish literature. To kill a mockingbird is a work of fiction, as are many of the short stories that we read in class this year. Alliterationthe repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a line of poetry. The mood of macbeth is dark, murky and mysterious, creating a sense of fear and uncertainty. Feb 25, 2021 enotes provides 141 guides to literary terms, including the definition and usage of each term, and examples of how different literary terms are used in famous works of writing. Literary terms cheat sheet act one of the main divisions of a play or opera allegory figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another alliteration when the beginnings or middles of words sound alike when either consonant or vowel sounds are repeated allusion a reference to something else, either direct or indirect.
As an adjective applied to writing or literary works, abstract refers to words or phrases that name things not knowable through the five senses. Metaphor a comparison of two things that are not usually compared in order to suggest the likeness between them. Literary elements handout the following are literary elements. To find a literary word or phrase, always look it up in the index of terms at the end of this volume. Word play in which words with totally different meanings have similar or identical sounds. He argues that she can save their relationship if she will just refuse. Used as a noun, the term refers to a short summary or outline of a longer work. Alliteration is a literary term that means two or more words in a row that all start with the same consonant sounds. An allegory is a story that is used to represent a more general message about reallife. In this section you present the paragraphs at least 3 paragraphs for a 500750 word essay that support your thesis statement. Although the individual entries in th glossarye are in the alphabetic order of their title terms, the large number r of terms are discussed withi texn tht oef thes ene. Literary terms show up in english literature classes beginning early in education, so its important for students to master these terms. When a person, place, thing, or event has meaning in itself and stands for.
Literary devices and literary terms the complete list. Below is a list of literary devices with detailed definition and examples. Examining the how and why is analysis and the process involves reading closely to see which tools the writer has purposely employed to develop a specific effect or meaning. For example, enthusiastic has positive associations, while rowdy has negative ones. All pieces of literature, even official documents, have some sort of tone. The language arts magazine glossary of literary terms.
Glossary of literary terms, page 4 of 4 point of view poynt uhv vyoo. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions. Literary devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. Literary terms guide to literary terms literary terms.
Simile this is a comparison of two things using the words like or as. The tone of a piece of literature is what the speaker or narrator feels towards the subject, rather than what the reader feels. And similes and metaphors can be especially useful when trying to do that. Epitaph the inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person or people buried there. Literary terms page 1 a p literary terms allegory story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. In twains huckleberry finn, the duke is a caricature designed to satirize and create.
Understanding literary terms literary device meaning example. Alliteration repeated consonant sound at the beginning of words or within words. Essay short nonfiction work about a particular subject. All the key terms are highlighted in bold and explained in the glossary at the end of the worksheet. Idiom an expression peculiar to a particular culture that conveys a meaning beyond its mere words. A journal of literary history, criticism, and bibliography 63 1991. These help the writer tell a story or make a point. Literary terms list with definitions and examples pdf if you really feel like starting from the planet for a while, head to this nordic island. Literary terms packet north peace secondary library. Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury with new definitions of current terms and controversies, this is the essential. Good literary analysis essays contain an explanation of your ideas and evidence from the text short story. Literary devices and terms teaching reading and language arts. Its a sound device that you can hear when you read something out loud. Literary terms packet the terms in this packet will be used throughout the semester in literature discussions and on exams.
Annotated bibliography examples the writing center. Literary terms metaphor examples ever wonder what makes writing creative, well, creative. Dramatic irony is when the reader knows things that the characters in a story do. An allusion is a figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. Sollors summarizes seven of kennedys plays, paying particular attention to their imagery, especially the animal imagery. We use your linkedin profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. You dont, of course, leave the earths atmosphere, but this list of the best things in iceland will bring you as close to intergalactia as youve ever been.
For example, the title of william faulkners novel the sound and the fury alludes to a line from shakespeares macbeth. Literary techniques are specific, deliberate constructions of language which an author uses to convey meaning. Literary terms are devices used to make writing better. Allusion a reference to a literary or historical person or event to explain a present situation. Literary terms and definitions d carsonnewman college. Examples of different meters and metrical substitutions. The repetition of sounds, most often consonant sounds, at the beginning of the. Anecdote brief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an. The object of this exercise is to correctly label each example with the proper literary term. The study of meaning through signs, symbols, and words and how a person interprets these. The terms are organized in groups within each achievement level. For each term at each level, examples are provided from the works on. Of mice and men literary terms steinbeck in the schools.
The old man and the sea onomatopoeia words which imitate sounds examples. The atmosphere or emotional condition created by the piece, within the setting. For example, in the medieval drama everyman, fellowship, kindred, and goods, the friends of the title character, will not accompany him on his endoflife journey, and he. The term also refers to subcategories of literary work. They allow writers and speakers to make comments on society, politics, and trends. Please memorize and be able to use and identify all terms in papers and on exams. Epitaph also refers to a brief literary piece that sums up the life of a dead person.
The king and queen of hearts and their playingcard courtiers comprise only one example of. Literary terms list with definitions and examples pdf. Literary terms are important in a wide variety of ways. For example, prose includes fiction such as novels, short stories, and folktales and nonfiction such as biography, autobiography, and essays. Alliteration is the repetition of the first letter of a word. A modern example is dudley randells ballad of birmingham. The short texts below introduce the key literary terms which are used to talk about the above five elements.
For example, fantasy and science fiction are genres. Literature poetry lit terms shakescleare a printed pdf version quick reference of litcharts literary terms and devices. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples litcharts. The term regularly used for the development of the central idea of a literary analysis essay is the body. Guide to literary terms hyperbole an overstatement or exaggeration that can be used for dramatic effect or to help paint a word picture. Shakespeares plays consist of five acts that are subdivided into scenes. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned. After spending all of her money, a person might say. Allegorythe representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
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