Literary Terms

Front

A reference within a work to something famous outside it, such as a well-known person, place, event, story, or work of art, literature, music, pop culture.

Back

Allusion

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.

Back

Theme

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

A person, place, object, or action that stands for something beyond itself.

Back

Symbolism

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

The giving of human qualities to an animal or object.

Back

Personification

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Front

A comparison between two things that have something in common without using like or as.

Back

Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

Words and phrases that appeal to readers five senses.

Back

Imagery

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

A comparison of two things that have some quality in common; includes like or as.

Back

Simile

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Back

Diction

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words (tongue twisters).

Back

Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

The use of words whose sound suggest their meaning (ex. buzz, hiss, pop).

Back

Onomatopoeia

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5