Literary Terms

Front

What is characterization in literature?

Back

Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality of a character, either through direct description or through the character's actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is foreshadowing?

Back

Foreshadowing is a literary device that uses hints or clues to suggest events that will occur later in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

Define simile and provide an example.

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Her smile was as bright as the sun.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is the author's purpose when they aim to persuade?

Back

The author's purpose to persuade is to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Front

Who is the antagonist in a story?

Back

The antagonist is the main character in a story who opposes the protagonist, often referred to as the 'bad guy'.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

Back

The protagonist is the main character who drives the story forward, while the antagonist is the character who opposes the protagonist's goals.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one is the other, without using 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Time is a thief.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What does it mean to analyze a text?

Back

To analyze a text means to examine its components, such as themes, characters, and literary devices, to understand its meaning and how it conveys its message.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What is theme in literature?

Back

The theme is the central idea or underlying message of a literary work, often reflecting on human experiences or societal issues.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

Define irony and give an example.

Back

Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning. For example, saying 'What a beautiful day' during a storm.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A