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.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

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.11-12.4

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.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

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