Literary Terms Cornerstone

Front

What is a theme in literature?

Back

A theme is a topic of discussion or work; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work. It may be stated or implied.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What is an allegory?

Back

An allegory is a form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself, often with moral, social, religious, or political significance.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Front

What does universal significance mean in literature?

Back

Universal significance refers to the generally accepted importance or value of a work to represent human experience regardless of culture or time period.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What is a rhyme scheme?

Back

A rhyme scheme is the formal arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or a poem.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

What is characterization?

Back

Characterization is the method an author uses to reveal characters and their various traits and personalities, which can be done through direct or indirect means.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is a symbol in literature?

Back

A symbol is an object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is an allusion?

Back

An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

What is a pun?

Back

A pun is a form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

What is conflict in literature?

Back

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and a larger force).

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is diction?

Back

Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, which can convey tone and meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D