Literary Terms

Front

What is internal conflict where the character struggles to overcome personal obstacles?

Back

Man vs. self

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

Front

What term describes the author's attitude, stated or implied, toward a subject?

Back

Tone

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

What is a run-in with the forces of nature that usually tests the limits of a person's strength?

Back

Man vs. nature

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What do we call a person, place, or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well?

Back

Symbolism

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

What is it called when you describe something by comparing it with something else?

Back

Figurative language

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

Front

What is the term for a recurring idea or theme in a literary work?

Back

Motif

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Front

What do we call the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work?

Back

Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

What is the term for a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration for emphasis?

Back

Hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Front

What literary device involves giving human traits to non-human things?

Back

Personification

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Front

What is the term for a contrast between expectation and reality?

Back

Irony

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A