Study Guide: Literary Terms (Definitions)

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Dramatic Irony

Back

Occurs when the audience or reader is aware of something the character is not.

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Euphemism

Back

A word or expression that replaces something harsh or unpleasant.

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Third-Person Omniscient Narrator

Back

Allows the reader to know the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

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Tone

Back

The attitude of the author toward the audience and characters.

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Hyperbole

Back

Extreme exaggeration.

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Imagery

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

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Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

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Theme

Back

The central idea or message in a work of literature.

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Metaphor

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things.

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Simile

Back

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.