Literary Terms

Front

Dramatic Irony

Back

A situation in a story where the audience knows more about the events than the characters, leading to a contrast between the character's understanding and the actual situation.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

Diction

Back

An author's choice of words, which can convey tone, mood, and meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

Situational Irony

Back

A situation where the opposite of what is expected occurs, and neither the characters nor the audience sees it coming.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

Direct Characterization

Back

The author explicitly tells the reader about a character's traits.

Front

Example of Direct Characterization

Back

Jeff was compassionate when it came to taking care of his nephews.

Front

Indirect Characterization

Back

The author shows a character's traits through their actions, speech, and interactions with others.

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

Front

Theme

Back

The central idea or message in a literary work, often reflecting on human nature or society.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, adding deeper meaning to the text.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

Metaphor

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

Simile

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D