Study Guide: Literary Terms (Definitions)

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Theme

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The central idea or underlying message in a literary work.

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Tone

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The attitude of the author toward the audience and characters.

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Imagery

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Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

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Alliteration

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The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

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Purpose of Imagery

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To evoke sensory experiences in the reader.

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Metaphor

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

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Simile

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

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Personification

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Attributing human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract concepts.

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Symbolism

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Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

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Foreshadowing

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A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.