Literary Terms

A central message, idea, or concern that is expressed in a literary work

• Tone

• Theme

• Symbolism

• Foreshadow

Clues or information from the reading that hints at a word's meaning

• Simile

• Foreshadow

• Context clues

• Metaphor

A comparison of two unlike things using the words "like" or "as"

• Metaphor

• Allusion

• Imagery

• Simile

A feeling of uncertainty or dread about what will happen next.

• Sarcasm

• Suspense

• Tone

• Foreshadow

When the writer creates images (pictures) in the reader's mind using words (any of the 5 senses)

• Imagery

• Plot

• Context Clues

• Allusion

A comparison of two unlike things not using the words "like" or "as".

• Theme

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Plot

Harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule or hurt.

• Tone

• Plot

• Theme

• Sarcasm

The use of one thing to stand for or represent another

• Plot

• Symbolism

• Imagery

• Foreshadow

The speaker's attitude toward the subject that he/she is writing about.

• Tone

• Sarcasm

• Theme

• Suspense

An author's use of hints or clues to give a reader an idea of what may happen next

• Plot

• Context Clues

• Sarcasm

• Foreshadow