English I and II Literary Terms

Figurative

• when a word is not meant to be interpreted literally

• the literal interpretation of a word

• a brief story that teaches a lesson

• a long narrative poem

Literal

• words that imitate sounds

• giving a human characteristic to something non-human

• the exact definition or meaning of a word

• a writer's choice of words

figurative language

• simile

• language used to create a special effect or feeling.

• personification

• the central message of a story

Simile

• words that imitate sounds

• comparing two unlike things using like or as

• the dictionary definition of a word

• hints or clues as to what might happen next in a story

metaphor

• a conversation between characters

• a reference in a piece of literature to a familiar person, place, thing or event. Often this is a reference to mythology, the bible, or a historical event.

• a struggle between opposing forces

• comparing two unlike things without using like or as

personification

• giving human characteristics to something non-human

• the art of developing or describing a character's traits

• words that appeal to the 5 senses

• an author's choice of words

Connotation

• the dictionary definition of a word

• repetition of initial consonant sounds

• the feelings that are associated with a word

• a conversation between two characters

denotation

• a long narrative poem that tells the deeds of a hero

• in a story, the moment of highest suspense

• a struggle between opposing forces

• the dictionary definition of a word

motif

• the sequence of events in a story

• an often-repeated idea or theme in literature

• a play on words

• the series of events that builds to the climax

objective

• Thinking or writing that includes personal feelings, attitutdes, and opinions

• the moment of highest suspense in a story

• a struggle between opposing forces

• relating information in an impersonal manner without feelings or opinions