Review of Literary Elements

The central idea, message, or general truth about life that the reader gets from a story.

• theme

• main idea

• characterization

• point of view

A struggle or problem between two opposing forces.

• prediction

• plot

• point of view

• conflict

A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things using the words like, as, or than.

• simile

• metaphor

• onomatopoeia

• personification

A comparison between two unrelated things (without using like, as, or than), in which one thing is or becomes the other.

• simile

• metaphor

• onomatopoeia

• personification

A metaphor that gives human qualities to objects and animals.

• simile

• metaphor

• onomatopoeia

• personification

The use of a word that represents the sound of the object or action. (sound effect words)

• simile

• metaphor

• onomatopoeia

• personification

The repetition of the same sound or consonant letter at the beginning of words

• allusion

• alliteration

• hyperbole

• irony

The use of exaggeration to make a point.

• allusion

• alliteration

• hyperbole

• irony

Any reference to something historical or popular (person, object, myth, event, etc.) included in a story to make a comparison for the reader.

• allusion

• alliteration

• hyperbole

• irony

Language that appeals to the 5 senses & helps the reader imagine look, sound, smell, touch, and/or taste.

• mood

• tone

• imagery

• perspective