Literary Terminology

Theme is...

• a one-word message in a story the author uses to engage readers.

• a universal message the author reveals by the end of a story using various literary devices.

• the main struggle in a story.

Point of View in a story is how the reader interprets key events and characters. True or False?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This term refers to the lens through which the story is told. (Who is the narrator, and how is he/she telling the story?)

The emotional response of the reader to a story is called?

• tone

• mood

• conflict

Conflict in a story happens when...

• the protagonist struggles against something or someone.

• the protagonist reveals multiple layers about him/herself.

• the author reveals his/her attitude about a topic or idea.

The plot diagram includes which of the following terms? Check all that apply.

• exposition

• climax

• tone

• falling action and resolution

• rising action

Irony is...

• the disconnect between reality and expectations.

• the attitude an author projects in a story.

• the emotional response felt by the reader.

The exposition in a story includes the setting. True or false?

• True

• False

Setting can be...

• time period

• sounds in a story

• location

• context

• atmosphere

Characters, objects, or other elements can be used in a story to represent something else. This is called...

• point of view

• foreshadowing

• symbolism

When an author references something outside of the story within the story, this is called?

• foreshadowing

• allusion

• symbolism