Literary Terms Quiz

Techniques intentionally used by the author to create a specific effect in a written work.

• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict
• Connotation

The author’s intent for writing. Examples: to answer, explain, describe, instruct, persuade, inform, entertain, excite, startle, sadden

• Author's Purpose
• Literary Devices
• Characterization
• Conflict
• Connotation

Creation and description of a character in literature. How an author reveals and teaches us about a person. This reveals their personality, intentions, and motivations.

• Characterization
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Conflict
• Connotation

A struggle between opposing characters, forces, or emotions within a text. Types: External / Internal Person vs. Self Person vs. Person Person vs. Nature Person vs. Society Person vs. Supernatural

• Conflict
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Connotation

An idea, feeling, or emotion that a work evokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning Can be positive, neutral, or negative.

• Connotation
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict

The literal or explicit meaning of a word; the definition of a word as it may be found in a dictionary or glossary.

• Denotation
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict

Spoken interchange between characters in a text, commonly between two or more characters or speakers.

• Dialogue
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict

A literary device that provides background information on events, situations, and characters. They are used by authors to manipulate time and to help readers better understand present events. They create literary effects such as mystery, tension, surprise, and suspense.

• Flashback
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict

A literary device through which possible warnings or indications of future events are hinted at or planted within the literary text. Authors often use this device to manipulate time within a story and to create a sense of mystery, tension, surprise, and/or suspense.

• Foreshadowing
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict

A literary device used by the author to break up events or reduce tension in a text by creating amusement or inducing laughter from the reader.

• Humor
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Characterization
• Conflict