Literary Terms and Examples

Theme

• The central message or underlying idea in a literary work.

• A character's journey throughout the story.

• The setting where the story takes place.

• The sequence of events in a narrative.

Hyperbole

• Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. Example: 'All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word: Maria!' (Tony).

• A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

• A statement that is literally true and does not involve exaggeration.

• A rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of closely placed words.

Personification

• Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: 'the heart’s progress / as it runs, silent and carnivorous' (Neruda).

• A literary device that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• A technique used to create a vivid mental picture through descriptive language.

• A form of symbolism where an object represents an idea or concept.

Summary of Sonnet 81

• The speaker laments the inevitability of death and the futility of poetry.

• The speaker reflects on mortality and the power of poetry to preserve memory.

• The speaker expresses regret for not achieving fame during his lifetime.

• The speaker discusses the beauty of nature and its impact on human emotions.

Sonnet

• A 14-line poem, typically with a formal rhyme scheme.

• A type of narrative poem that tells a story.

• A poem that consists of 10 lines with a specific meter.

• A lyrical poem that expresses personal feelings.

Suspense (Tension)

• A feeling of complete certainty about what will happen next.

• A feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.

• A state of calmness and relaxation before an event.

• A sense of boredom and disinterest in the outcome.

Symbolism

• Using an object or idea to represent something deeper. Example: 'Bread' in Neruda's sonnet symbolizes sustenance and a desire for stability.

• A literary device that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• A technique used to create a vivid mental picture through descriptive language.

• A method of comparing two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Summary of West-Side Story

• Tony sings about how Maria's name is the most beautiful sound to him and asks her to run away with him.

• Tony and Maria have a dance-off to prove their love for each other.

• Maria's brother Bernardo supports their relationship and encourages them to be together.

• Tony and Maria meet in a crowded public place to declare their love.

Summary

• A brief statement of the main points of a text.

• A detailed analysis of a character's motivations.

• A comprehensive review of the entire book.

• A list of all the characters in the story.

Summary of Sonnet 71

• The speaker describes love as a simple and joyful experience.

• The poem portrays love as a chaotic and overwhelming journey filled with emotional struggle.

• The speaker dreams of a life without any conflict or pain in love.

• The poem suggests that love is always perfect and free from sorrow.