A comparison WITHOUT using "like" or "as"

The style of writing that mocks, ridicules, or pokes fun at a person, belief, or group of people in order to challenge them. Often, texts employing satire use sarcasm, irony, or exaggeration to assert their perspective.

A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.

Beginning "in the middle of things" or when an author begins a text in the midst of action. Secures the reader's interest in the text that follows.

A narrative work or writing styles that mocks or mimes another genre or work.

The generally accepted importance of a work representing a given culture

The dictionary definition of a word

Often at the beginning or conclusion of a text, the term refers to an instance in which the author or narrator justifies, defends, or clarifies his or her goals in producing the text

The generally accepted importance or value of a work to represent human experience regardless of culture or time period

A reference to a well-known piece of literature, art, film, etc.

A story that an author encloses around the central narrative in order to provide background information and context (a "story within a story")

Any character, event, or device suddenly brought into the text to resolve a conflict

Introduces characters, setting, background info, etc. that readers need to know for the following text. Usually comes at the beginning.

The emotional association of a word

Refers to an address to a dead or absent person, or an inanimate object. This is usually employed for emotional emphasis and can be humorous.

A mode of writing in which the author traces his or her thoughts verbatim into the text. Typically, this style offers a representation of the author's exact thoughts throughout the writing process and can be used to convey a variety of different emotions.

Typically refers to saying one thing and meaning the opposite, often to shock audiences and emphasize the importance of the truth.

A novel that depicts an individual's coming-of-age through self-discovery and personal knowledge. Such stories often explore the protagonist's psychological and moral development.

The height of conflict and intrigue in a narrative. This is when events in the narrative and characters' destinies are most unclear; often appears as a decision the protagonist must make or a challenge he or she must overcome in order for the narrative to obtain a resolution.

An intermediate-length (between a novel and a short story) fictional narrative (usually between 60-120 pages)

Word choice

A short written composition in prose that discusses a subject or proposed an argument without claiming to be a complete or thorough exposition

A novel comprised primarily of letters sent and received by its principle characters. This type of novel was particularly popular during the eighteenth century.

The "resolution" of a narrative, when the climax and central conflicts are resolved and a resolution is found.