Lang and Lit literature Structures Study Guide

Simile

compares two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’

Metaphor

compares two things WITHOUT using ‘like’ or ‘as’

Personification

gives human qualities, characteristics, and emotions to nonhuman objects, animals, or concepts

Imagery

uses sensory details to create a vivid description of a scene, object, person, or idea

Symbol

an object action or event that represents a bigger concept than its literal meaning

Color Symbolism

different colors represent different moods or emotions

Foreshadowing

the use of clues or hints to suggest what will happen in the future

Characterization

the description or information provided by characters in a story, found by watching them and talking to them

Direct characterization

author uses another person in the story to tell the readers about the subject

indirect characterization

only indirect if it is talking about their personality

conflict

the struggle between two opposing forces in a story

internal conflict

man vs self

external conflict

man vs man

man vs society

man vs nature

man vs technology

man vs the supernatural/fate/God

Tone

reflects the writers attitude toward the subject matter or literary work

mood

emotional atmosphere or feel that a work of literature creates for the reader

hyperbole

exaggerates the claim like i’m so hungry i could eat a horse