ELA Literary Terms + Theories

Ambiguity

Something that is open to multiple interpretations.

Close Reading

Careful, sustained interpretation of a brief passage of text by paying attention to the author’s word choice and trying to generate meaning as to why s/he chose some word choices over others

Connotation

Idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning

Denotation

Dictionary Definition

Flashback

When we revisit the past/previous events for information about characters.

Direct Characterization

a literary method where an author explicitly tells the reader a character's personality traits, physical appearance, emotions, or background through clear narration

Indirect Characterization

a storytelling technique where an author reveals a character's personality, traits, and motivations implicitly through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and interactions, rather than stating them outright

Rite of Passage

a ceremony, ritual, or important event that marks a person's transition from one stage of life or social status to another

Simile

A comparison between two things using like or as

Metaphor

Comparison of two unlike things without using “like” or “as”

Foreshadowing

Hinting to future events

Symbolism

An object, person or idea that has an underlying message

Theme

The message taken away from a story, which must be inferred

Situational Irony

When what’s happening is the opposite of what's expected.

Dramatic irony

When the reader knows what’s going on before the character does

Verbal irony

When people say one thing but mean another (Sarcasm)

Mood

The feeling the reader feels through word choice and figure of speech given by the author.

Feminist Literary Theory

Looks at genders roles in society for both men and woman.

Questions:

How is the relationship between men and women portrayed?

How are male and female roles defined?

What are the barriers and freedoms the characters have as a result of their genders?

Literary Theory

The different ways a reader can interpret literature, different lenses that a person can use to view and talk about art, literature and culture.

Marxist Literary Theory

Class differences and the implications of living in those classes in society. Some parts of our culture are or once were oppressed based on their class and/or held power over others. Looks at how people in a work of literature and reveal a truth about how people live in a society.

-Think of speech, clothes, grammar,living and working conditions, furniture, cleanliness, etc.

Questions:

What social classes do the characters represent?

How do the characters from different classes interact or conflict?

Which barriers or freedoms does a character have based on their social class?

What values does it reinforce?

What values does it subvert? (Mean to ignore, because their less important)

Pyschoanalytic Literary Theory

Analyzing the role of subconscious psychological drives and impulses in shaping human behavior, our mind wrestles with our desires, our unconscious conflicts and reality.

!d- Irrational, unknown, subconscious part of our mind, contains our most intense fears, darkest wishes, and secret desires (need to emphasize the emotion that’s motivating the Id-you have to name the emotion that is causing the Id)

Ego- Rational, logical, walking part of our mind, who we are, how we want to be viewed, regulates the desires of the Id.

Superego- Moral judgments in light of social pressure, choosing between right and wrong for our selves and others