Unit 4 Literary Elements Notes 2025 (1)

What is sensory language?

Language writers use to describe things they’ve seen or imagined to create images in the reader’s mind.

What does imagery appeal to?

Imagery appeals to the senses: sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell.

What is alliteration?

The repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close together.

Give an example of onomatopoeia.

The cash register popped open with a bang!

What is the purpose of repetition in poetry?

To draw attention to a certain word, pattern, or rhythm.

What is the difference between tone and mood?

Mood is the reader's feeling; tone is the author's feeling.

What is figurative language?

The use of imaginative comparisons to help readers see the world in new ways.

What is an idiom?

An expression that has a meaning different from the literal words; a figure of speech.

What is a simile?

A comparison between unlike things that includes the word 'like' or 'as'.

Define metaphor.

A comparison between two unlike things that does not use 'like' or 'as'.

What is personification?

A description of an object, animal, or idea as if it had human qualities.

What is hyperbole?

A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for effect.

What is conflict in literature?

A struggle between opposing forces.

What is internal conflict?

A struggle a character has within him or herself.

What type of conflict involves ghosts?

Person vs. Supernatural.

What does theme refer to in literature?

The underlying message or main idea that the author wants to convey.

What are the criteria for a theme?

It must apply to any person, any place, and any time.

What is point of view in a story?

The perspective from which the story is told.

What is first person point of view?

The story is told by a character using pronouns 'I', 'me', 'my', etc.

Describe third person omniscient point of view.

The narrator knows everything about everyone and can describe their thoughts and feelings.

What is dynamic characterization?

A character that grows, changes, and evolves throughout the story.

Define static character.

A character that does not change; remains the same throughout the story.

What does perspective mean in literature?

A person’s experiences, background knowledge, preferences, feelings, and thoughts.

What is the setting of a story?

Where and when the story takes place.

Describe third person limited point of view.

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character, providing a limited perspective.

What is a protagonist?

The main character in a story, often facing a conflict or challenge.

What is an antagonist?

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.

What is a round character?

A round character is well-developed and complex, showing a range of emotions and traits.

What is a flat character?

A flat character is simple and one-dimensional, often representing a single trait or characteristic.

What are the three criteria for a theme?

1. Applies to any person 2. Applies to any place 3. Applies to any time.

What is an idiom?

An expression that has a meaning different from its literal words.

What is a simile?

A comparison using like or as.

What is a metaphor?

A comparison without using like or as.

What is personification?

Giving human qualities to objects, animals, or ideas.

What is hyperbole?

An extreme exaggeration for effect.

What type of conflict involves supernatural forces?

Person vs. Supernatural.

What is alliteration?

The repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close together.

What is onomatopoeia?

Words that sound like their meanings.

What is rhyme?

The repetition of accented vowel sounds.