literary terms

Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work

Diction

An author's word choice

Connotation

An idea or feeling that a word invokes beyond its literal meaning

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere a writer creates for the reader

Tone

An author's attitude toward a topic conveyed through word choice and style

Foreshadowing

A warning or indication of a future event

Irony

A discrepancy between expectations and reality

Allusion

A reference to another text, event, or work

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting things next to each other for effect

Symbolism

Using a person, place, object, or idea to represent something else

Theme

The central idea or message of a text

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as”

Metaphor

A comparison between unlike things without using “like” or “as”

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect

Allegory

A story with both a literal and symbolic meaning

Satire

A work that uses humor, exaggeration, or irony to criticize society

Vignette

A short descriptive scene capturing a moment, mood, or character

Bildungsroman

A coming-of-age story focused on personal growth

Main themes of Animal Farm

Russian Revolution, corruption, propaganda, class struggle, abuse of power

Main themes of HOMS

Feminism/gender roles, class struggle/American Dream, racial prejudice, sexual abuse, adolescence

Plot of "The Cask of Amontillado" & irony

Montresor lures Fortunato into the catacombs with wine and entombs him alive; readers know his intent while Fortunato does not

Situational Irony

When actions produce the opposite of what is expected

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something a character does not

Verbal Irony

When words mean the opposite of their literal meaning