theme
The subject of a piece of writing; the message the author is conveying
inference
A conclusion based on logic or reason
metaphor
A symbolic reference to something. It is designed to help the reader understand
simile
Using like or as to compare two objects
imagery
Using words that paint a picture inside the reader’s head. (see,hear,feel,taste,smell)
point of view
The narrator’s position to the story being told
voice
Author or character’s attitude or personality
setting
When and where the story takes place
plot
Events or timeline of the story
symbol
One thing represents something else
Characterization
Direct and Indirect, The creation of a character
Direct characterization
the author tells the reader about the character
Indirect characterization
the reader infers about the character based on events in the story
central/main idea
The unifying element of a story
figurative language
Language or text that does not have normal everyday literal meaning
conflict
A struggle between opposing forces
denotation
The literal (or dictionary) meaning of a word
connotation
The emotional or imaginative association which a word evokes
irony
The difference between expectations for a situation and what is reality
structure
The author’s use of plot and setting to tell a story
tone
The attitude of the writer/character towards the audience/reader
juxtaposition
Two opposing things/ideas being presented at the same time in order to bring attention to them
onomatopoeia
The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named Ex) snap, bang, swish
repetition
Repeating words or ideas for desired impact
anecdote
an interesting story used to emphasize a point
allusion
Reference to a famous person, event, or idea
foreshadow
A warning or indication of a future event.
alliteration
The repetition of the initial letter or sound at the beginning of a series of words
hyperbole
Exaggeration
Exposition
An introduction of background information about events, settings, characters, or other elements of a work to the audience or readers that gives context to something.
Stanza
A group of lines in poetry; a verse; a poetic paragraph
Claim
An assertion that something to be true
enjambment
a term used in poetry to refer to lines that end without punctuation and without completing a sentence or clause.