Key terms for Regents

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.