Literacy Terms (copy)

Allusion

In a classic novel, a character named Jay Gatsby throws extravagant parties at his mansion, hoping to win back his lost love. This references the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to benefit humanity. Both characters share a desire to defy the limits imposed on them and achieve their goals at any cost.

Assonance

The sound of the ocean echoed through the coastal town, creating a soothing and serene atmosphere.

Characterization

The author skillfully reveals the protagonist's personality through their actions and dialogue. In one scene, the character selflessly helps a stranger in need, showcasing their compassionate nature. Additionally, their sarcastic remarks and witty comebacks demonstrate their quick thinking and sense of humor. Through these instances, the author effectively develops the character's traits, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their complex personality.

Conflict

The heated argument between two colleagues escalated as they fiercely debated over the allocation of project resources. Their differing opinions on the matter led to tension and frustration, causing a breakdown in their working relationship. The conflict hindered progress and required intervention from their supervisor to find a resolution and restore harmony within the team.

Hyperbole

The cake was so enormous, it could feed an entire village for a month. The layers reached the sky, and the frosting was as tall as a skyscraper. People marveled at its gargantuan size, unable to fathom how such a massive dessert could exist.

Imagery

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the tranquil lake. The water shimmered like a mirror, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding autumn foliage. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, releasing a symphony of crisp, earthy scents. As I walked along the path, I could almost taste the sweetness of the ripe, juicy apples hanging from the branches. It felt as if I had stepped into a painting, where every stroke of color and every whisper of nature came to life before my eyes.

Inversion

With a sudden gust of wind, the trees bent and swayed, their branches reaching towards the darkened sky. Not a sound could be heard as the moon disappeared behind a thick blanket of clouds, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape. Only when the storm subsided did the tranquility return, the trees standing tall once more, their leaves glistening in the morning light.

Irony

The weather forecast predicted a sunny day, but as I stepped outside, it started pouring rain. I grabbed my umbrella, only to have it blown away by a strong gust of wind.

Metaphor

The sun was a golden ball, casting its warm embrace over the world, painting the sky in hues of amber and setting the clouds ablaze with fiery brilliance. Its radiant beams reached out like gentle fingers, caressing the earth and awakening nature from its slumber.

Meter

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Onomatopoeia

The door creaked open, revealing a dark and eerie room. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the silence as a lightning bolt struck nearby. The sound of rain tapping against the window intensified, creating a rhythmic pitter-patter. Startled, the protagonist let out a gasp, their heart pounding in their chest.

Personification

The wind whispered through the trees, beckoning me to come closer and listen to its secrets.

Repetition

The waves danced and danced, their endless rhythm a never-ending celebration of the sea

Rhyme

The moon sang a sweet lullaby, casting its silver light across the night sky.

Rhythm

The old record player groaned and sputtered, struggling to find its rhythm as it played the dusty vinyl.

Satire

In the grand halls of bureaucracy, where decisions are made with the efficiency of a snail on sedatives, the government declared war on paperwork.

Setting

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sleepy town awoke with a yawn, its streets stretching into the twilight.

Speaker

Oh, Death, thou art a cruel master!

Symbol

The withered, barren tree in the middle of the desolate field stood as a symbol of hopelessness and despair. Its gnarled branches, stripped of leaves, reached for the gray sky like skeletal fingers, a stark reminder of the harshness of life in this forsaken place.

Theme

In the depths of adversity, when all seemed lost, it was love that emerged as the guiding light. It was a love that transcended time and circumstance, a love that endured through trials and tribulations.