English Grade 7 & 8 Literary Devices, Plot, and Odyssey Concepts

Dramatic Irony

The audience knows something the characters do not.

Situational Irony

What happens is different from what was expected.

Verbal Irony

A character says one thing but means another.

Exposition

Introduces characters, setting, and conflict.

Flashback

A scene that shows something from the past.

Climax

The most important or exciting moment in the story.

Resolution

The ending where conflicts are solved.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the five senses.

Metaphor

A comparison without using 'like' or 'as.'

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as.'

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for emphasis.

Theme

The lesson or message about life.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject.

Xenia

Hospitality or kindness shown to guests and strangers in ancient Greece.

Good Xenia

Welcoming guests, offering food and shelter.

Bad Xenia

The suitors disrespect Odysseus's home; Polyphemus mistreats guests.

Loyal Characters

Penelope, Telemachus, Eumaeus.

Disloyal Characters

The suitors and traitorous servants.

Claim / Answer

Directly answer the question.

Evidence

Use a quote or specific example from the text.

Explanation

Explain the evidence in your own words.

Justification

Explain HOW the evidence proves your answer.

Connect Back

Connect your explanation back to your claim.