English Midterms - Literary Elements/Figurative Language

Symbolism

Using different materials (objects, people, places, etc.) to represent something deeper in the text or add complexity to the text for the reader to interpret.

Imagery

Use of descriptive language along the reader’s five senses (smell, sight, taste, feel, hear) to create vivid mental pictures of the scene

Mood

Overall atmosphere or emotional feeling of the story (ex: suspense, joy, humor, etc.)

Tone

The attitude the text seems to convey through word choice, style, perspective, etc.

Theme

The central/underlying message that the author shows

Blank Verse

Poetry written in consistent meter (almost always iambic pentameter)

Comic Relief

A humorous scene put in a dark or serious scene to lighten the mood

Foil Characters

A supporting character who’s traits sharply contrast with the protagonist and their purpose is to highlight their flaws, values, qualities, etc.

Soliloquy

A dramatic speech where a character speaks their inner thoughts out loud, usually to an audience with no other character hearing (USUALLY)

Iambic Pentameter

Common rhythmic pattern in poetry featuring ten syllables alternating between unstressed/stressed beats

Tragedy

Genre depicting a great downfall of a hero usually due to a major flaw, fate of their story, etc.

Monologue

A speech from a character expressing their inner emotions, goals, thoughts, etc. usually to the audience, but other characters can hear

Aside

The character speaks directly TO the audience, explaining plot again, reveals inner thoughts, etc.

Tragic Hero

A protagonist with heroic qualities that eventually has a downfall because of their flaws

Epic Poem

A long/narrative poem that recounts the heroic adventures of a legendary figure. (ex: Homer’s Odyssey)

Hyperbole

Using a sentence with a huge exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally.

Allusion

A brief indirect/subtle reference to another well-known work.

Simile

Comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”.

Metaphor

Comparing two things WITHOUT using words “like” and “as”

Irony

A contrast where something is said and the exact opposite may happen.

Personification

A literary device that gives an inanimate object human qualities. To do this, very abstract ideas are mentioned to create vivid imagery.

Oxymoron

Combining two contradictory words with each other

Connotation

The emotional, cultural, or implied meaning that a word carries. Adds more depth to a word

Denotation

The literal definition of a word, no depth or other meaning behind it.

Foreshadowing

Author providing hints/clues as to what may happen next in the story.