Literary Terms and Devices for English 10

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, thing, event, etc.

Verbal Irony

When one means the opposite of what he/she says—creates a sarcastic tone.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows more than the characters in a work.

Situational Irony

An action or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.

Metaphor

Comparison between two unlike things where no words of comparison are used.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

Hyperbole

An exaggeration or overstatement.

Literary Non-fiction

Non Fiction that uses literary elements—Biography, travel, memoir, blogs, some historical writing.

Author's Purpose (Macro)

To inform, entertain, persuade or convince.

Author's Purpose (Micro)

A message/idea/concept/philosophy of some import that the author subtly imparts to the reader; this message is something the author wants you to take from the work.

Allegory

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Paradox

Something that appears contradictory but is actually true.

Symbolism

The use of an object to represent an idea.

Point of View

1st/2nd/3rd limited/3rd omniscient

Tone

The attitude of the author toward the audience, characters or subject of the work itself. (Expressed as an adj.)

Mood

The way an audience feels during reading: the prevailing emotions or atmosphere of a work derived from literary devices such as dialogue and literary elements such as setting. (Expressed as an adj.)

Archetype

A character, action or symbol, or situation that is a prototype (or pattern) of human life.

Imagery

Descriptive or figurative language in a literary work.

Characterization

The method an author uses to reveal characters and their various traits.

Direct Characterization

Description that you can rely on as truth because it is free of bias (stage direction, 3rd person omniscient).

Indirect Characterization

Description that is colored by bias or opinion (1st person, dialogue, 3rd person limited).

Conflict

A struggle or clash between opposing characters, forces or emotions.

Setting

The time and place in which a story unfolds.

Dialogue

Conversation between characters or speakers in a literary work.

Exposition

A narrative device, often used at the beginning of a work, that provides necessary background information about the characters and their circumstances.

Plot

The structure of a story. The sequence in which the author arranges events in a story. Includes the rising action, falling action, climax and the resolution.

Bias

The subtle presence of a positive or negative approach to a topic.

True Rhyme

When ending consonants and vowel sounds are the same ('ear', 'dear').

Slant Rhyme/Near Rhyme

When the ending consonant and vowel sounds are similar, but not exactly the same (Manage/Damage; principle/invincible; laser/paper).

Rhythm

The measured flow of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Alliteration

Repeated beginning sounds in consecutive words.

Assonance

Repeated vowel sounds within words.

Consonance

Repeated consonant sounds within words.

Onomatopoeia

Life sounds—words that imitate a sound found in life (buzz, splash, boom, sizzle).

Free Verse

Poetry that doesn't rhyme.