Literary Device (English Final Semester 2)

Short Story

a work of fiction that centers on a single idea and commonly can be read in one setting with limited amount of characters

(The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is a classic short story that tells the tale of a young couple, Jim and Della, who each make a sacrifice to buy the other a Christmas present, only to find that their gifts are no longer useful.)

Novel

literary works that are created from the authors imagination (A novel is a long story that someone makes up and writes down)

Novella

a short novel or a long short story (A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. It's like a medium-sized story, longer than a short story but not as long as a novel)

(Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck)

Plot

What happens in a story. The series of events that takes place. The action that drives the narrator forward.

Exposition

introduction to the story including the characters’ name, setting, mood and time.

Inciting Incident

this event presents the main conflict of your protagonist will be up against (An incident is a specific event or occurrence, often one that is unusual, important, or noteworthy. It could be something like a car accident, a fire, or a surprising discovery)

Rising Action

all the events that happen in a story on the way to the climax (Rising action is the part of a story where the main problem or conflict gets more complicated. It's when the tension and excitement start to build up as the characters face challenges and obstacle)

Climax

The movement, the main conflict gets resolved, and the protagonist either achieves their goals or fails. Turning point of the story.

Falling action

The falling action is the part of a story that occurs after the climax, where the main conflict is resolved and the tension begins to decrease. It shows the aftermath of the climax and leads to the resolution of the story.

Resolution

The end of the story. It's where the story comes to a satisfying conclusion, and loose ends are tied up.

Conflict

A struggle between opposite forces

Internal conflict

When a character struggles with their own opposing desire, beliefs, value or self image, the struggle between a characters, emotion, values, desires, traits, and interest that might stop them from achieving their goals.

(The kid feels torn between wanting to have fun with their friends and wanting to be responsible and finish their homework)

External conflict

A type of literally conflict in which the protagonist has to struggle against other characters (called antagonist) nature or society outside themselves

Types of external conflict

Character vs character, (characters conflict with another) character vs society, (main character conflicts with the government system) character vs nature, character versus technology

Characterization

The way an author or an actor describes or shows what a character is like.

Direct characterization

When an author describes a character in a straightforward manner as if it is telling the reader directly

(The author, J.K. Rowling, tells us Harry is brave when he faces dangerous situations to protect his friends.)

Indirect characterization

A type of literally device that reveals details about a character without stating them in a straightforward way

(When Harry stands up to bullies or faces challenges, like fighting off Voldemort, it shows his bravery without the author having to directly say, "Harry is brave.")

STEAL

Speech, thoughts, effects, actions, looks, (indirectly describes)

S - Speech:

• What does the character say? How do they speak? What does their dialogue reveal about their personality, background, or emotions?

T - Thoughts:

• What is revealed through the character's inner thoughts and reflections? What do they think about? What are their attitudes and beliefs?

E - Effects on others:

• How do other characters react to this character? How do they interact with others? What impact do they have on the people around them?

A - Actions:

• What does the character do? How do they behave? What choices do they make? How do their actions reflect their personality, values, or beliefs?

L - Looks:

• What does the character look like? How do they dress? What is their physical appearance? How does their appearance reflect their personality or social status?

Protagonist

A central character or main character they are usually faced with conflicts and obstacles they can be good or bad people.

(In "Harry Potter," Harry is the protagonist. The whole story revolves around him—his adventures, his friendships, and his battles against Voldemort. He's the one readers root for throughout the series.)

Antagonist

A character usually in a form of fiction that opposes the protagonist to create dramatic tensions and their villains

(In "The Lion King," Scar is the antagonist. He's the evil uncle who creates all sorts of trouble for Simba, the main character. Scar's actions and plans create conflict and drive the story forward.)

Main character

Most important and the focus of the story

Minor character

Other characters that add dept and collecting various pieces of information to add to the plot. Minor characters are not the main focus of the story. They're important, but they don't have as big a role as the main character.

(Benvolio is Romeo's cousin and friend. While he plays a role in the story, he's not as central as Romeo or Juliet. Benvolio's main function is to try to keep the peace between the Montagues and Capulets, and he often acts as a mediator in conflicts. However, he doesn't drive the plot forward in the same way as the main characters do.) Miss Honey is Matilda's kind-hearted teacher who helps her develop her intellect and special abilities. While she plays an important role in Matilda's life, she is not as central to the plot as Matilda herself).

Dynamic character

changes result (the character) shifts in value, beliefs, personality, or understanding the world

(Simba starts as a playful cub who is eager to be king. After facing adversity and loss, he learns about responsibility and courage, ultimately becoming the king he was meant to be.)

Static character

These characters maintain a steady set of traits, beliefs, values and behaviors from the start of the story to the end they may change a little bit, result of plot

(Cinderella's stepmother is mean and cruel throughout the story. She doesn't change her ways and remains unkind to Cinderella. Captain Hook is the villain in "Peter Pan." He is always trying to capture Peter Pan and remains a villain until the end of the story.)

Round characters

Complex character who has several sides to personality. (They are dynamic character two)

Olaf is cheerful, friendly, and always sees the best in people, but he also feels sad when he realizes he'll melt in the sun. He learns about love, friendship, and the importance of being true to yourself. Dory is kind, funny, and forgetful, but she also feels lonely and lost sometimes. She goes on adventures with her friends and learns about the importance of family, friendship, and never giving up.

Flat character

Doesn’t add depth to the story

Foreshadowing

Author leaves, clues or hints for future actions it can build suspense and make the story interesting

(if the character is warned about dangerous creatures or obstacles they might encounter on their journey. This could foreshadow that the character will face challenges and obstacles during their adventure.)

Sensory imagery

Use of descriptive language that appears to the five senses: site, hearing, touch, taste, and smell

Parable

A special story that is meant to teach something important they are made up small tales to make it easier to understand the message

The Tortoise and the Hare" is a parable about a slow but steady tortoise who wins a race against a fast but overconfident hare.

The moral of the story is "slow and steady wins the race."

Irony

The opposite

Verbal irony

Someone says something, but means something completely different

If someone is walking in the rain without an umbrella and says, "Oh, great weather we're having," that's verbal irony because they're actually saying the opposite of what they mean.

Situational irony

The outcome of the situation is completely the opposite of what you expect

Picture a trained lifeguard drowning in a pool full of people. This situation is ironic because the lifeguard is supposed to save others from drowning, but they end up needing to be saved themselves.

Dramatic irony

The audience know something the characters don’t know

Imagine a character in a movie is about to open a door, but the audience can see that there's a monster waiting on the other side. The character opens the door, but they don't know about the monster. The audience does, though, and they're scared for the character. That's dramatic irony.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotion and feelings (scary story = scared. Happy story = cheerful.)

Imagine you're reading a story about a sunny day at the beach. The author might use words like "bright," "warm," and "joyful" to describe the scene. This creates a mood of happiness and relaxation, and it might make you feel like you're actually at the beach, soaking up the sun and playing in the sand.

Symbol

Secret code in a story. Stands for or represents another idea or thing.

Anecdote

short funny or interesting stories. They are mainly about real experiences about people, animals or events.

Let's say you're giving a presentation about the importance of perseverance. You might start by sharing a personal anecdote about a time when you faced a difficult challenge but kept trying until you succeeded. This story would help illustrate your point about perseverance and make your presentation more engaging for your audience.

Flashback

Takes the reader from a current point in the story back into a previous time or event. To provide background info reveal characters, motivations, or explain the past events.

In the movie "Finding Nemo," there's a flashback to when Nemo's dad, Marlin, first meets Nemo's mom. This flashback helps you understand why Marlin is so overprotective of Nemo and why he's so worried about keeping him safe.

Hyperbole

Using really big and exaggerate words to make something sound exciting or funny

If you're waiting for a friend for a long time, you might say, "I've been waiting here for a million years!" You're not actually waiting for a million years, but you're exaggerating to show that you've been waiting for a long time.

Bildungsroman

A special story where you follow the main character from youth to adulthood and the moral growth (Example: Harry Potter)

This children's novel tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. The book follows Matilda as she deals with her neglectful parents and tyrannical headmistress and discovers the power of books and education.

Voice

A writers or speakers special use of language to express ideas as well as his or her identity

If you're giving a presentation in class, you might use your own voice to make your presentation sound like you. Maybe you like to use lots of examples and stories to make your point, or maybe you like to use humor to keep your audience engaged. Whatever it is, that's your voice shining through in your presentation.

Dictation

The choice of words to express a certain effect

If you're writing a funny story, you might use words like "silly," "hilarious," and "laugh-out-loud" to make your readers laugh and feel happy.

Connotation

The idea or feeling that a word refers to by adding to the literal meaning of the actual word itself

“Good” connotation: positive feeling

“Bad” connotation: negative feeling

The word "snake" has a literal definition of a long, legless reptile. But it also has a connotation of danger or fear because many people are afraid of snakes. Imagine the word "home." The literal definition is just a place where you live, but the connotation is warm and cozy, like a place where you feel safe and loved.

Denotation

Phrase gives its straightforward, meaning girls, the exact definition of the word

The denotation of the word "snake" is a long, legless reptile.

Tone

Reveals the narrators attitude as conveyed by the specific word choice

Imagine you're reading a story about a haunted house. The writer might use words like "dark," "spooky," and "eerie" to create a scary tone.

Juxtaposition

Putting two separate things, ideas next to each other to highlight their differences

Imagine you're writing a story, and you describe a character as being both brave and afraid at the same time. That's juxtaposition because bravery and fear are opposite feelings, but by putting them together, you can show the complexity of the character's emotions.

Metaphor

It comparison that is not literally true and they are unrelated

If you say, "Time is a thief," you're using a metaphor. You're not saying time actually steals things, but you're comparing it to a thief to show that it takes things away from you without you realizing it.

Simile

A way of describing something using “like” or “as” The possesses a similar quality

theme

Underlying message or the idea of a story

If you're reading a story about a character who overcomes their fears, the theme might be something like "Courage means facing your fears and never giving up."

Tragedy

A work of literature, especially a play that results a disaster or great misfortune for the main character. Having an unhappy ending.

Oxymoron

A phrase made of two or more words that actually has opposite meanings (Example: Awfully good) The two or more words have different meaning

If you say something is a "bittersweet" experience, you're using an oxymoron. "Bitter" and "sweet" are opposite tastes, but when you combine them, it means something that's both sad and happy at the same time.

Dialogue

A conversation between two or more persons that may reveal the traits and advance the action of the narrative

Monologue

A speech in a play by one character that is addressed to another character or characters (mercutio queen man speech) Monologues are used in writing and acting to give characters a chance to express themselves fully and share their inner thoughts and feelings with the audience. A monologue is when one character speaks for an extended period of time without interruption.

Soliloquy

A long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage (Secret between the audience and the character)

In a book, a character might have a long passage where they talk about what's on their mind and how they're feeling, even though they're alone. That's also a soliloquy!

Pathetic fallacy

When writers describe the weather or environment to reveal information about a character, such as how they are feeling, or to create certain in mood or atmosphere (hot= mad)

In a movie, if the sky is gray and overcast when the characters are scared or anxious, that's also an example of pathetic fallacy because the weather reflects the mood of the scene.

Hook

a compelling opening statement or technique used at the beginning of a piece of writing to grab the reader's attention and draw them into the rest of the text.

Thesis

is the main argument or central claim of a piece of writing. It typically appears in the introduction and guides the direction of the entire work.

Body Paragraph

a section of a written piece that follows the introduction and elaborates on the main points or arguments presented in the thesis statement. It provides supporting evidence, examples, and analysis to develop and support the central idea of the writing.

Topic Sentence

a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph. It usually appears at the beginning of the paragraph and serves as a guide for the reader, outlining the focus or purpose of the upcoming content.

Evidence

refers to factual information, data, examples, or quotations that support or validate a claim or argument made in a piece of writing. It provides credibility and strength to the writer's assertions by offering concrete proof or support.

Commentary

is the writer's analysis, interpretation, or explanation of the evidence presented in a piece of writing. It involves discussing the significance of the evidence, connecting it to the main argument or thesis, and providing insight or perspective to help the reader understand its relevance

In-text/Parenthetical Citation

is a way to acknowledge sources within the text of a piece of writing, usually by including the author's last name and page number in parentheses after a quote or paraphrase.

Conclusion

is the final section of a piece of writing that summarizes the main points or arguments presented in the body paragraphs. It restates the thesis statement and provides closure by offering insights, implications, or suggestions for further exploration.

Clincher

is a final statement or closing remark in a piece of writing that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It often reinforces the main point or argument of the text and provides a sense of closure or resolution.

Works Cited

a list of all the sources cited or referenced in a piece of writing. It typically appears at the end of the document and includes full bibliographic information for each source, such as the author's name, title of the work, publication date, and other relevant details.

Sources

is any reference or piece of evidence used to support claims or arguments in a piece of writing. Sources can include books, articles, websites, interviews, and any other materials that provide information relevant to the topic being discussed.

Transition

is a word, phrase, or sentence that connects one idea or paragraph to the next in a piece of writing. It helps maintain coherence and flow by guiding the reader smoothly from one point to another.

Lead-in

is a brief statement or phrase that introduces a quotation or piece of evidence in a piece of writing. It provides context or sets up the quote to help the reader understand its relevance to the main argument or topic.

Analyze

is to carefully study and understand something by breaking it down into its parts and examining how they work together.

Argue

is to present reasons or evidence in support of a particular viewpoint or claim, with the aim of persuading others to agree with your position.

Compare/contrast

is to examine the similarities between two or more things, while to contrast is to highlight the differences between them.

Describe

is to provide details, characteristics, or features of something in words, painting a verbal picture that helps the reader visualize or understand it better.

Determine

is to make a decision or reach a conclusion after considering all available information or evidence. It involves assessing factors and arriving at a judgment or resolution.

Develop

is to expand, elaborate, or grow something over time. In writing, it refers to the process of adding detail, explanation, or depth to an idea, argument, or narrative.

Evaluate

is to assess or judge the quality, value, or significance of something based on criteria or standards. It involves examining the strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness of a particular idea, argument, or piece of work.

Explain

is to clarify or make something clear by providing details, reasons, or examples that help others understand it better.

Imagine

is to create mental images or concepts that are not present in reality. It involves using creativity and visualization to conceptualize new ideas, scenarios, or possibilities.

Integrate

is to combine or merge separate elements or parts into a unified whole. In writing, it involves incorporating various sources, ideas, or perspectives into a cohesive and interconnected piece of work.

Interpret

is to explain or understand the meaning or significance of something, often by analyzing its context, implications, or underlying symbolism.

Organize

is to arrange or structure something in a systematic or logical manner. In writing, it involves planning the layout and order of ideas, arguments, or information to enhance clarity and coherence.

Summarize

is to briefly condense the main points or essential information of a longer piece of writing, speech, or text. It involves capturing the key ideas or arguments in a concise and coherent manner.

Support

is to provide evidence, reasoning, or examples to bolster or uphold a claim, argument, or position. It involves offering backing or validation for a particular viewpoint or assertion.

Transform

is to change or alter something fundamentally, often resulting in a different form or appearance. In writing, it can refer to the process of reworking or revising text to improve clarity, coherence, or effectiveness.

Memoir

is a type of autobiographical writing that focuses on the author's personal experiences, memories, and reflections. It typically covers specific periods or events in the author's life and offers insights into their thoughts, emotions, and growth over time.

Sonnet

is a type of poem that consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter and following a specific rhyme scheme. Traditional sonnets often explore themes of love, beauty, and mortality, and they are known for their structured form and intricate language.

Introduction

is the beginning of a piece of writing that introduces the topic and sets the stage for what's to come.