Stubbs HL Lit: Lit Terms 1-15

allusion

A reference to something in previous literature, history, or pop culture.

conflict

the struggle between two opposing forces in the plot

connotation

what a word suggests beyond its basic definition

craft

The specific techniques and tools that writers use to convey meaning.

denotation

the literal meaning of a word.

dynamic character

a character in fiction who develops or changes as a result of the actions of the plot.

foreshadowing

occurs when a writer gives an advanced indication of what is to come later in the story.

imagery

the representation of a sensory experience.

Juxtaposition

the placement of two images close together for the purpose of comparison or contrast.

metaphor

a figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using like or as.

simile

a comparison of two things using like or as.

static character

a character who remains fixed in his beliefs or behavior throughout the plot.

symbol

something which is itself and yet stands for something else of greater meaning.

theme

the central or dominating idea in a literary work

universality

occurs when a literary work contains some everlasting truth about human life, that is true for all times and places.