English 212 Literary Terms

Ambiguity

Details that are open for interpretation.

Characterization (Direct)

The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets.

Characterization (Indirect)

The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks.

Close Reading

Careful, sustained interpretation of a brief passage of text by paying attention to the author's word choice and trying to generate meaning.

Connotation

The idea or feeling a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

Flashback

A scene showing events that happened earlier.

Foreshadowing

Hints and clues given in the text to show what is going to happen.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses.

Irony (Dramatic)

When the reader knows something that the character does not.

Irony (Situational)

An occurrence that is the opposite of what we would expect.

Irony (Verbal)

When someone says one thing but means another.

Metaphor

Comparing two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Mood

The way the author's text makes the reader feel.

Rite of Passage

A significant event marking a change in status, often from childhood to adulthood.

Simile

Comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Symbolism

When something represents a bigger idea and has a deeper meaning.

Theme

The underlying message of a story; a thematic statement should be concise and universal.

Bildungsroman

A literary work dealing with one person's formative years; a story about someone growing up.

Comic Relief

A scene or scenes meant to provide a break from a serious piece.

Diction

The kind of words and sentences that the writer chooses to use.

Graphic Novel

A book made of comics, which can be serious or humorous.

Memoir

A collection of memories that an individual writes about specific moments in their life.

Stream of Consciousness

A literary style in which a character's thoughts and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow.

Tone

The writer's attitude towards his or her subject.

Voice

The unique style and expression of the author.