Literary Terms and Figurative Language Theme, Symbolism, Plot and Allusion

Theme The central idea of a work of literature. It is not the same as a subject (love, childhood, etc.), but rather the idea the writer wishes to reveal about that subject. For example, a universal theme is “Good always triumphs over evil” or “Love conquers all”.

Theme part 2 How do you find out the theme(s) of a literary work? 1.Look at the major characters. Often a writer expresses the theme through what a character learns. 2.Conflict is important to any story. Look at how it is resolved. 3.After reading, look back at the title. Does it have specific meaning?

Theme again 4. Test your statement (generally one sentence) of the theme – does it apply to the whole work, not just to parts of it? 5. Keep in mind that there is no one right way to express or state the theme. Also, many times literature that is rich in meaning has several themes.

Symbolism A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance. What do these symbols mean?

Purpose of Symbols Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers of meaning. They create possibilities that a simple, literal statement could never convey. Symbols are like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever-widening ripples of meaning.

How are symbols created? 1. Symbols are inherited. For example, a lion often represents power and courage and therefore, has been used on numerous counties flags, coat of arms, etc.

Creation of symbols 2. They can be invented. School mascots become symbols all the time. For example, the Apaches mean pride. Also characters who embody special meaning establish new symbols. Peter Pan as the symbol of eternal childhood is an example.

Plot

Elements of Plot Exposition - The introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understanding the story. Rising Action/Conflict – Obstacles the characters encounter. It can usually be identified as one of four kinds: Man versus Man, Nature, Society, or Self. A series of events that builds from the conflict. Climax – Result of the conflict. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted. Falling Action – The events after the climax which close the story. Resolution/Denouement - Rounds out and concludes the action.

Allusion allusion: a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events.

Examples of Allusion “Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities". In Greek Mythology, Cassandra, the daughter of Trojan king Priam, was loved by Apollo, who gave her the gift of prophecy. When Cassandra later angered Apollo, he altered the gift so that her prophecies, while true, would not be believed. Thus, her accurate warnings to the Trojans were disregarded, and disaster befell them. Today, a “Cassandra” refers to someone who predicts disasters or negative results, especially to someone whose predictions are disregarded. Professor Lupin in Harry Potter; the word “lupin” means wolf-like in Latin. Describing someone as a "Romeo" makes an allusion to the famous young lover in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Minerva McGonagall: Minerva is the name of the Roman goddess of Wisdom.