Metaphor vs. Simile The comparison of two unlike things without using like or as EXAMPLE 1: Her eyes were fireflies EXAMPLE 2: Words are the weapons with which we wound. The comparison of two unlike things using like or as EXAMPLE 1: as busy as a bee Example 2: fighting like cats and dogs

Plot Development Arrangements of incidents, details, and elements of conflict in a story Exposition: the exposing or revealing of the characters and setting and maybe the conflict Rising action: the advancing movement toward an event or moment when something decisive is about to happen. (Conflict is definitely introduced) Climax: The most intense or highest point of interest in a story. It sometimes includes the TURNING POINT (when the character turns toward a good or bad solution of the problem). Falling Action/Denouement: The final outcome in which the resolution of the conflict is made known. Conclusion/Resolution: The final outcome in which the conflict may or may not be resolved.

Setting Definition: The time and place of the events in a story (where and when the story takes place) You may not always know both. You may not know EXACT location or time.

Tone Definition: The attitude of the writer toward his/her subject, characters, and/or readers. An author may be sympathetic and sorrowful, may wish to provoke, shock, or anger, or may write in a humorous way and intend to entertain the reader. Tone is created through the writer’s choice of words (diction) and details; can be formal, informal, serious, sarcastic, sad, cheerful…etc. Tone CREATES mood (another lit term); It is not explained or expressed directly; therefore, the reader must “read between the lines”. “It was a dark and stormy night.” TONE is serious and full of gloom.

Conflict A struggle between opposing forces, people, or ideas in a story, novel, play, or narrative poem. Conflicts can be EXTERNAL (outside of oneself) or INTERNAL (inside of oneself) TYPES of conflicts Man vs man Man vs society Man vs nature Man vs himself Combination of any/all of the conflicts

Point of View Definition: The vantage point from which the story is told First person: The narrative is told by a major or minor character in his/her own words Second person: Story is told using “you”. VERY LITTLE FICTION USES THIS FORMAT AND WE PROBABLY WILL NEVER TALK ABOUT THIS AGAIN.  Third person limited: The author uses the inner thoughts and feelings of one character only, usually the main character Third person omniscient: The narrator knows everything there is to know about all characters (thoughts, actions, motives, reactions) Flashback: A device by which an author interrupts the logical time sequence of a story to relate an episode that occurred prior to the opening situation NOTE: Point of view is not how a character feels toward a situation. Example: From Romeo’s point of view, he felt…

Mood Definition: The prevailing feeling that a literary work communicates to the reader. Developed often through description of setting and the author’s tone. Example: Edgar Allan Poe often establishes a mood of gloom and foreboding at the opening of a story. A reader might feel: sad, joyful, angry, suspicious, hopeful, frustrated…

Characterization: The techniques the author uses to develop the personalities of fictional characters so that they seem believable Direct analysis by the author of a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions Physical description of a character Description of a character’s surroundings, such as the place in which he or she lives or works The speech or conversations of a character The behavior or actions of a character A character’s reactions to events, situations, and other people The responses or reactions of other people in the story to a character’s behavior, and in some cases, their remarks and conversations about the character Any or all of the above

Imagery Definition: Language that appeals to one or more of the senses and creates pictures/impressions in the reader’s mind Appeals mostly to sense of sight, but can appeal to senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing It uses figurative language and vivid description EXAMPLE: “On she went. The woods were deep and still. The sun made the pine needles almost too bright to look at, up where the wind rocked. The cones dropped as light as feathers. Down in the hollow was the mourning dove – it was not too late.”

Foreshadowing Definition: The hints or clues of things to come WHY USE FORESHADOWING? To stimulate interest and create suspense Helps reader prepare for the outcome

Symbolism A person, place, event, or object that has meaning in itself and also represents something larger than itself, such as a quality, an attitude, belief or value. Some symbols may have special meaning within the context of a story A character’s name, for instance, may suggest his personality. “Prince Prospero” may be a name associated with a wealthy, royal, and prosperous character The action of the story might be symbolic too. If a character took a long trip, it might symbolize his long journey in life.

Irony: The contrast between what is expected and what actually happens There are three types of irony: Situational Verbal Dramatic

Personification: Giving human characteristics to animals or objects The waffle jumped out of the toaster. The stars danced in the sky. The run down house appeared to be depressed.

Paradox: a kind of truth that seems contradictory Very similar to OXYMORON Examples Jumbo shrimp Bittersweet Nobody goes to that restaurant because it is too crowded.

Pun: A play on words Two peanuts walk into a bar. One was a salted. Which president was least guilty? Lincoln. He was in a cent.

Aside A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and not heard by other actors on the stage

Soliloquy Speaking to oneself, expressing thoughts, and no one is on stage