Literary Terms “The Gift of the Magi”

Allusion (not to be confused with “illusion!”) A brief reference to a person, place, thing, or event that is familiar to most people. History, literature, the Bible, mythology, ancient and modern cultures, and current events are rich sources of allusions.

Allusion Examples Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities. “ The Gift of the Magi” Magi=3 wise men “The Simpsons” TV episodes have many allusions...

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Verbal irony Saying the opposite of what is actually meant – Example: Brussels sprouts are my favorite food! –

Irony of tone When verbal irony is extended throughout an entire work in which an author expresses an attitude opposite to what he feels Example, taken from The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger: If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

Irony of situation When events turn out differently from what is expected to happen (or seems appropriate) – Example: Jim and Della in “The Gift of the Magi,” do not expect their plans to be thwarted.

Dramatic irony The audience knows something the character does not know; knowledge is being withheld from the character

Dramatic Irony Example Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Macbeth plans the murder of Duncan whilst feigning loyalty. Duncan does not know of Macbeth’s plans but the audience does.

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Mood The dominant emotion/feeling that the reader takes from the story. (A certain mood usually creates a certain atmosphere). Description, word choices/language, and tone of author contribute to the mood.

Genre A kind or category of: – Literature – Music – TV shows – Art FOUR MAIN GENRES OF LITERATURE – Drama – Poetry – Non-Fiction – Fiction

Non-Fiction Literary works that are factual in their content. Non-fiction= NOT FAKE – Examples: Essays, biographies, autobiographies, speeches or editorials, histories, memoirs

Fiction Literary works that are comprised of imaginative narration. (Fiction=fake) – Examples: Science fiction, romance, horror, action-adventure, mystery, slice of life/realistic, western, fantasy, detective

Characterization The method(s) the author uses to acquaint the reader with his characters.

Direct Characterization The author tells directly what the character is like. – The author describes the character’s physical appearance – The author makes a direct statement about the character’s personality.

Direct Characterization Example “Little Chuck Little was…a born gentleman” (Lee 26).

Indirect Characterization The reader draws his own conclusions about what a character is like. – Character’s own actions (mannerisms) – Character’s own speech – Character’s own inner thoughts and feelings – Opinions and reactions of other characters toward this individual – Details of setting which reflect influence from the character

Indirect Characterization Example “Mrs. Radley seldom if ever crossed the street for a mid-morning coffee break with her neighbors, and certainly never joined a missionary circle” (Lee 9). This quote tells us she keeps to herself and probably has few, if any, friends.

BERT AND ERNIE: Mickey and Minnie: Allusions to “The Gift of the Magi”