Elements of Literature

Characterization The methods an author uses to acquaint a reader with the characters in a work. He or she might… describe the character’s physical traits and personality report the character’s speech and behavior give opinions and the reactions of other characters toward this individual reveal the character by describing the character’s feelings and thoughts.

the action usually revolves around the protagonist. the main character in a work of literature. the action usually revolves around the protagonist.

The character in a work of literature who opposes the main character. Antagonist The character in a work of literature who opposes the main character.

conflict A struggle between opposing forces; conflicts can be external (outside forces) or internal (within a characters mind).

External Conflict (Struggle with an outside force.) Man-vs-man Man-vs-nature Man-vs-animal Man-vs-society

Internal Conflict (Takes place in the character’s mind.) Man-vs-Self

Point Of View the perspective from which the story is told

First Person: The narrator of the story is a character in the story telling the story from his/her personal view. The writer uses the pronoun I.

Second Person: When the author speaks directly to the reader. The writer uses the pronoun you. (Not acceptable in scholarly writing; rarely used in literature.)

Third Person Limited: The narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of one character. The writer uses the pronouns he, she, it.

Third Person Omniscient: Told by an outsider having infinite awareness; the narrator can see into the minds of many characters; uses the pronouns he, she, it.

Third Person Subjective The narrator is like a reporter. The narrator tells us the actions and words of the characters, and possibly a physical description. The narrator does not reveal the thoughts or feelings of any characters. The writer uses the pronouns he, she, it, they.

The time and the place of the story or novel. A story can be set in a realistic or imaginary place and can occur in the past, present,or future. Setting

An author’s way of hinting or giving clues to the reader of events or developments that might come later in the story. Foreshadowing

Plot The series of events in a story. In linear plot development, the events are in chronological order : beginning, middle, end. The plot centers on at least one major problem called a conflict.

Five Main Parts of the Plot Exposition or beginning: setting and introduction of main characters Rising Action: Initial incident, suspense, shows conflict or struggle, complications, details, sequence of events Climax: Greatest emotional response, turning point of the story Falling Action: Following the climax, the intensity of the story may subside. The falling action describes the results of the major events as the action winds down Resolution: Conflict, crisis, or struggle resolved Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution Exposition

Exposition The opening of a short story or novel. It provides background information that the reader needs to know. It introduces the characters, describes the setting, and may recap important events before the action of the story.

The chain of events become more complex The chain of events become more complex. The actions and feelings of the characters intensify as their problems become more complicated. Rising Action Rising Action

Climax The highest point of interest Where most action takes place in the store Involves an important event,decision, or discovery that affects the final outcome. Climax

Following the climax, the intensity of the story may subside. The falling action describes the results of the major events as the action winds down. Falling Action Falling action

The final part of the story. Resolution The final part of the story. It tells how the story ends. All the loose ends are tied up.

Theme The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. The theme includes the topic of the writing and a viewpoint or opinion about the topic. For example: Greed might be the subject. The theme might be, “Greed is destructive and evil.” Fighting might be the subject. The theme might be, “Fighting solves nothing.” Themes are universal.

Factors that Influence Mood: A feeling or emotions that a writing or piece of literature stirs in the reader. Mood Words: Hopelessness Optimism Loneliness Despair Longing Enthusiasm Happiness Peacefulness Terror Factors that Influence Mood: Setting Details Images Description

Tone The approach or attitude that the writer takes toward the subject of the writing. Cynical Frivolous Hostile Argumentative Amusing Playful Serious Informative

Figurative Language Figurative language uses comparisons to express a relationship between essentially unlike things. simile metaphor hyperbole personification

Examples of Figurative Language Simile: compares two unlike things using like or as: My heart soared like an eagle. Metaphor: an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things without using like or as: The jealous girls were a bunch of tigers ready to pounce. Hyperbole: comparison by using an exaggerated statement: I’m so tired, I could sleep a hundred years! Personification: compares by giving human characteristics to non-human things: The river reached for me with icy fingers.

Symbolism Symbolism is using an object or a thing to stand for or to substitute for another thing. A symbol may be an object a person, and action, or a situation that suggests a meaning beyond its obvious meaning. For example: A heart might be used to symbolize love and affection. A knife might be used to symbolize a robber, warrior, or hunter. Usually, a symbol is a concrete thing (dove) that stands for an abstract idea (peace).

Irony Irony is the contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens: Verbal irony: contrasting what is said to what is really meant. Situational irony: what occurs in the narrative is opposite of what is intended to happen Dramatic Irony: the reader knows more than the characters

Imagery Imagery can be created by details in the story that appeal to the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Sweet, slow drops of rich orange juice drip from the corners of my mouth and dribble down my chin.

Suspense Suspense is created through the reader’s uncertainty about the character’s ability to solve a problem, conflict, or crisis.