LITERARY TERMS Know them, use them, LOVE them!

CHARACTERIZATION The method a writer uses to reveal the personality of a character. The method a writer uses to reveal the personality of a character. – Direct characterization: the writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality – Indirect characterization: the writer reveals a character’s personality through the character’s words and actions and through what other characters think and say about the character

CHARACTER TYPES Static character – a character who remains the same Static character – a character who remains the same Dynamic character – a character who changes Dynamic character – a character who changes

MOOD The emotional quality or atmosphere of a story The emotional quality or atmosphere of a story – Example: “The ‘Red Death’ had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avatar and its seal—the redness and the horror of blood.” From “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe

TONE A reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward the subject A reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward the subject – A writer’s tone may convey a variety of attitudes, including, sympathy, objectivity, seriousness, irony, sadness, bitterness, or humor – Example: “Don’t talk to me about voting or politics. I’m not interested. All politicians are self-serving and corrupt. My vote won’t change a thing!”

FORESHADOWING The use of clues by the author to prepare readers for events that will happen later in a story The use of clues by the author to prepare readers for events that will happen later in a story

SYMBOL An object, person, place or experience that means more than what it is An object, person, place or experience that means more than what it is

IMAGERY The “word pictures” that writers create to help evoke an emotional response. –W–W–W–Writers use sensory details, or descriptions that appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

SIMILE A figure of speech using like or as to compare seemingly unlike things A figure of speech using like or as to compare seemingly unlike things – Example: The corn was as high as an elephant’s eye. I mean really! Do corn and an Elephant have ANYTHING in common?

METAPHOR Compares two or more things NOT using “like” or “as”. In contrast to a simile, a metaphor implies the comparison instead of stating it directly. Compares two or more things NOT using “like” or “as”. In contrast to a simile, a metaphor implies the comparison instead of stating it directly. – Example He’s a bear when he’s angry!

METAPHORS do NOT use “like” or “as” *Let’s practice with #1-6* 1. The sprinter is a(n) _______________ when she runs. 2. The sprinters are _____________ when they run. 3. The fat man is such a(n) ________! 4. The 400 pound man is fatter than a(n) __________. 5. Turn to your neighbor and create a metaphor based upon their appearance or personality (NO NEGATIVE COMMENT, PLEASE). 6. Turn to yourself and create a metaphor based upon your appearance or personality.

PERSONIFICATION A figure of speech in which an animal, object, force of nature, or idea is given human qualities or characteristics A figure of speech in which an animal, object, force of nature, or idea is given human qualities or characteristics – Example: -The shadow crept along the hallway. -My shadow followed me all the way home. -My dog begged me to feed him. -The trees danced in the wind.

IRONY A contrast or discrepancy between appearance and reality, or between what is expected and what actually happens. A contrast or discrepancy between appearance and reality, or between what is expected and what actually happens. – There are three types of irony: Situational irony – the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of someone’s expectations Situational irony – the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of someone’s expectations Verbal irony – a person says one thing and means another (You wreak your car and exclaim, “Well this is great!”) Verbal irony – a person says one thing and means another (You wreak your car and exclaim, “Well this is great!”) Dramatic irony – the audience has important information that characters in a literary work do not have Dramatic irony – the audience has important information that characters in a literary work do not have

INFERENCE The act of concluding from evidence; deduction. In literature it describes the act of figuring something out by using what you already know. The act of concluding from evidence; deduction. In literature it describes the act of figuring something out by using what you already know. – Example: A + B = C If A = 2 and B = 3 then using what you know, you can deduce what C equals.

DICTION The writer’s choice of words; an important element in the writer’s voice or style The writer’s choice of words; an important element in the writer’s voice or style – Good writers choose their words carefully to convey a particular meaning or feeling

DENOTATION The literal or dictionary meaning of a word The literal or dictionary meaning of a word – Example: Home - a house, dwelling, a place where one lives permanently CONNOTATION The suggested or implied meanings associated with a word beyond its dictionary meaning The suggested or implied meanings associated with a word beyond its dictionary meaning – Example: Home - family, loving, safe, warm