Basic Literary Terms

Setting Setting is the time and place of the story. Setting is the time and place of the story. Time Time A. Real (Clock) A. Real (Clock) B. Historical B. Historical Place Place A. Real A. Real B. Imaginary B. Imaginary C. Science fiction C. Science fiction

Plot Plot is what happens in a narrative or the sequence of events. Plot is what happens in a narrative or the sequence of events. Parts of the plot: Parts of the plot: 1.Exposition or Introduction- setting is established, characters are introduced, & background information is given 2. Conflict or problem- struggle between opposing forces 3. Rising action- the events that lead to the climax; the conflict builds 4. Climax- the turning point or change in the main character 5. Falling action- events that lead to the resolution of the conflict 6. Denouement- the ending; the conflict is resolved

Types of Conflict Man vs Man Man vs Man Man vs Society Man vs Society Man vs Nature Man vs Nature Man vs Himself Man vs Himself Man vs Fate Man vs Fate Man vs Machine/Technology Man vs Machine/Technology

Kinds of Conflict Internal conflict- conflict within the mind of a character Internal conflict- conflict within the mind of a character External conflict- character struggles against some outside force External conflict- character struggles against some outside force

Point of view 1 st person major character – the main character is the narrator 1 st person major character – the main character is the narrator 1 st person minor character – a minor character is the narrator 1 st person minor character – a minor character is the narrator 3 rd person omniscient – written in 3 rd person by a “god-like” narrator who sees all & hears all 3 rd person omniscient – written in 3 rd person by a “god-like” narrator who sees all & hears all 3 rd person limited – written in 3 rd person but limited to a narrowed perspective 3 rd person limited – written in 3 rd person but limited to a narrowed perspective

Point of View 3 rd Person Observer- written in 3 rd person and the narrator only tells the actions of the characters 3 rd Person Observer- written in 3 rd person and the narrator only tells the actions of the characters Personal Pronouns Personal Pronouns 1 st person- I, we, me, us, my, mine, our 2 nd person- you, your, yours 3 rd person- he, she, it, his, her, hers, its, their, theirs

Literary Devices Flashback- an interruption in the sequence of a story to describe an event that happened in the past Flashback- an interruption in the sequence of a story to describe an event that happened in the past Foreshadowing- giving hints about events that have not yet happened in a story Foreshadowing- giving hints about events that have not yet happened in a story

Figurative Language Metaphor Metaphor A comparison of two dissimilar things. A comparison of two dissimilar things. Ex. Fred is a pig when he eats. Ex. Fred is a pig when he eats. Simile Simile A comparison of two dissimilar things using “like” or “as”. A comparison of two dissimilar things using “like” or “as”. Ex. Fred eats like a pig. Ex. Fred eats like a pig.

Personification Personification When human characteristics are given to inanimate objects. When human characteristics are given to inanimate objects. Ex. The daffodils nodded their golden heads. Ex. The daffodils nodded their golden heads. The wind tore at the building and laughed at the damage. The wind tore at the building and laughed at the damage. Hyperbole Hyperbole An exaggeration made for effect. An exaggeration made for effect. Ex. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. Ex. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

Symbolism Symbolism A symbol is a concrete object that stands for something other than itself. A symbol is a concrete object that stands for something other than itself. Ex. The eagle is a symbol of freedom. Ex. The eagle is a symbol of freedom. Red on the American flag represents the blood sacrificed to keep us free. Red on the American flag represents the blood sacrificed to keep us free. A lamp many times represents the light of knowledge. A lamp many times represents the light of knowledge. A lion symbolizes courage. A lion symbolizes courage.

Sound Devices Onomatopoeia A word that means a sound, and when pronounced, mimics the sound. Ex. hiss, splash, bang, sizzle Alliteration Repetition of consonants at the beginning of words. Ex. Little Boy Blue come blow your horn.