Short Story Terminology Flash Cards

Front

Frame Story

Back

Leads readers from a first story into another, smaller one (or several ones) within it.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Front

Theme

Back

The central or universal idea of a piece of fiction; it is a perception about life and the human condition.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Symbols

Back

Characters, settings, images, or other motifs that represent bigger ideas. Authors often use symbols to give their work more meaning.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

Motif

Back

A recurring symbol that has significance within a story.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which a story occurs, including physical, psychological, cultural, or historical background.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

Tone

Back

The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

Mood

Back

How readers are made to feel or the emotion evoked by the author.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

Flashback

Back

A literary device presenting material that occurred prior to the opening scene.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

Presentation of material to prepare the reader for future events.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

Verbal Irony

Back

Words state the opposite of the writer's true meaning (sarcasm).

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A