Literary Terms

Front

any person, animal or figure represented in a literary work

Back

character

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

a method an author uses to let readers know more about the characters and their personal traits

Back

characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

a repeated idea or subject in a literary text

Back

motif

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

a message or opinion about a motif/subject in a literary text; what the author wants you to learn from the story

Back

theme

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

When the author hints at something that is to come later on, creating suspense for the reader.

Back

foreshadowing

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

When the reader or audience is aware of something that the character does not know.

Back

Dramatic irony

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

a long speech expressing the thoughts of a character who is alone on stage

Back

soliloquy

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

When an author uses a symbol to represent ideas and qualities that are different from their literal sense.

Back

Symbolism

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

When an author uses descriptive words or phrases to help us put an image or picture in our head of what's happening in a literary text.

Back

Imagery

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

When you compare two things using the words, "like" or "as"

Back

simile

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D