Literary Terms

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Allusion

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A reference within a work to something famous outside it, such as a well-known person, place, event, story, or work of art, literature, music, or pop culture.

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Personification

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The giving of human qualities to an animal or object.

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Metaphor

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A comparison between two things that have something in common without using 'like' or 'as'.

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Theme

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The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.

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Onomatopoeia

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The use of words whose sound suggests their meaning (e.g., buzz, hiss, pop).

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Simile

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A comparison between two things using 'like' or 'as'.

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

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Diction

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The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

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Symbolism

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The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

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Characterization

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The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.