Study Guide: Literary Terms (Definitions)

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Climax

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The turning point/high point in a story/plot.

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Mood

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The prevailing emotions of a work or of the author in his or her creation of the work.

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Symbolism

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A literary device in which an object represents something beyond its literal meaning.

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Allegory

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The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic or pictorial form.

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

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Theme

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The central idea or underlying message of a literary work.

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

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Simile

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A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as.'

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Personification

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A literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

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Irony

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A contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting the opposite of what is expected.