PSSA Literary Terms Flashcards

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alliteration

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The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Example: Dewdrops dripped down daisies.

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imagery

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A word or group of words that appeal to one or more of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, or smell. Example: Margaret tried to focus on her work, but the intense chocolate aroma reached her nostrils distracting her.

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metaphor

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A figure of speech that expresses an idea through the image of another object. Example: The lake was a moonlight mirror.

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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. Examples: humor, frustration, sadness

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onomatopoeia

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The use of words whose sounds express or suggest their meaning. Examples: hiss, meow, bang, boom

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personification

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An object or abstract idea given human qualities or human form. Example: The flowers danced about the lawn.

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point of view

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The angle from which a story is told; is dependent upon who is telling the story. Examples: First person, Third person

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simile

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A comparison of two unlike things in which a word of comparison (like or as) is used. Examples: She eats like a bird. She is as quick as a fox.

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theme

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The main idea or message that an author explores in a story; is often a lesson or universal truth about life or human nature. Examples: love, friendship, courage, perseverance, justice

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tone

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The attitude of the author toward the audience and characters. Examples: sarcastic, unhappy, humorous, optimistic