Literary Lexicon Vocabulary Practice

Front

The author lays the groundwork for the story by revealing the setting (where and when); establishes the basic relationships between the characters.

Back

Exposition

Front

The action and events that take place in the story and build up to the conflict.

Back

Rising Action

Front

Events that occur after the climax and lead up to the closure/conclusion of the story.

Back

Falling Action

Front

Interrupts the peace and balance; one or more of the characters comes into conflict

Back

Conflict

Front

The most critical moment in the story; the point at which a decision is made or an action is taken.

Back

Climax

Front

The problem/conflict is resolved

Back

Resolution

Front

A reference to a literary, mythological or historical person, place, or thing

Back

Allusion

Front

A contrast between appearances and reality, usually one in which reality is the opposite from what it seems; in other words, one thing is expected to happen or be, but the opposite occurs

Back

Irony

Front

The use of any object, person, place, or action that has both a meaning in itself and that stands for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value

Back

Symbolism

Front

The use in a literary work of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur

Back

Foreshadowing