Literary Elements and Layers of Meaning

Front

Contextual Meaning

Back

The meaning derived from the surrounding text.

Front

Tone

Back

The author’s attitude toward the story.

Front

Sarcastic Tone

Back

The author is mocking or ridiculing.

Front

Conflict

Back

The problem that drives the action in a story.

Front

Theme

Back

The underlying message or main idea of a story.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events that make up a story.

Front

Characterization

Back

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

Front

Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Front

Imagery

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.