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Elements of Literature
Examples and definitions of commonly used literary elements.
56
English
Not Applicable
01/16/2012

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Term
Plot Structure
Definition
The order of in which the events happen and are arraged or catigorized.
Term
Exposition
Definition
Begining, background information
Term
Rising Action
Definition
Start of problems
Term
Climax
Definition
Most intense scene, sometimes the huge main breakthrough.
Term
Falling Action
Definition
Less action, conflicts clearing up.
Term
Resolution/solution/denoument
Definition
The end of the story and the action. The ending can be open-ended or close-ended.
Term
Open-ended Resolution
Definition
Not all questions are answered, some future information is left out.
Term
Close-ended Resolution
Definition
Everything is ended and told about, no secrets remain.
Term
Plot
Definition
What the story is about including the main events of the story.
Term
Author's Purpose
Definition
The goal of writing the piece, or why the story was written (to inform, persuade, or entertain)
Term
Theme
Definition
The main idea of the story, wordly truth.
Term
Flashbacks
Definition
In a certain time in the future (the present) remembering an event in the past.
Term
Simile
Definition
Basic comparisions using like or as.
Term
Metaphor
Definition
Deeper comparisions, without utilizing like or as.
Term
Conflict
Definition
The main struggle or fight in the story. The conflict can be internal or external.
Term
Internal Conflict
Definition
The character fights with his or hers own mind and emotions.
Term
External Conflict
Definition
The character is opposed to some other person, or in some cases, force. (Man vs man, man vs society, man vs nature)
Term
Man vs man
Definition
Two people against each other.
Term
Man vs society
Definition
The protagonist fights against a whole larger group of people who have near total control.
Term
Man vs nature
Definition
The protagonist fights against a large, dangerous type of weather.
Term
Character
Definition
The people, things, or animals who are the cast in the story.
Term
Protagonist
Definition
The main charcter which the reader knows the most about or "follows" in the story. Not always good, just a common misunderstanding.
Term
Antagonist
Definition
The main opposition to the Protagonist.
Term
Round Character
Definition
Character with many personality traits. Very clear personality.
Term
Flat Character
Definition
Bland, sterotypical character. Very little traits.
Term
Dynamic Character
Definition
Character who is effected by events and changes by the end of the story (Mentally and/or physically).
Term
Static Character
Definition
Character who stays the same.
Term
Foil
Definition
A character in the story who is the complete opposite of another character in the story(Physically and/or personallity wise).
Term
Tragic Hero
Definition
A character who dies because of incorrect judgement or choices.
Term
Symbolism
Definition
Represents an idea, quality, or concept. Generally a color.
Term
Irony
Definition
An odd contrast between two things. (Dramatic, Situational, Verbal)
Term
Dramatic Irony
Definition
When the reader knows something the character doesn't.
Term
Situational Irony
Definition
When the opposite of what was going to happen happens.
Term
Verbal Irony
Definition
When someone says one thing but means another.
Term
Imagery
Definition
Really detailed description of something, usually setting. A reference to the five senses.
Term
Figurative Language
Definition
Like Imagery, except it is more in depth.
Term
Foreshadowing
Definition
Hints of what will happen later in the story.
Term
Dennotation
Definition
The dictionary definition.
Term
Connotation
Definition
The tone or "aura" a word or phrase gives off.
Term
Allegory
Definition
An extended metaphor.
Term
Allusion
Definition
A figure of speech which refers to something from another work.
Term
Satire
Definition
Mokery, not parodies or easy to spot.
Term
Setting
Definition
Where and when the story takes place, including financial type, minute locations,time periods, etc.
Term
Atmosphere
Definition
The overall feeling in the entire story.
Term
Mood
Definition
The feeling the author creates at a specific time.
Term
Tone
Definition
Conveys the author's emotion and attitude.
Term
Point of View
Definition
The perspective of who tells the story.
(First, second, third limited, third omniscent, objective, corporate)
Term
First Person
Definition
One one character telling the story, not to anyone in specific.
Term
Second Person
Definition
Story told using you, which places you into the story.
Term
Third Person Omniscent
Definition
The narrarator knows all and tells every character's emontions.
Term
Third Person Limited
Definition
Only one chosen character's feelings are told.
Term
Objective
Definition
Told without thoughts or feelings.
Term
Corporate
Definition
Group of people telling the story.
Term
Narrator
Definition
The person or charater telling the story. Can be reliable or unreliable.
Term
Reliable Narrarator
Definition
The narrarator can be trusted and is telling the true facts.
Term
Unreliable Narrarator
Definition
The narrarator is a shady charcter who can't be trusted.
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