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Literary Elements
Definitions of Literary Elements
29
English
10th Grade
10/23/2011

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Cards

Term
foil
Definition
a character who because of their qualities, emphasizes by contrast the qualities of another character.
Term
verbal irony 
Definition
when you say something but mean something else.
Term
situational irony
Definition
when the opposite of the expected occurs
Term
dramatic irony
Definition
when the audience or reader knows more than the characters
Term
protaganist
Definition
the main character (often noble character).
Term
antagonist
Definition
the opposing force (looked upon as bad, typically.)
Term
exposition
Definition
the background info. in the beginning of the story
Term
tragic flaw
Definition
characteristic in the protagonist of the tragedy that ultimately leads to their destruction.
Term
setting
Definition
time and place in which action occurs
Term
theme
Definition
underlying idea or the author's insight
Term
imagery
Definition
use of words and phrases that appeal to the senses
Term
in media res
Definition
a writer begins the story with an important event rather than the first incident.
Term
motive
Definition
Reason which causes the character to act as she does.
Term
climax
Definition
highest point of interest or emotion
Term
mood
Definition

how the reader or author feels

 

Term
complicating incident
Definition
1st incident that creates conflict of forces or wills and therefore starts the plot on its way.
Term
tone
Definition
attitude of the author or piece. synonymous with attitude.
Term
foreshadowing 
Definition
process in a story of giving the reader a hint about a coming event.
Term
tragic force
Definition
element in a tragedy that provides the stimulus for the downfall of the hero.
Term
universality 
Definition
a term applied to writing when it appeals to all ages.
Term
dramatic unities
Definition
a group of relating incidents forming a definite part of denouement is set.
Term
resolution
Definition
part of the story in which the conflict is resolved and the stage for the denouement is set. 
Term
1st person POV
Definition
the POV in which the narrator is the eye.
Term
3rd person omniscient POV
Definition
The POV in which the author chooses a narrator.
Term
3rd person limited POV
Definition
the POV in which the author tells the story with focus on one character.
Term
symbol
Definition
a figure in which a concrete object is used to represent an abstract idea.
Term
style
Definition
particular manner of expression of a writer that distinguishes him from other writers
Term
antecedent action
Definition
action which occurred before the story began and is important to the plot to be included in the exposition.
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