Symbols & Metaphors
This object might represent a new opportunity or path in life in a story.
➤ What is a door?
A story about a boy who learns to apologize after hurting a friend.
We should take responsibility for our actions and make things right.
The beginning of a story is also known as this.
➤ What is the exposition?
A story told by "I" or "me" is written in this point of view.
➤ What is first person?
“The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of this.
➤ What is personification?
When an author uses a journey as a metaphor, they are often talking about this.
➤ What is life or personal growth?
In a poem about a sunflower reaching for the sun, the flower never gives up even when it's cloudy.
Keep striving toward your goals, even when things are hard.
This is when tension builds and the conflict grows.
➤ What is rising action?
A story told by an outside narrator is usually in this point of view.
➤ What is third person?
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
➤ What is a simile?
If a story starts in autumn, it might symbolize this stage of life.
➤ What is adulthood or middle age?
A girl who stands up to a bully learns she is stronger and braver than she thought.
Believing in yourself gives you the power to face challenges.
The turning point or most intense moment in the story.
➤ What is the climax?
When the narrator knows only one character’s thoughts, it's called this.
➤ What is third person limited?
A direct comparison that does not use “like” or “as.”
➤ What is a metaphor?
A dark storm cloud following a character might symbolize this.
➤ What is looming trouble or emotional distress?
A group of animals work together to survive the winter instead of fighting over food.
Cooperation and teamwork help everyone succeed.
The end of the story where things wrap up.
➤ What is the resolution?
When the narrator knows everything, including all characters’ thoughts.
➤ What is third person omniscient?
“Boom,” “crash,” and “buzz” are examples of this sound device.
➤ What is onomatopoeia?
When something in a story stands for a deeper idea, this device is being used.
➤ What is symbolism?
In a story, a boy who always lies loses the trust of his friends—even when he tells the truth later.
Lying can break trust, and it’s hard to earn it back.
When a character must make a difficult decision, it’s part of this story element.
➤ What is conflict?
This point of view speaks directly to the reader using “you.”
➤ What is second person?
Repeating the first consonant sound, like “wild wind whistled.”
➤ What is alliteration?