Literary Elements 1
comparison of two unlike things
What is a metaphor?
comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as”
simile
literary techniques that involve surprising, interesting, or amusing contradictions
irony
the place and time in which a literary work takes place
setting
example, if it were a cold, rainy gray day, you might say, “What a beautiful day!”
irony
a character or force in conflict with the main character
interrupts the sequence of events to relate an event from an earlier time
flashback
the sequence of events
plot
the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman
personification
protagonist
the main character of the story
Protagonist
the use of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur
foreshadowing
visually descriptive language that helps readers visualize the situation
imagery
example: quiet as a mouse
simile
example: Melinda and her parents argue about her grades
conflict
struggle between opposing forces
conflict
a conversation between characters
dialogue
a central idea, concern, or purpose
theme
example: she has a heart of stone
metaphor
example: After the long run, he collapsed in the grass with tired and burning muscles. The grass tickled his skin and sweat cooled on his brow.
imagery
A person, animal, or imaginary creature in a literary work
character
the perspective, or vantage point, from which a story is told
point of view
anything that stands for or represents something abstract (like an idea)
symbol
example: Ken said, "That sunset is incredible!"
"I prefer sunrises," Joe replied.
dialogue
introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
plot