Literary Theory & Schools
Studies the principles, methods, and history of literature.
Literary theory
The central message or underlying meaning of a literary work.
Theme
The branch of literature that studies different types or categories of literary works.
Literary genres
Ordinary written language that is not poetry.
Prose
Emphasizes emotion, imagination, and individuality over reason.
Romanticism
The main thought or lesson the author wants to convey.
Idea
A long narrative poem, often about heroic deeds or events.
Epic
Type of prose that is based on imagination and created by the author.
Fiction
Focuses on social issues and realistic depiction of life.
Realism
The sequence of events in a story.
Plot
Poetry that expresses personal emotions or feelings of the author.
Lyric
A method authors use to tell a story, organize events, and show characters.
Narrative technique
Analyzes unconscious, dreams, and psychology of characters.
Psychoanalysis
The struggle between opposing forces in a story.
Conflict
Literary works that combine two or more genres or blend traditional forms with new styles.
Mixed genres
A narrative method showing past events to explain characters’ motivation.
Flashback
Differentiates literary schools affecting style, theme, and purpose.
Approach
The persons, animals, or beings that take part in the story.
Character
Works written to be performed on stage, involving dialogue and action.
Drama
Type of prose based entirely on facts and real events.
Non-fiction