Symbols & Metaphors
This object might represent a new opportunity or path in life in a story.
➤ What is a door?
This is the central message or idea of a story.
➤ What is the theme?
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?
A theme about “being true to yourself” fits in this broad category.
➤ What is identity?
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 story about a character choosing between two difficult paths likely explores this theme.
➤ What is decision-making or choice?
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?
This is a theme often explored when characters pretend to be something they’re not.
➤ What is deception or false identity?
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?
When a theme is not stated directly, but you can figure it out based on events, it’s called this.
➤ What is an implied theme?
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?