Lit Terms I
the ordinary form of written language that occurs in two forms: fiction and non-fiction
prose
the main character in a literary work
protagonist
a section of a literary work that interrupts the sequence of events to relate an event from an earlier time
flashback
literary device where something stands for or represents something else
symbol
an event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the characters, the reader, or the audience. (The bride leaves the wedding with a groomsman; a lady dies at her birthday party)
situational irony
the time and place of the story’s action
setting
the person or force that opposes or competes against the protagonist
antagonist
a reference to a well-known person, place, event, and literary work
allusion
a division or type of literature; there are three major genres: prose, poetry, drama
genre
a story written to be performed by actors; the script of a drama is made up of dialogue, which is the words the actors say, and stage directions, which are comments on how and where action happens
drama
the sequence of events in a literary work
plot
it is up to the reader to draw conclusions about the character based on indirect information such as dialogue, action, thoughts or other characters
indirect characterization
the use of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur; hints about the future events
foreshadowing
a recurrent image, action, sound, symbol, etc. that has a symbolic significance and contributes toward the development of the theme; a recurring image, word, object, or situation that appears in various works or throughout the same work.
motif
writing or speech not meant to be interpreted literally but used to create vivid expressions (metaphors, similes, personification, etc.)
figurative language
introduces the setting, the characters and the basic situation
exposition
central message or insight of life revealed
theme
feeling of curiosity or uncertainty about the outcome of events in a literary work
suspense
there is a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows to be true. The audience knows something that the character does not. (The reader knows that Juliet is alive; Romeo believes she is dead)
dramatic irony
words or phrases that appeal to one or more of the five senses (describes the way things look, smell, taste, feel, and sound)
imagery
all events leading up to the climax
rising action
a struggle between two opposing forces
conflict
a conversation between two characters
dialogue
words are used to suggest the opposite of what is meant/sarcasm. In “The Cask of Amontillado” Montresor says to Fortunato, “I drink to your long life.”
verbal irony
the atmosphere or feeling created in the reader by a literary work or passage; the way the reader feels while reading the text.
mood