Definitions 1
The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. In works of fiction, is it the abstract concept which is made concrete through its representation in person, action, and image.
Theme
Any object, person, place, or action that has a meaning in itself and that also stands for something larger than itself such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value.
Symbol
The attitude a writer takes toward his or her subject, characters, or audience.
Tone
A situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality.
Irony
The emotional response the story creates within the reader.
Mood
The use of hints or clues in a narrative to suggest what will happen later.
Foreshadowing
The method the author uses to acquaint a reader with the characters through direct statements or details.
Characterization
Literary and theatrical device in which the reader or audience knows more than the characters they are following.
Dramatic Irony
The struggle which grows out of the interplay of the two opposing forces in a plot. Can be internal or external.
Conflict
The emotional associations surrounding a word, as opposed to the literal meaning of the word.
Connotation
A character, incident, idea, or object that recurs in various works or in various parts of the same work.
Motif
The speaker says one thing, but they really mean another.
Verbal Irony
Following along with one character and tends to view events from that person's perspective.
3rd person Point of View - Limited
The thoughts and actions of any or all of the characters as needed.
3rd Person Point of View - Omniscient
A narrative in which characters, action, and sometimes setting represent abstract concepts apart from the literal meaning of the story. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and the characters are often personifications of the abstract idea.
Allegory
When the outcome of a situation is contrary to or different from what is expected.
Situational Irony
The author's choice of words or phrases in a literary work. This involves both connotation and denotation.
Diction/ Syntax
Placing two unrelated things next to each other to highlight their differences. This technique is a subtle way to encourage the reader to compare and contrast two or more elements in a story: characters, settings, events, moods, and more.
Juxtaposition
The way in which a story is organized and presented to the reader or audience. It includes the elements of plot, character, setting, and theme, as well as the techniques and devices used by the author to convey these elements.
Narrative Structure
A literary device that contradicts itself but contains a piece of truth.
Paradox