Literary Elements
The central message, lesson, or moral of a story, often universal in nature.
Theme
A “paragraph” in a poem.
Stanza
The written document containing the dialogue and action for a drama; the text of a stage play, movie, or other performance.
Script
Presents information in the order events happen or steps occur.
Chronological Order
Comparison using like or as.
Simile
Using an object, character, or event to represent an abstract idea.
Symbolism
A single row of words in a poem.
Line
In a dramatic or literary presentation, the verbal parts of the script or text; the verbalizations of the actors or characters
Dialogue
Shows similarities and differences between two or more topics.
Compare and Contrast
Descriptive language appealing to the five senses
Imagery
Perspective from which the story is told
Point of View
Words that sound like their meaning.
Onomatopoeia
A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two opposing groups or individuals.
Conflict
Statements the author argues are true.
Claims
Giving human traits to non-human things.
Personification
When and where the story occurs.
Setting
14 lines, often about love.
Sonnet
The course of a story, comprising a series of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
Plot
The reason the author wrote the text (to inform, explain, or persuade).
Author's Purpose
Repetition of initial consonant sounds
Alliteration
A reference to another literary work, historical event, or cultural idea.
Allusion
The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines.
Example: AABB →
Rhyme Scheme
The culmination of a narrative's rising action, the turning point.
Climax
The main point or message the text communicates.
Central Idea
Extreme exaggeration for effect.
Hyperbole