Literary Elements

What is an “element”?

Literary elements: Definition:

Tools that allow an author to extend the meaning of words beyond the literal…

Types: Elements of Plot The “MVPs” The “Benchwarmers”

Also known as: literary devices

The Elements of Plot

Elements of plot = parts of a story Structure

The combination of the elements in a story to produce a PLOT Exposition

Introduction: setting, characters, tones, necessary information Rising Action

Events leading up to the climax (often cause/effect pattern…) Conflict

Essential to plot – all stories have it Man vs. man Man vs. nature Man vs. society Man vs. self

The Elements of Plot, cont.

Climax The result of some crisis or conflict, the “high point” of the story

–and, usually, the most emotional/interesting/intense

Falling Action Events leading to the resolution of the story (after the climax)

Resolution The “conclusion” to the story/events

*Foreshadowing* Clues the author gives as to what will happen later on in the

story Builds suspense, makes events seem linked together (to reader)

Dialogue The author’s use of spoken language – and conversation – in a

story Hint: usually includes quotation marks! Can be used to develop characters, reveal information, etc.

And now…

The literary elements!

After we look at the different elements, we will get into which elements are the “MVPs”, and which are the “Benchwarmers” – but it’s important to know both sides.

Don’t forget: many elements have various components – don’t worry if you can’t remember all of them!

Theme

Theme Definition:

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. Can be stated or implied (not obvious), but will be

returned to throughout the work by the author Different from a topic ; themes involve

statements/opinions about a topic… For example:

The topic of a story may be war… The theme may be that war is useless.

May be major or minor

Characterization

Characterization Definition:

The author’s development of the characters within a story. Major Characters

“Round,” or “3-dimensional”… See both the good AND bad sides of the character Changes in their goals, ambitions, values Changes as a result of the events in the story (DYNAMIC) Types:

Protagonist (main character) Antagonist (force against the main character) Foil (character who provides a contrast to the

protagonist)

Characterization, cont.

Minor Characters “Flat,” or “2-dimensional” Have only one or two striking qualities (memorable) Usually all good or all bad Lack depth Do not change in the course of the story (STATIC)

Point of View

Point of View Definition:

The perspective through which the story is being told

First Person Narrator who is a character in the story Can only reveal personal thoughts and feelings – does not

know what others are thinking/feeling “I” perspective

Third Person Limited Narrator is an observer (not part of the story) Can see the mind (thoughts/feelings) of one character in the

story “He,” “she,” “they”…

Point of View, cont.

Third Person Objective Narrator is an outsider (not part of story) who can only

report what he/she “sees” and “hears” from other characters

Can report the events of the story, but not what others are thinking/feeling

Omniscient Usually a third-person narrator (not part of story) “All-knowing”: can enter the minds of all the characters

Irony

Irony Definition:

The contrast between what is expected (or what appears to be) and what actually is

Verbal Irony Contrast between what is said and what is meant

Situational Irony A happening that is opposite of what was expected or

intended Dramatic Irony

When the audience (or reader) knows more than the characters

Warning: irony can be very difficult to spot…

Tone & Mood

Tone Definition:

The author’s attitude toward a subject (stated or implied) Can be pessimistic, optimistic, serious, bitter, sarcastic,

etc. Set through word choice (diction), details

Mood Definition:

The climate of feeling in a literary work Can be ironic, serious, humorous Set through setting, details, images, diction, etc.

Imagery

Imagery Definition:

Language (usually a description) that appeals to the senses

Not to be confused with personification, similes, other examples of figurative language –

focuses on painting a picture (literally)

Symbolism

Symbolism Definition:

A person, place, or object that suggests a meaning beyond the obvious

Usually carries meaning itself, as well as a further meaning

Some are conventional – meaning they generally mean the same thing to all readers Ex: sunshine = goodness Ex: water = cleanser

Diction

Diction Definition:

The author’s choice of words, usually with attention to effectiveness, clearness, correctness, etc.

Usually used to give a verbal description, set a mood, etc.

Commonly referred to as word choice

Very easy to spot and use – remember this one!!!

Figurative Language

Figurative Language Definition:

Whenever something is described by comparing it to something else – most commonly simile, metaphor, alliteration

Simile A figure of speech; a direct comparison between two unlike

things using “like” or “as” Ex: He was as cool as a cucumber

Metaphor A figure of speech involving an implied comparison

between two things, usually using a form of the verb “to be” Ex: The road was a ribbon of moonlight

Figurative Language, cont.

Alliteration Repeated consonant sounds, either at the beginning of

words or within the words Used to establish mood, call attention to important

words, point out similarities/contrasts, etc. Ex: We waited, wide-eyed and wondering

Personification Gives human qualities to an animal, object, or idea Used to create an attitude or help reader see something

in a new light Ex: The tree stretched its willowy arms

towards the sky

Figurative Language, cont.

Onomatopoeia The use of words that mimic sounds Appeal to sense of hearing, bring descriptions “to life”

Ex: The bee buzzed

Hyperbole An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect Done to emphasize a particular point

Ex: She has said so millions of times

Where have we seen them before?

Here’s the obvious… Novels Short stories Poetry

And the maybe-not-so-obvious… Songs Music videos: Rihanna- Umbrella (ft. Jay-Z) Films Television shows

MVPs vs. Benchwarmers

What is Ms. Prinzing talking about? Not all literary elements are created equal!

Some are stronger than others…

For example – would you really tell me the author proves the theme about the harmful effects of war on the human psyche by including an oxymoron as your literary element of choice?

(*Notice I did not even include oxymoron on the lit elements list…)

MVPs

Our “Most Valuable Players” The elements on this list can be used – and should be

used – most commonly to support a thesis, give evidence, etc.

These elements are the stronger literary elements; they hold more weight than those on the “benchwarmer” list, but may be slightly more difficult to find at times…

This is not to say you don’t ever need to use the benchwarmers. Be forewarned, however: Ms. Prinzing will be looking for you to use the MVPs a majority of the time!

The MVP List

Here it is: Theme Point of View (any) Characterization Setting Symbolism Imagery Diction (along with tone…) Metaphor Irony

The Benchwarmer List

Here is your list of not-so-great players: Onomatopoeia Alliteration Hyperbole Personification Simile Mood Oxymoron

(just in case you needed to see it again…)

In Conclusion…

Remember: All literary elements are part of author’s craft

All can be used to enhance a piece of writing, increase effectiveness, reveal information, etc.

Not all are equally effective or important…

Choose a few to keep in your “toolbox” and remember them –they will always come in handy, from now until you graduate!