Literary Terms7th Grade Honors

Part DClick Mouse to AdvanceClick Mouse to Advance

The main character

in a

literary work

Refrain

A regularly repeated line or group of

lines in a poem or a song

The use, more than

once, of any element

of language---a

sound, word, phrase,

clause, or sentence

resolutionresolution

The outcome of the

conflict in a plot

The repetition of sounds at the ends of words.

Many traditional poems contain end rhymes, or rhyming words at the ends of

lines.

Another common device is theuse of internal rhymes, or

rhyming words within lines

Rhyme Scheme Rhyme Scheme AA A regular

pattern of rhyming words

in a poem

RhythmThe pattern of

stressed

and unstressed syllables

in spoken or

written language

A section

of

uninterrupted

action

in the act

of a drama

Science fiction

combines elements of

fiction and fantasy with

scientific fact.

Many science-fiction

stories are set

in the future.

Sensory LanguageSensory Language Writing Writing

or or

speech speech

that appeals that appeals

to one or more to one or more

of the five of the five sensessenses

settingThe time and place of the action

Short StoryA brief work of fiction

SimileSimileA figure of speech A figure of speech

that uses like or as that uses like or as

to make a to make a

direct comparison direct comparison

between between

two unlike ideas.two unlike ideas.

speakerspeaker

The imaginary voice The imaginary voice a poet uses when a poet uses when writing a poem.writing a poem.

Stage DirectionsStage DirectionsNotes Notes

included included

in a drama in a drama

to describe to describe

how the work how the work

is to be is to be performed performed

or staged.or staged.

Staging includes

the setting, the lighting,

the costumes, special

effects, music, dance,

and so on that go into

putting on a stage

performance of a drama.

Staging

A group of lines of poetry that are usually similar in length and pattern and are separated by spaces.

A conclusion

that is

unexpected.

SuspenseA feeling of

anxious uncertainty

about the outcome of

events in a literary work.

Symbol

Anything that stands for orrepresents something else.

Symbolism

The Useof

symbols.

ThemeA central message, concern, or purpose in a literary work.

TONEThe writer’s attitude toward his or

her audience and subject.

TragedyA work of literature, especially a play, that results in a catastrophefor the main character.

Universal Theme

A message about life that is expressed regularly in many different

cultures and time periods.

Word Choice

Sometimes referred to as diction – it is an important factor in

creating the tone or mood of a literary

work.