Literary terms Literary terms

By : Gaby MaganaBy : Gaby MaganaCorazon RodriguezCorazon Rodriguez

Alliteration Alliteration Definition: it’s the Definition: it’s the

commencement of commencement of two or more words two or more words in a group of words in a group of words with the same with the same letter.letter.

Ex. They twirl Ex. They twirl through the trekthrough the trektumbling towards tumbling towards the tide the tide

Ballad Ballad Definition: a Definition: a

simple narrative simple narrative poem of folk poem of folk origin, composed origin, composed in short stanzas in short stanzas and adapted for and adapted for singing. singing.

Ex. Ex. 3.3. any poem any poem written in similar written in similar stylestyle

Characterization Characterization • Definition: Definition: the the

creation and creation and convincing convincing representation of representation of fictitious fictitious characters.characters.

• Ex. They illustrate Ex. They illustrate or confirm the rule or confirm the rule clearly. They are clearly. They are unambiguous.unambiguous.   

Connotation & denotation Connotation & denotation Definition: an act or Definition: an act or

instance of connoting. instance of connoting. the explicit or direct the explicit or direct meaning or set of meaning or set of meanings of a word or meanings of a word or expression.expression.

Ex. I can't believe I fell Ex. I can't believe I fell for counterfeit for counterfeit Superbowl tickets. The Superbowl tickets. The guys will be crestfallen guys will be crestfallen when they find out.when they find out.

dialogue dialogue Definition: the Definition: the

conversation conversation between between characters in a characters in a novel or drama.novel or drama.

Ex. They called Ex. They called me when they me when they couldn't get you. couldn't get you.

fablefable Definition: a short tale Definition: a short tale

to a lesson, often with to a lesson, often with animals or inanimate animals or inanimate objects as characters. objects as characters.

Ex: "The Crow was Ex: "The Crow was hugely flattered by this, hugely flattered by this, and just to show the and just to show the Fox that she could sing Fox that she could sing she gave a loud caw. she gave a loud caw.

Figurative languageFigurative language Definition: audio Definition: audio

pronunciations, pronunciations, example or example or sentences, spelling, sentences, spelling, synonyms, antonyms, synonyms, antonyms, translations, translations,

Ex: The Silken Tent. A Ex: The Silken Tent. A woman is admired for woman is admired for her strength and her strength and beauty, like a silken beauty, like a silken tent. tent.

flashbackflashback Definition: a device Definition: a device

in the narrative of in the narrative of a motion picture, a motion picture, novel, etc., novel, etc.,

Ex: I had a Ex: I had a flashback form flashback form when I was little.when I was little.

hyperbolehyperbole Definition: an Definition: an

extravagant extravagant statement or figure of statement or figure of speech not intended speech not intended to be taken literally. to be taken literally.

Ex: I am so tired I Ex: I am so tired I could sleep for a year. could sleep for a year.

Imagery Imagery Definition: the Definition: the

formation of mental formation of mental images, figures, or images, figures, or likenesses of things, likenesses of things, or of such images or of such images collectively: collectively:

Ex: The gurgling Ex: The gurgling sound of my brother sound of my brother slurping slurping

inferenceinference Definition: the Definition: the

process of deriving process of deriving the strict logical the strict logical consequences of consequences of assumed premises. assumed premises.

Ex: Just because the Ex: Just because the famous actor was famous actor was seen in a jewelry seen in a jewelry store.store.

ironyirony Definition: the use of Definition: the use of

words to convey a words to convey a meaning to be meaning to be opposite of its literal opposite of its literal meaning.meaning.

Ex: Funny as hell Ex: Funny as hell

metaphormetaphor Definition: something Definition: something

used, or regarded as used, or regarded as being used. being used.

Ex: As you'll see in Ex: As you'll see in this list, many of our this list, many of our stock phrases are stock phrases are actually metaphor actually metaphor

oxymoronoxymoron

Definition: a Definition: a figure of speech figure of speech by which a by which a locution islocution is

produces.produces. Ex: Jumbo Ex: Jumbo

shrimp, followed shrimp, followed by vegetarian by vegetarian meatballs, and meatballs, and for desert, for desert, grape nuts. grape nuts.

personification Definition: the

representation of a thing or abstraction in to a person, as in art.

Ex: Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. There was no one there. - Proverb

simile• Definition: a figure

of speech in which two unlike things are compared.

• Ex: Playing cards with Sam is like trying to outsmart a Vegas slot machine.

Thank you for your Thank you for your attentionattention