Literary terms and literary devices PP.ppt

Literary terms to be used for revision

1. We will use the following terms:We will use the following terms:
Character Character AntagonistAntagonistProtagonistProtagonist
DictionDictionDenotationDenotationConnotationConnotation
ImageryImageryMoodMood Plot Plot
ExpositionExposition Rising ActionRising Action ClimaxClimax
Falling ActionFalling Action ResolutionResolutionConflictConflict
FlashbackFlashback ForeshadowingForeshadowing SuspenseSuspense
Point of ViewPoint of View SettingSetting StyleStyle
ThemeTheme ToneTone Figures of SpeechFigures of Speech
MetaphorMetaphor SimileSimileOxymoronOxymoron
PersonificationPersonificationAlliterationAlliteration

2. CharacterCharacter
A character is a person or an A character is a person or an
animal that takes part in the animal that takes part in the
action of a literary work. action of a literary work.

3. AntagonistAntagonist
•The Antagonist is a character or The Antagonist is a character or
force in conflict with a main force in conflict with a main
character, or protagonist. character, or protagonist.

4. Do you know your Antagonists???Do you know your Antagonists???
•On your paper take a few minutes to On your paper take a few minutes to
write down some Antagonists that you write down some Antagonists that you
can recall from movies, television can recall from movies, television
shows, and video gamesshows, and video games
•Remember the Antagonist is in conflict Remember the Antagonist is in conflict
with the Protagonist or, main character!with the Protagonist or, main character!
•Helpful hint – you should now know Helpful hint – you should now know
why people use the saying “Don’t why people use the saying “Don’t
antagonize me!”antagonize me!”

5. ProtagonistProtagonist
•The Protagonist is the main The Protagonist is the main
character in a literary workcharacter in a literary work
•Can you name some famous Can you name some famous
Protagonists that are found Protagonists that are found
in literature?in literature?

6. DictionDiction
•Diction is the manner in which Diction is the manner in which
we express words; the we express words; the
wording used.wording used.
•Diction = enunciationDiction = enunciation
•Some easy examples are:Some easy examples are:
Don’t say ‘goin’ – say ‘going’, Don’t say ‘wanna’ – say ‘want to’Don’t say ‘goin’ – say ‘going’, Don’t say ‘wanna’ – say ‘want to’

7. DenotationDenotation
The denotation of a word The denotation of a word
is its dictionary meaning, is its dictionary meaning,
independent of other independent of other
associations that the associations that the
word may have.word may have.

8. ConnotationConnotation
The connotation of a word is the set of The connotation of a word is the set of
ideas associated with it in addition to its ideas associated with it in addition to its
explicit meaning. The connotation of a explicit meaning. The connotation of a
word can be personal, based on word can be personal, based on
individual experiences. More often, individual experiences. More often,
cultural connotations – those cultural connotations – those
recognizable by most people in a group recognizable by most people in a group
– determine a writer’s word choices.– determine a writer’s word choices.

9. Denotation versus Denotation versus
ConnotationConnotation
Some examples – Some examples –
Cheap is “low in cost” (denotation) but Cheap is “low in cost” (denotation) but
“stingy” or “poorly made” are the “stingy” or “poorly made” are the
connotations of connotations of cheap cheap

10. Let’s use the word Let’s use the word HOT HOT
The denotation The denotation (or dictionary definition – remember d in (or dictionary definition – remember d in
denotation = dictionary)denotation = dictionary) of of HOTHOT is: having a is: having a
temperature higher than that of a human temperature higher than that of a human
body. body.
However, when you say “Man! He/She is hot!”, However, when you say “Man! He/She is hot!”,
are you saying “Man! He is having a are you saying “Man! He is having a
temperature higher than that of a human temperature higher than that of a human
body!”? No!! body!”? No!!
You are saying the CONNOTATION of HOT – You are saying the CONNOTATION of HOT –
which could mean a variety of things – man which could mean a variety of things – man
he/she is cute, attractive, beautiful, and many he/she is cute, attractive, beautiful, and many
other meanings – those come from personal other meanings – those come from personal
experiences and cultural meanings, etc.experiences and cultural meanings, etc.

11. ImageryImagery
ImageryImagery is words or phrases is words or phrases
that appeal to one or more of that appeal to one or more of
the five senses. Writers use the five senses. Writers use
imagery to describe how imagery to describe how
their subjects look, sound, their subjects look, sound,
feel, taste, and smell.feel, taste, and smell.

12. MOODMOOD
MoodMood, or atmosphere, is the feeling , or atmosphere, is the feeling
created in the reader by a literary created in the reader by a literary
work or passage. Writer’s use many work or passage. Writer’s use many
devices to create mood, including devices to create mood, including
images, dialogue, setting, and plot. images, dialogue, setting, and plot.
Often, a writer creates a mood at Often, a writer creates a mood at
the beginning of a work and then the beginning of a work and then
sustains the mood throughout. sustains the mood throughout.
Sometimes, however, the mood of Sometimes, however, the mood of
the work changes dramatically.the work changes dramatically.

13. PlotPlot
Plot is the sequence of events. The first event Plot is the sequence of events. The first event
causes the second, the second causes the third, causes the second, the second causes the third,
and so forth. and so forth.
In most novels, dramas, short stories, and In most novels, dramas, short stories, and
narrative poems, the plot involves both narrative poems, the plot involves both
characters and a central conflict. characters and a central conflict.
The plot usually begins with an exposition that The plot usually begins with an exposition that
introduces the setting, the characters, and the introduces the setting, the characters, and the
basic situation. This is introduced and basic situation. This is introduced and
developed. The conflict then increases until it developed. The conflict then increases until it
reaches a high point of interest or suspense, the reaches a high point of interest or suspense, the
climax. The climax is followed by the falling climax. The climax is followed by the falling
action, or end, of the central conflict. Any events action, or end, of the central conflict. Any events
that occur during the falling action make up the that occur during the falling action make up the
resolution.resolution.

14. PLOTLINEPLOTLINE
Exposition
Resolution
R
is
in
g
A
c
t
io
n
Climax
F
a
l
l
i
n
g

A
c
t
i
o
n
Conflict Introduced

15. ExpositionExposition
The Exposition is the The Exposition is the
introduction. It is the part introduction. It is the part
of the work that introduces of the work that introduces
the characters, setting, and the characters, setting, and
basic situation.basic situation.

16. Rising ActionRising Action
Rising Action is the part of the Rising Action is the part of the
plot that begins to occur as soon plot that begins to occur as soon
as the conflict is introduced. The as the conflict is introduced. The
rising action adds complications rising action adds complications
to the conflict and increases to the conflict and increases
reader interest.reader interest.

17. ClimaxClimax
The Climax is the point of The Climax is the point of
greatest emotional intensity, greatest emotional intensity,
interest, or suspense in the interest, or suspense in the
plot of a narrative. The climax plot of a narrative. The climax
typically comes at the turning typically comes at the turning
point in a story or drama.point in a story or drama.

18. Falling ActionFalling Action
Falling Action is the action Falling Action is the action
that typically follows the that typically follows the
climax and reveals its results.climax and reveals its results.

19. ResolutionResolution
The Resolution is the part of The Resolution is the part of
the plot that concludes the the plot that concludes the
falling action by revealing falling action by revealing
or suggesting the outcome or suggesting the outcome
of the conflict.of the conflict.

20. ConflictConflict
Conflict is the struggle Conflict is the struggle
between opposing forces between opposing forces
in a story or play. There in a story or play. There
are two types of conflict are two types of conflict
that exist in literature.that exist in literature.

21. External ConflictExternal Conflict
External conflict exists when a character External conflict exists when a character
struggles against some outside force, struggles against some outside force,
such as another character, nature, such as another character, nature,
society, or fate.society, or fate.
Man vs. ManMan vs. Man
Man vs. NatureMan vs. Nature

22. Internal ConflictInternal Conflict
Internal conflict exists within the mind of Internal conflict exists within the mind of
a character who is torn between a character who is torn between
different courses of action.different courses of action.
Man vs. HimselfMan vs. Himself

23. FlashbackFlashback
A flashback is a literary device in A flashback is a literary device in
which an earlier episode, which an earlier episode,
conversation, or event is inserted conversation, or event is inserted
into the sequence of events. into the sequence of events.
Often flashbacks are presented as Often flashbacks are presented as
a memory of the narrator or of a memory of the narrator or of
another character.another character.

24. The movie The movie TitanicTitanic is told almost entirely in is told almost entirely in
a flashback. a flashback.
What are some other films that contain What are some other films that contain
flashback to help tell stories?flashback to help tell stories?
HolesHoles
Willy WonkaWilly Wonka
Think of some more…Think of some more…
Flashback continued…

25. ForeshadowingForeshadowing
Foreshadowing is the author’s use of Foreshadowing is the author’s use of
clues to hint at what might happen later clues to hint at what might happen later
in the story. Writers use foreshadowing in the story. Writers use foreshadowing
to build their readers’ expectations and to build their readers’ expectations and
to create suspense. This is used to help to create suspense. This is used to help
readers prepare for what is to come.readers prepare for what is to come.

26. Can you think of an Can you think of an
element of element of
foreshadowing?foreshadowing?

27. SuspenseSuspense
Suspense is the growing interest and Suspense is the growing interest and
excitement readers experience while excitement readers experience while
awaiting a climax or resolution in a awaiting a climax or resolution in a
work of literature. It is a feeling of work of literature. It is a feeling of
anxious uncertainty about the outcome anxious uncertainty about the outcome
of events. Writers create suspense by of events. Writers create suspense by
raising questions in the minds of their raising questions in the minds of their
readers.readers.

28. Point of ViewPoint of View
Point of View is the perspective, or vantage Point of View is the perspective, or vantage
point, from which a story is told. It is the point, from which a story is told. It is the
relationship of the narrator to the story.relationship of the narrator to the story.
First-person is told by a character who First-person is told by a character who
uses the first-person pronoun “I”.uses the first-person pronoun “I”.
Third-person limited point of view is the Third-person limited point of view is the
point of view where the narrator uses point of view where the narrator uses
third-person pronouns such as “he” and third-person pronouns such as “he” and
“she” to refer to the characters. “she” to refer to the characters.

29. SettingSetting
The setting of a literary work is the time and The setting of a literary work is the time and
place of the action. place of the action.
The setting includes all the details of a place and The setting includes all the details of a place and
time – the year, the time of day, even the time – the year, the time of day, even the
weather. The place may be a specific country, weather. The place may be a specific country,
state, region, community, neighborhood, state, region, community, neighborhood,
building, institution, or home. building, institution, or home.
Details such as dialect, clothing, customs, and Details such as dialect, clothing, customs, and
modes of transportation are often used to modes of transportation are often used to
establish setting. establish setting.
In most stories, the setting serves as a backdrop In most stories, the setting serves as a backdrop
– a context in which the characters interact. – a context in which the characters interact.
The setting of a story often helps to create a The setting of a story often helps to create a
particular mood, or feeling.particular mood, or feeling.

30. StyleStyle
Style is the distinctive way in Style is the distinctive way in
which an author uses language.which an author uses language.
Word choice, phrasing, sentence Word choice, phrasing, sentence
length, tone, dialogue, length, tone, dialogue,
purpose, and attitude toward purpose, and attitude toward
the audience and subject can the audience and subject can
all contribute to an author’s all contribute to an author’s
writing style.writing style.

31. ThemeTheme
The theme of a literary work is its central The theme of a literary work is its central
message, concern, or purpose. A theme can message, concern, or purpose. A theme can
usually be expressed as a generalization, or usually be expressed as a generalization, or
general statement, about people or life. The general statement, about people or life. The
theme may be stated directly by the writer theme may be stated directly by the writer
although it is more often presented indirectly. although it is more often presented indirectly.
When the theme is stated indirectly, the When the theme is stated indirectly, the
reader must figure out the theme by looking reader must figure out the theme by looking
carefully at what the work reveals about the carefully at what the work reveals about the
people or about life.people or about life.

32. ToneTone
Tone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s Tone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s
attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or
other literary work. Tone may be other literary work. Tone may be
communicated through words and details that communicated through words and details that
express particular emotions and that evoke express particular emotions and that evoke
and emotional response from the reader. and emotional response from the reader.
For example, word choice or phrasing may seem For example, word choice or phrasing may seem
to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or
sarcasm.sarcasm.

33. Figures of SpeechFigures of Speech
A figure of speech is a specific device or kind of A figure of speech is a specific device or kind of
figurative language, such as hyperbole, figurative language, such as hyperbole,
metaphor, personification, simile, or metaphor, personification, simile, or
understatement.understatement.
Figurative language is used for descriptive Figurative language is used for descriptive
effect, often to imply ideas indirectly. It is not effect, often to imply ideas indirectly. It is not
meant to be taken literally. Figurative meant to be taken literally. Figurative
language is used to state ideas in vivid and language is used to state ideas in vivid and
imaginative ways.imaginative ways.

34. MetaphorMetaphor
A Metaphor is a type of speech that A Metaphor is a type of speech that
compares or equates two or more compares or equates two or more
things that have something in common. things that have something in common.
A metaphor does NOT use A metaphor does NOT use likelike or or asas..
Example: Life is a bowl Example: Life is a bowl
of cherries.of cherries.

35. SimileSimile
A Simile is another figure of speech that A Simile is another figure of speech that
compares seemingly unlike things. compares seemingly unlike things.
Simile’s DO use the words Simile’s DO use the words likelike or or asas..
Example: Her voice was like nails on a Example: Her voice was like nails on a
chalkboard.chalkboard.

36. OxymoronOxymoron
An Oxymoron is a figure of speech that is An Oxymoron is a figure of speech that is
a combination of seemingly a combination of seemingly
contradictory words. contradictory words.
Examples:Examples:Same differenceSame difference
Pretty uglyPretty ugly
Roaring silenceRoaring silence

37. PersonificationPersonification
Personification is a Personification is a
figure of speech in figure of speech in
which an animal, which an animal,
object, force of object, force of
nature, or idea is nature, or idea is
given human qualities given human qualities
or characteristics. or characteristics.
Example:Example:Tears began Tears began
to fall from the dark to fall from the dark
clouds.clouds.

38. AlliterationAlliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds, Alliteration is the repetition of sounds,
most often consonant sounds, at the most often consonant sounds, at the
beginning of words. Alliteration gives beginning of words. Alliteration gives
emphasis to words.emphasis to words.
Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of
pickled pepperspickled peppers