Literary Elements in
The Cay
Conflict, Characterization, Theme, Irony,
Figurative Language
Conflict
Conflict: problem, struggle in the story
1. Person vs. Person: person struggles against another
person.
2. Person vs. Self: struggle against oneself
(mental/emotional)
3. Person vs. Society: struggle against the rules, laws,
politics
4. Person vs. Nature: struggle against forces of nature
5. Person vs. Fate- Character struggles with a future he
cannot control
6. Person vs. Unknown: struggle against imaginary sources
Characterization
Character: people, animals,
imaginary/mythical creatures that take a
part in the story.
Characterization: author
describes/develops
characters through
physical and personality
traits.
Theme
Theme: central
message or lesson of a
story usually involves a
truth about people and
life.
Irony
Irony: difference between what might be expected to
happen and what actually occurs
1. Situational: the opposite of what is expected to
happen.
2. Dramatic: when the audience knows what the
characters do not know
3. Verbal: Sarcasm, when something is said, but
something else is implied.
Figurative
Language
Figurative Language: play on words
● Simile: comparing two unlike things using words such
as "like" or "as"
● Personification: A figure of speech in which an object or
animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes
● Imagery: Descriptive language that create a picture in
your mind
● Metaphor: comparing two unlike things NOT using
words such as "like" or "as"
Prejudice: judging
someone or having an idea
about them before you actually
know anything about them.