LITERARY TERMS
Monologue: A dramatic soliloquy: a long speech monopolizing
conversation.
Foreshadowing: To give hint or suggestion of beforehand. The use of hints
or clues to suggest what will happen later in literature.
Allusion: a brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or ficticious, or
to a work of art. Casual reference to a famous historical or literary figure or
event. An allusion may be drawn from history, geography, literature, or
religion. Example: Stephen Vincent Benet's story "By the Waters of
Babylon" contains a direct reference to Psalm 137 in the Bible.
Characterization: is the method used by a writer to develop a character.
The method includes (1) showing the character's appearance, (2) displaying
the character's actions, (3) revealing the character's thoughts, (4) letting
the character speak, and (5) getting the reactions of others.
Dialogue: A conversation in literature. Dialogue generally refers to
anything spoken by a character, even if the character is not actually
MS. PRYZBYLKOWSKI, SIXTH GRADE BLUE TEAM LITERACY
LITERARY TERMS
speaking to anyone or having a conversation. Sometimes the term is
broadened to include direct thoughts from a character.
Symbol: using an object or action that means something more than its
literal meaning.
*The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing
symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.*A
system of symbols or representations.*A symbolic meaning or
representation. Example: the bird of night (owl is a symbol of death)
Climax: (From Greek word for "ladder"): The moment in a play, novel,
short story, or narrative poem at which the crisis reaches its point of
greatest intensity and is thereafter resolved. It is also the peak of
emotional response from a reader or spectator and usually the turning
point in the action. The climax usually follows or overlaps with the crisis of
a story, though some critics use the two terms synonymously.
Theme: the general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to
express. All of the elements of literary terms contribute to theme. A simple
theme can often be stated in a single sentence.
MS. PRYZBYLKOWSKI, SIXTH GRADE BLUE TEAM LITERACY