Modern Short Stories—Review Sheet
Literary Terms
You should know the definitions of these terms. There will be a matching section that will include at least 15 of
them. You should be able to identify examples of the various types of figurative language—simile, metaphor,
personification, etc.
Allegory
Allusion
Antagonist
Character
Characterization
Indirect Characterization
Direct Characterization
Climax
Conflict
Internal Conflict
External Conflict
Denouement (Resolution)
Dialogue
Exposition
Falling Action
Fiction
Figurative Language
Foreshadowing
Hyperbole
Imagery
Irony
Situational Irony
Verbal Irony
Dramatic Irony
Metaphor
Mood
Onomatopoeia
Oxymoron
Parable
Personification
Plot
Point of View
1st Person
3rd Person Limited
3rd Person Omniscient
Protagonist
Rising Action
Satire
Setting
Simile
Stereotype
Symbol
Theme
Tone
Vernacular
Stories
You should be familiar with these short stories. You should know all that we talked about in class, for example,
religion and color symbolism in “Life,” characterization in “Emily,” theme and symbolism in “Rockpile.” You
should know the main characters, points of view, and themes of each story. You should be able to answer
multiple choice and short answer questions for each.
“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor
“The Second Tree from the Corner” by E.B. White
“A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner
“Rockpile” by James Baldwin
“Game” by Donald Barthelme
“Ambush” by Tim O’Brien