LESSON 3: LITERARY ELEMENTS AND DEVICES

 PROTAGONIST
The main character
 ANTAGONIST
The character or force that opposes the protagonist
 SETTING
The time and place the story takes place.
 POINT OF VIEW
Is the mode of narration that an author employs to let the readers “hear” and “see” what takes place in a story. Poem or essay.
 First-Person
Was the story told by one of the characters, only revealing his/her sights and thoughts?
 Third-Person Objective
Is the narrator an outsider who can only report what he sees and hears (cannot report the feelings of others?
 Third-Person Limited?
Is the narrator an outsider who can see into the mind of only one character?
 Omniscient
Is the narrator an outsider who seems all knowing, capable of looking into the minds of all characters?
 CONFLICT
Is any struggle between opposing forces.
 Man vs. Man
External conflict between two like beings; hero vs. villain
 Man vs. Nature
External conflict between a character and forces of nature
 Man vs. Society
External conflict between a character or characters and social traditions/concepts
 Man vs. Self
Internal conflict between a character and his own will, confusion, or fears; self-discovery; redemption
 TONE
The way the author expresses his attitude through his writing.
 SYMBOL
An object, character, figure, place, or color used to represent an abstract idea or concept.
 Life is a roller-coaster: This is symbolic because it indicates that there will be ups and downs in life that you have to
weather.
 He is a rock: This is symbolic because it signifies that he is strong and dependable.
 Love is a jewel: This is symbolic because it suggests that love is rare and pressure.
 THEME
A fundamental, universal idea explored in a literary work.
 MOTIF
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work. The smallest part of a tale that can exist independently.
Motifs in literary works help writers create mood, and help them to highlight important ideas and themes that emerge throughout
the work.
 A common motif in fairy tales is the wicked stepmother. In Cinderella, the wicked stepmother forces Cinderella to clean
house and will not allow her to go to the prince's ball. In Snow White, the wicked stepmother hates Snow White because of
her beauty and plots to kill her.
 FORESHADOWING
Occurs when future events in a story are suggested by the author before they actually happen.
 FLASHBACK
Takes the narrative bacj in time to an earlier point in the story.
 EXPOSITION
The introductory material that gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to
understanding the story.
The use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story.
 IRONY
Emphasizes the contrast between the way things are expected to be and the way they actually are.
 CLICHÉ
A worn-out idea or overused expression
In describing time, the following expressions have turned into cliché:
 in the nick of time – to happen just in time
 only time will tell – to become clear over time
 CARICATURE
A representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect.
 IMAGERY
The use of words to create a visual impression
 PUN
A play on words, often achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings.
 RHETORICAL QUESTION
A question asked for an effect, not actually requiring an answer.
 SIMILE
A comparison expressed using like or as.
Ex: The water is like the sun
 METAPHOR
A direct comparison, without using like or as.
EX: The water is the sun.
 ALLITERATION
Occurs when words begin with the same beginning sound.
Ex: Peter Piper Picked...
 ALLUSION
A reference within a literary work to a historical, literary, or biblical character, place or event.
“I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.” This refers to the story of Pinocchio, where his nose grew whenever
he told a lie. It is from The Adventures of Pinocchio, written by Carlo Collodi.
 PERSONIFICATION
The use of human characteristics to describe animals, things, or ideas
 ONOMATOPOEIA
Words that sound like the objects they name or the sounds those objects make.
EX: Buzz, bam, zip, crash.
 HYPERBOLE
Obavious exaggerations
I’ve been waiting for you for like an eternity.
 ASSONANCE
Repetition of internal vowel sounds.
Ex: I mAde my wAy to the lAke
 EPIPHANY
A sudden, powerful, and often spiritual or life changing realization that a character experiences in an otherwise ordinary moment.
 IDIOM
A common expression that has acquired a meaning that is different from its literal meaning.
EX: “It's raining cats and dogs.”
 OXYMORON
The association of two terms that seem to contradict each other.
EX: Same difference, wise fool
 PARADOX
The term paradox is from the Greek word paradoxon, which means “contrary to expectations, existing belief, or perceived
opinion.” A statement that seems contradictory on the surface but often expresses a deeper truth.
 You can save money by spending it.
 I know one thing; that I know nothing.
 This is the beginning of the end.
 Deep down, you're really shallow.