Key literary terms for seventh grade will vary by school, district and state. Oxford dictionary of literary terms oxford reference. Literary terms in this chapter, we sh all present a f ew key term s essential f or f urther deliberations a bout literature. In general they are techniques that help writers have a deeper impact on their readers. Authors of literary text make use of what are called literary devices, in order to beautify the language of the text and convey meaning at the same time. Barrie kenning a conventional metaphoric name for something, esp in old norse and old english poetry, such as old english banhus bone house for body kiddy lit lampoon a satire in prose or verse ridiculing a person, literary work, etc laurentian or lawrentian relating to or characteristic. Character protagonist the main character in the story antagonist the characters in conflict with the protagonist round character a character in a story that we know a lot about ex. English literature dictionary and glossary for students. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples. He edited the oxford book of gothic tales 1992, and is the author of in frankensteins shadow 1987, criticism and literary theory 1890 to the present 1996, and other works of literary history. English department glossary of common literary terms allegory. These techniques strengthen the affect of a writers work on students that take it in. Based on a dictionary of modern critical terms, edited by roger fowler.
Allusion a reference to a well known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile. A genre of literary work featuring strange settings and characters and often involving magic or the supernatural. A eulogy is great praise or commendation, a laudatory speech, often about someone who has died. Try one of the apps below to open or edit this item.
Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Dialogue direct speech between characters in a literary work. Alliterationthe repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a line of poetry. Included below is a list of literary terms that can help you interpret, critique, and respond to a variety of different written works. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any other form of writing. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions. Some of the most commonly used literary devices are alliteration, simile, metaphor, imagery, irony, etc.
It covers a wide range of terms, concepts and theories related to english literature. A glossary of literary terms, seventh edition english literature. Elements of literature multiple choice test on 33 critical literature terms or story elements of literature that are important to student understanding of fiction texts, such as plot, theme, conflict, setting, etc. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples litcharts. Below is a list some of the more common literary and poetic terms. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths. Literature in english s6 s7 literature in english ss1 ss3 literature in english literature in english introduction 1. I copy it on colored paper so that it is hard to lose or throw away. They can be helpful in writing analyses for english class.
Literary terms to know in seventh grade yourdictionary. Ponyboy in the outsiders flat character a character in a story that we do not know much about ex. New to this fully revised edition are recommended entrylevel web links. In the adventures of huckleberry finn, one of the con artists who claims to be an heir to the french throne makes allusions to three of shakespeares plays in his jumbled rendition of hamlet. I do this to encourage the students to carry it with them at all times. Literary terms page 4 diction a speaker or writers choice of words.
The end result usually results in the reader having some form of an emotional response to the work. The concise oxford dictionary of literary terms chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths college, university of london. Literary terms gcserevision, english, examtips, literary. Literary terms and devices are a collection of universal artistic structures that are typical of all works of literature frequently employed by the writers to give meanings and a logical framework to their works through language. Archaism the use of an older or obsolete word or phrase that is no longer recognized or popular in the. This list is by no means comprehensive, but instead offers a primer to the language frequently used by scholars and students researching literary works. An allegory is a device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract moral or political concept is conveyed with the aid of more material objects or ideas being used as an example. Literary devices everything you need to know to analyze figurative language in poetry, drama, literature, speeches, etc. Action should not be confused with the more comprehensive term, plot. Harvards library classified their list of favorite novels from the victorian time period and dubbed it.
Alliteration is the repetition of the first letter of a word. This is due to the fact that it is a special use of language that is deviant from ordinary, everyday, non literary language. English language is the core subject for students from primary to senior secondary level i. The use of invectives or harsh terms to indicate weak. The routledge dictionary of literary terms edited by peter childs and roger fowler. Glossary of literary terms adage a traditional or proverbial saying allegory a story in which the characters and events extend beyond the confines of their story to represent an object lesson to readers alliteration the repetition of a consonant sound storm strewn sea. An allegory generally teaches a lesson by means of an interesting story. This book defines and discusses terms, critical theories, and points of view that are commonly used to classify, analyze, interpret, and write the history of works of. Literary terms are important in a wide variety of ways. However, there may be some terms or concepts that are not included in the lessons but appear on the test. Literary terms have a wide range of application, from the poets beauty, to the speakers persuasion, to the novelists story development.
When such works are read by readers, they ultimately recognize and appreciate these literary structures. Abstract terms and statements describe ideas or refer to general. Alliterations are also created when the words all begin with the same. The english language education curriculum comprises two closely related subjects. Included below is a list of literary terms that can help. This glossary of literary terms is a list of definitions of terms and concepts used in the discussion, classification, analysis, and criticism of all types of literature, such as poetry, novels, and picture books, as well as of grammar, syntax, and language techniques. It may come from history, geography, literature, art, music, or religion. This is due to the fact that it is a special use of language that is deviant from ordinary, everyday, nonliterary language. Although the individual entries in th glossarye are in the alphabetic order of their title terms, the large number r of terms are discussed withi texn tht oef thes ene.
To find a literary word or phrase, always look it up in the index of terms at the end of this volume. A p literary terms houston independent school district. General literary terminology the following terms describe the different types and elements of literature. Guide to literary terms apostrophe a form of direct address spoken by a character to an inanimate object or a person who does not appear. The most common literary devices used in literature. Allusion a reference to something wellknown that exists outside the literary work the reference is often indirect and relies on audience knowledge and understanding. Didactic form of fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking. An allegory suggests a hidden meaning via the use of metaphoric examples. Click on any of the 6 terms below to get a complete definition with lots of examples. The five act structure was originally introduced in roman times and became the convention in shakespeares period. An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or artistic work. Writing for english courses glossary of literary terms. Knowing these literary terms and their meanings will greatly enhance your students learning opportunities and enhance your own professional understanding of. Abstract terms and statements describe ideas or refer to general qualities of persons or things such as goodness and honesty.
Examples include, gullivers travels, the faerie queene, pilgrims progress, and paradise lost. However, the terms listed here are ones that students should have been taught in earlier grades or terms that might be introduced at this grade level. Allusions assume a level of familiarity on the part of the reader with the referenced work, person, or event. Alliterationthe repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a. Figurative language language that represents one thing in terms of something dissimilar nonliteral language. All terms will be discussed throughout the year and students are responsible for knowing every term listed in this packet for the final exam. Ap english 3 literary terms flashcards flashcards quizlet. Alliteration is a literary device where words are used in quick succession and begin with letters belonging to the same sound group. They allow writers and speakers to make comments on society, politics, and trends. Literary terms, in the literature form, can take on many different forms. The action in hamlet, for example, simply begins with the guards visitation by the ghost and. A brief biography of many well known authors has also been included. Writing an essay key concepts and literary terms macmillan readers 2 this page has been downloaded from it is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages.
Elegy a poem of mourning, usually about someone who has died. Fiction any narrative, especially in prose, about invented or imagined characters and action. Pdf glossary of literary terms ernst wendland academia. Perhaps the most widely misunderstood term on this list, irony has a broad range of meanings and applications. Its primary definition is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning, sometimes called verbal irony. It includes extensive coverage of traditional drama, versification, rhetoric, and literary history, as well as updated and extended advice on recommended further reading and a pronunciation guide to more than 200 terms.
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