English literature dictionary and glossary for students. Some of them, like literature itself, sound familiar and seem understandable for everybody. Venice high school student handbook of literary terms. English language devices glossary teaching resources. Ap glossary of lit and rhetorical terms 1 ap language. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work. Reading and literature a glossary of literary terms 1 a glossary of literary terms literary devices alliteration. We hope you will find this resource useful as you expose your students to the exciting world of literature in english and in spanish. Break wind, the birds and the bees, and cold turkey are euphemisms for flatulence, sex and reproduction, and a quick, complete withdrawal from the use of an addictive substance, respectively. The five act structure was originally introduced in roman times and became the convention. Haiku definition and examples of haiku literary devices. This dictionary s virtues and its plainspokenness make it.
Allegory is a derivative of the greek allegoria, meaning to imply something else. Antagonist character that is the source of conflict in a literary work aside a dramatic device in which a character makes a short speech intended for the audience but not heard by the other characters on stage. A p literary terms houston independent school district. Davidson literary devices, techniques, and elements literary devices, techniques, and elements a literary device is any specific aspect of literature, or a particular work, which we can recognize, identify, interpret andor analyze. Example o o my love is like a red, red rose from robert burns a. Denotation refers to the use of the dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word. Literary terms to know in seventh grade yourdictionary. The most common literary devices used in literature 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.
Ministry of education 1 english 12 201415 school year terms and devices. Pdf glossary of literary terms by mh abrams seventh. It covers a wide range of terms, concepts and theories related to english literature. The routledge dictionary of literary termsis a twentyfirst century update of roger fowlers seminal dictionary of modern critical terms. Literary devices everything you need to know to analyze figurative language in poetry, drama, literature, speeches, etc. The writers make their texts vibrant, emotive and pleasing with the use of these devices. Literary devices and literary terms the complete list. Figurative language there are several kinds of figurative language, also known as figures of speech, with metaphor and simile being the most common and best known. Some common examples are metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, and imagery. 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. The important literary devices poetic devices for school lessons have been discussed. Glossary designed for students taking the new aqa gcse english language, but applicable to all exam boards.
Genre how literature is categorized based on literary conventions. Knowing these terms will allow you to discuss an authors work at a more sophisticated level as you discuss how an author achieves his or her purpose. Reading is great, and the more you do it, the more youll encounter new ideas. Ap english glossary of literary terms piedmont, ca.
Literary devices and terms definitions and examples litcharts. Anastrophe is a form of literary device wherein the order of the noun and the adjective in the sentence is exchanged. This lesson studies some of the more common literary devices found 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.
The way a poem looks or its arrangement on the page poetry is written in lines, which may or may not be sentences. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. Select stylistic devices, literary devices and figures of speech. English department glossary of common literary terms allegory. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions.
It starts out easy where you should define words like alliteration, simile, repetion etc. While a simile only says that one thing is like another, a metaphor says that one. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Included on this page are basic terms like genre and mood, as well as connotation and denotation. Where an author interrupts a story in order to explain something, usually to provide important background information. Literary devices, techniques, and elements pittsford central. This quizlet is to test students knowledge of the definitions of common literary devices. The poem has two juxtaposed subjects that are divided into two contrasting parts. Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a consecutive series of words. The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of neigh. Ap glossary of lit and rhetorical terms 1 ap language and. Devices studied include allusion, diction, epigraph, euphemism. Haiku poems frequently have a kigo, or seasonal reference. Personification attributing human characteristics to objects, ideas, animals.
Literary techniques are specific, deliberate constructions of language which an author uses to convey meaning. Glossary of rhetorical terms ap english language and. The most common literary devices used in literature. The english literary techniques toolkit for the hsc. Oct 29, 2019 literary devices or literary techniques are specific structures that writers often use to add meaning or create more compelling stories for the reader. Study flashcards on grade 10 english literary terms at. Villa list of literary devices alliteration alliteration is the repetition of similar sounds, generally at the beginning of words and usually by means of consonants or consonant sound clusters in a group of words. In standard parlance and writing the adjective comes before the noun but when one is employing an anastrophe the noun is followed by the adjective. Flashback a plotstructuring device inserting a scene from the fictional past into the fictional present. Glossary of rhetorical terms ap english language and composition purpose. Here is a list of some general literary terms and definitions that late middle school and early high school students should know, each with its own explanation.
Let students work in groups, and do not hand out the entire sheet at once. Sound devices are literary elements used in prose and poetry to stress certain sounds and create musical effects. Clemente k e y match the terms listed in section a with the definitions listed in section b by writing the number from section b on the line provided next to the number of the term in section a. Literary devices in poems list, definitions, examples. Section one matching definition to term not cumulative. English literary techniques toolkit the complete hsc. Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury with new definitions of current terms and controversies, this is the essential reference. A brief biography of many well known authors has also been included. A somewhat looser definition is that it is the use of the same consonant in any. Concise definitions, usage tips, and lots of examples for 6 literary devices and terms.
List of english literary terms and definitions download b26e86475f if youre seeking a more elevated tone for a piece of writing, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, our list of literary terms is just what you need. Literary terms page 1 a p literary terms allegory story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. This document seeks to provide a succinct definition and an appropriate example of some of the many literary terms and devices which authors use to enhance their work. Focus on the sound of words, rather than their meaning. A printed pdf version quick reference of litcharts literary terms and devices. Section two you will have small reading passages and. Nov 28, 2018 literary devices in poems list, definitions, examples, common literary devices what are literary devices. The rain was cold like death metaphor a direct comparison between two things. Both literary elements and literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices.
Language that uses figures of speech or literary devices to express ideas. In this chapter, we shall present a few key terms essential for further deliberations about literature. Literary terms 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 meaning and examples simile a comparison between two things using like or as. Need to analyze the scarlet letter or to kill a mockingbird for english class, but fumbling for the right vocabulary and concepts for literary devices.
In part 1 of the english techniques guide, we provide a complete list of english literary techniques that you must know for analysing texts effectively and writing creative responses. This list is by no means comprehensive, but instead offers a primer to the language frequently used by scholars and students researching literary works. In english, this division between two parts can be shown by a colon or a dash. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile, metaphor, and personi. The study of meaning through signs, symbols, and words and how a.
Theme is the central message of a literary work, or the idea the author wishes to convey about that subject. Here you will find a list literary devices with definitions and examples. Dr baldick is a brewer for specialized tastes times literary supplementthe bestselling oxford dictionary of literary terms formerly the concise dictionary provides clear, concise, and often witty definitions of the most troublesome literary terms from abjection to zeugma. Examples include, gullivers travels, the faerie queene, pilgrims progress, and paradise lost. Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury. Lord of the flies alliteration repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. These techniques can give the reader a greater read more. The willfull waterbeds help me thrall, the laving laurel turned my tide. Below is a list of literary devices with detailed definition and examples. The repetition of initial consonant sounds used especially in poetry to emphasize and link words as well as to create pleasing, musical sounds. May 04, 2016 glossary designed for students taking the new aqa gcse english language, but applicable to all exam boards.
Irony irony is a literary device which reveals concealed or contradictory meanings. The routledge dictionary of literary terms the routledge dictionary of literary termsis a twentyfirst century update of roger fowlers seminal dictionary of modern critical terms. Davidson literary devices, techniques, and elements exposition. Flashforward a plotstructuring device inserting a scene from the fictional future into the fictional present. English classes are full of big words and terms that are easily confused by even the strongest student. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile. Displaying top 8 worksheets found for literary devices. 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. All terms will be discussed throughout the year and students are responsible for knowing every term listed in this packet for the final exam.
In general, students should know the term and how the term applies in literary settings. Literary devices are specific language techniques which writers use to create text. Literary terms can refer to playful techniques employed by comedians to make us laugh or witty tricks wordsmiths use to coin new words or phrases. This sheet can provide a wide range of literary devices with examples to be used on novels, poetry as well as on working with other genres.
The best way to learn these terms, or any definitions, is through active use in the classroom. Repetition is when an author repeats a word, phrase, sentence, or stanza for effect or emphasis. To find a literary word or phrase, always look it up in the index of terms at the end of this volume. Dramatic irony is when the reader knows things that the characters in a story do. Aristotle wrote that mastery over the art of metaphor is a sign of geniusand it turns out it he was right. Literary devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers.
Literary terms and definitions made easy for middle and high. To successfully interpret and analyze literary texts, youll first need to have a solid foundation in literary terms and their definitions. The best way to learn these terms, or any definitions. The first chapter consists mostly of exposition, running down the familys history and describing their living conditions. Fortunately, the english language contains a wide range of words from which to. Literary devices, including simile, allusion, and satire, not only give life to our words, but also make us smarter for example, cognitive research has found that deciphering an ironic statement takes twice the effort as understanding a more straightforward comment. Welcome to the website dedicated to literary devices literary terms. Euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for an expression that is thought to be harsh, blunt, or offensive. He was one step beyond an open window when the light of the bomb was re. Abstract terms and statements describe ideas or refer to general. 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. General literary terminology the following terms describe the different types and elements of literature. Oxford dictionary of literary terms oxford reference.
Sometimes the lines are combined into groups called stanzas. Welcome to its tutorial schools comprehensive source of definitions for terms related to english literature. Haiku poems are usually about nature or natural phenomena. The concise oxford dictionary of literary terms chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths college, university of london.
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