LITERARY TERMS

By: Kaulyn Loe

Metaphor

A figurative comparison that does not use “like” or “as”

Example: The lightning danced in the sky.

Analogy

A comparison of two things Example: glove is to hand as hat is to

head

Dialogue

The written conversation between two or more characters

Example: “Hi, I’m Sally. It’s nice to meet you,” she said. “Hi, Sally. I’m Bob,” he replied.

Fact

A statement that is true or can be proven

Example: America gained its independence from England in 1776.

Opinion

A statement that requires value judgment; what someone thinks or believes

Example: That movie is the coolest movie ever!

Symbolism

The use of a concrete object to represent an idea Example: The Star of David represents the Jews.

Simile

A figurative comparison that uses like or as

Example: She was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

Inform

To use writing to provide factual information about a topic

Example: I’m reading a book about the Civil War

Multiple-Meaning Word

A word that has more than one meaning Example: Sometimes you fall because

someone tripped you. They will start school in the fall.

Conflict

The problem or complications in a story Example: the Three Little Pigs vs. the Big

Bad Wolf

Denotative Meaning

The dictionary meaning of a word Example: flabbergasted-to overcome

with surprise and bewilderment

Attitude

The feelings of a character as reflected in the selection

Example: happy, sad, worried

Sources

http://quizlet.com/867596/taks-vocab-ela-flash-cards/