| Pre-Reading: Common Literary Terms and Definitions |
| Alliteration: is the repetition of initial sounds in
neighboring words. Analogy: is the comparison of two pairs which have the same relationship. The key is to ascertain the relationship between the first so you can choose the correct second pair. Part to whole, opposites, results of are types of relationships you should find. Characterization: is the method used by a writer to develop a character. The method includes (1) showing the character's appearance, (2) displaying the character's actions, (3) revealing the character's thoughts, (4) letting the character speak, and (5) getting the reactions of others. Euphemism: is the substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression in place of one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the listener;[1] or in the case of doublespeak, to make it less troublesome for the speaker.[citation needed] It also may be a substitution of a description of something or someone rather than the name, to avoid revealing secret, holy, or sacred names to the uninitiated, or to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers. Some euphemisms are intended to be funny. Foreshadowing: is the use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in literature. Image: is language that evokes one or all of the five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching. Irony: is an implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant. Metaphor: the comparison of two UNLIKE things. Personification: is giving human qualities to animals or objects. Simile: is the comparison of two unlike things using like or as. Symbol: is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning. Theme: is the general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to express. |