Literary Terms

Metaphor

Comparison of two seemingly unlike things

Simile

Comparison using like or as

Personification

Characteristics of humans given to non-humans

Allusion

Reference to well-known being or event

Symbol

Is what it is and something more

Image

Sensory Detail

Archetype

Recurrent image that touches collective subconscious

Motif

Recurrent image, idea, or theme in specific piece of literature

Tragedy

Starts good, gets bad, hero destroyed

Comedy

Starts bad, gets good, hero triumphs

Satire

Improving human conditions through exaggeration, comedy

Novel

Extended fictional narrative

Parody

Ridicule of a serious work by exaggerated imitation

Short Story

Brief fictional narrative in prose

Essay

Prose discussion of a limited topic

Myth

Traditional story explaining natural phenomena or cultural practice

Didactic Literature

Seeks to instruct

Atmosphere

Effect of physical environment

Tone

Author's or speaker's attitued

Conflict

Interplay of opposing forces

Epiphany

Sudden awareness

Flashback

Device to suppply background

Foreshadowing

Hints at coming events

Theme

Central idea

Plot

Exposition

Denouement

Resolution, outcome replicating thought