Elements of LiteratureFlash card notes

Figurative LanguageMeaning

Poetic or creative language used to create a greater impact on the reader.

Figurative vs Literal language

Figurative Language Literal Language

He’s as strong as an ox. He is extremely strong.

I’m lightning. I run very fast.

I could eat a cow. I am very hungry.

Point of view•The point of view from which a

story is being told•First person

•Third person limited•Third person omniscient

1. IronyMeaning – When the audience expects something to happen and the opposite occurs.

There are four types of Irony.1.Verbal Irony2.Situational Irony3.Dramatic Irony4.Cosmic Irony

Examples

1.A politician is elected because he is known as an honest man, but is later caught stealing.

2.A boxer who gets knocked down gets back up and says “I’ve got you right where I want you!”

2. Verbal IronyMeaning – Verbal Irony is used when

someone says one thing but means the opposite.

ExampleThe big bad wolf tells the three little

pigs, “I would love to have you over for dinner,” but really means “I would love to have you over for (my) dinner.”

3. Situational IronyMeaning – An event that is not just surprising, but actually contrary to what the reader or audience should expect

4. Dramatic IronyMeaning – When the audience or

reader knows what will happen to a character, but that character does not

ExampleA scary movie where a victim runs upstairs because she does not know that the monster is hiding there.

1. ThemeMeaning – The general idea about life that is

revealed throughout the text.

A theme of a story about suffering might be: hard work pays off.

A theme of a love story might be: love can conquer any obstacle.

ToneA prevailing emotional tone or general attitude of

the story

plotThe action that moves the story or the storyline in a

book

MoodMood is the atmosphere created by the

setting, and actions of people and characters in it. It also relates to how the reader emotionally responds to these elements like sadness for a tragedy.

flashbackA literary device where the

storyline in interrupted or inserted into another story

ForeshadowingA technique the author uses to drop hints or

clues for future events in the story

External conflictConflict that happens to the

character such asMan vs. man

Man vs. natureMan vs. society

Internal conflictConflict that happens withinMan vs. self