LITERARY TERMS

LITERARY TERMSKnow them, use them, LOVE them!

SIMILE• Comparing two things using “like” or

“as”EXAMPLEThe corn is as tall as a skyscraper!The corn is tall like a skyscraper!

METAPHOR• Compares two or more things

directly; referring to one thing as something elseEXAMPLEHe is a bear when he’s angry!He is angrier than a bear!

METAPHORS do NOT use “like” or “as”

*Let’s practice with #1-6*1. The sprinter is a(n) _______________ when

she runs.2. The sprinter has the speed of a

___________.3. That fat man was such a(n) ________!4. The 400 pound man is heavier than a(n)

__________.5. Turn to your neighbor and create a

metaphor based upon their appearance or personality (NO NEGATIVE COMMENT, PLEASE).

6. Turn to yourself and create a metaphor based upon your appearance or personality.

PERSONIFICATION• A figure of speech in which an animal,

object, force of nature, or idea is given human qualities or characteristics

Example:-The shadow crept along the hallway.-My shadow followed meall the way home.-My dog begged me to feed him.-The trees danced in the wind.

IMAGERY• The descriptive

language that writers use to explain or describe people or places in a story.– Writers use

sensory details , or descriptions that appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

FORESHADOWING• The use of clues by the author that

hint at events that will happen later in a story

Hyperbole• Extreme exaggeration for dramatic

effectEXAMPLE:PICK THREE TO WRITE

DOWN1. If you are bored you might say, “Man, I am bored to death

right now.”2. If you break up with a b/f or g/f you might say you have a

“broken heart.”3. Your parents might tell you: “I’ve told you a million times

to clean your room!”4. An angry teacher might say: “Seriously, do you guys ever

shut up!?”5. If it’s really cold, you might say: “It’s freezing in here!”If it’s really hot, you might say: “I’m melting in here, turn on the A.C.!”

SYMBOL• An object, person, place or

experience that represents some other idea or belief

IRONY• A difference between what is

expected and what actually happens.– 3 types of irony:

• Situational irony – the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of someone’s expectations

• Verbal irony – a person says one thing and means another (You wreck your car and exclaim, “Well this is great!”)

• Dramatic irony – the audience has important information that characters in the story, play or movie do not have