Literary terms #2

external conflict

A character struggles against some outside force: another character, society as a whole, or some natural force

internal conflict

A conflict that takes place within a character's own self, usually concerning a moral dilemma in which the character must make a decision.

irony

A device that depends on the existence of at least two separate and contrasting levels of meaning embedded in one message. Verbal irony is sarcasm when the speaker says something other than what they really mean. In dramatic irony the audience is more aware than the characters in a work. Situational irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens. This type of irony often emphasizes that people are caught in forces beyond their comprehension and control.

foreshadowing

A device used in literature to create expectation or to set up an explanation of later developments.

frame story

A frame story is one that contains either another tale, a story within a story, or a series of stories. The narrator often tells the main story in a reflective manner about a time in his or her life that is memorable.

stereotype

A generalization about a group of people in which certain traits are assigned to virtually all members of the group, regardless of actual variation among the members

foil character

A minor character whose situation or actions parallel those of a major character, and thus by contrast sets off or illuminates the major character; most often the contrast is complimentary to the major character.

allusion

A reference within a piece of literature to another work of literature, art, or music or to a well known historical event, person, or place. The purpose of an allusion is to give us a fuller understanding of the piece of literature in which it appears by helping us to see it in comparison with something else we may know better.

flashback

A scene or event from the past that appears in a narrative out of chronological order, to fill in information or explain something in the present.

short story

A story with a fully developed theme, but is significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel. It has just one plot, it's too short for sub-plots. ( Eleven, by Sandra Cisneros)

figurative language

A word or words that are inaccurate literally but describe by calling to mind sensations or responses that the thing described evokes. Figurative language may be in the form of metaphors or similes, both of which are non-literal comparisons. Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage" is an example of non-literal, figurative language (metaphor, specifically).

imagery

In literature, one of the strongest devices is imagery wherein the author uses words and phrases to create "mental images" for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize and therein more realistically experience the author's writings. The usage of metaphors, allusions, descriptive words and similes amongst other literary forms in order to "tickle" and awaken the readers' sensory perceptions is referred to as imagery. Imagery is not limited to only visual sensations, but also refers to igniting kinesthetic, olfactory, tactile, gustatory, thermal and auditory sensations as well

mood

The atmosphere that pervades a literary work with the intention of evoking a certain emotion or feeling from the audience.

narrative hook

The point in the story at which the author catches the reader's attention by presenting interesting problems or situations.

dialogue

The words spoken by a character in a work of literature is