Literary Elements
In this chapter, we see a variety of literary devices, detailed definitions, and examples. Literary devices are used to convey meaning in clearer way. When used correctly, these devices should help provide clarification for the reader, to better understand the content. Understanding literary devices is crucial to being able to read analytically. It can help readers understand varying types of literature.
Antagonist - person or force that works against the hero (protagonist) of the story
Allegory - figure of speech that describes abstract ideas/principles in terms of characters or events Allusion - reference to a well known person, place, event, literary work or work of art. Archetype - typical character or situation that represents universal patterns in human nature
Character - one of the people or animals in the story
Conflict - the problem or struggle within the story (Person v. Person, Person v. Self, Person v. Society, Person v. Nature)
Deus ex machina - an implausible or divine character is introduced into a story line with the purpose of resolving the conflict
Hyperbole - exaggeration for emphasis or humor
Imagery - words/phrases that appeal to the reader’s senses (allows visualization)
Metaphor - comparing two things that are not necessarily similar; does not use ‘like’ or ‘as’
Motif - idea, element, subject, or concept with symbolic significance that contributes to the development of the theme
Mood And Tone - the feeling a piece of literature is meant to invoke in the reader
Plot - the action (events) that make up the story
Protagonist - main character in the story
Point of view - perspective from which the story is told
Setting - frame of time and place of the story
Theme - overall message of the story; truism that can be applied beyond the text
Simile - comparison of two things that are similar, using ‘like’ or ‘as’
Symbolism - use of symbols to represent ideas that give meaning; not a literal meaning
Chapter 7 Reflection
I feel very familiar with these terms because I have taught ELA for ten years. Some of them are more common than others. For example, simile and metaphor are used in every ELA classroom. However, terms like allegory, allusion, and deus ex machina are rarely seen. These literary devices are helpful in understand more complex text. Once familiar with these terms, readers can see a variety of texts in a different way.
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