Literary Terms for Unit 1 ENG3U1

Poetry: Specific genre of writing Written in verse, not prose (i.e. lines/stanzas, not sentence/paragraph structure) Often uses highly stylized and figurative language Expresses a theme, mood or idea Emphasis is often on emotions rather than concrete ideas Often a form or social or cultural commentary Many different types, each with its own specific rules (e.g. free verse, sonnet, dramatic monologue)

Figurative Language - General category for a variety of literary devices that includes imagery, symbolism, metaphor, simile, and others - A creative way of expressing an idea using language that is not always literal - Adds layers of meaning to writing since the reader can tease out several different interpretations of the description or statement Imagery - Description appealing to one or more of the five senses (taste, touch, sight, smell, sound) - Two main types: o Literal Imagery: Describes something as it actually is E.g. The teachers desk is made of brown wood, is three feet by 5 feet, and is marked and scuffed. o Figurative Imagery: May rely on literal images but brings a secondary and symbolic meaning to the writing E.g. Every rose has its thorn Symbolism - Concrete objects that represent an idea or emotion - Can be culturally specific must understand the culture o E.g. Owl = wise or Owl = death - Many types of symbols, including: o Natural Symbols: Often have universal meanings, but not necessarily, and associate natural objects with specific ideas. E.g. Mountain = obstacle E.g. Stone = strength E.g. Water = life o Conventional Symbols: These symbols are universally recognized and hold similar meanings around the world E.g. Flag = patriotism E.g. Crescent moon = Islam o Literary Symbols: An individual author can make an object represent anything he or she wants in the context of his or her writing, and may not adhere to any specific cultural or traditional meaning of the object

Simile Comparison using like or as o E.g. As big as a house

Metaphor - Comparison NOT using like or as - Often implied rather than explicit - Can be used as a one off or can be extended over the course of an entire text o E.g. Roads and rivers often represent the course of a persons life, and a text in which there are many roads and rivers could be trying to draw the readers attention to the importance of a persons life journey - Often rely on meaning of natural or conventional symbols o E.g. John is a rock. (i.e. he is a strong person who can be relied upon) o E.g. No man is an island Irony The opposite of what should be said or done in a particular situation AND the affected character is unaware that the situation is ironic o This is different from sarcasm, which is only effective if everyone understands that the character is being sarcastic Irony is often funny, but usually in a dark sort of way Irony takes many forms: o In irony of situation, the result of an action is the reverse of what the actor expected. E.g. In the play Macbeth, Macbeth murders his king hoping that in becoming king he will achieve great happiness. Actually, Macbeth never knows another moment of peace, and finally is beheaded for his murderous act. o In dramatic irony, the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not. E.g. In Act 1, Scene 6, line 1 of the play Macbeth, Duncan says, This castle hath a pleasant seat. When Duncan reaches the castle, he feels secure and welcome at the home of his seemingly loyal kinsmen. However, the audience is aware that the Macbeths are plotting his murder. It is ironic that he calls the castle a pleasant seat when it is the place where he is eventually killed. o In verbal irony, the contrast is between the literal meaning of what is said and what is meant. E.g. In the play Othello, Othello continual refers to Iago as his most honest and trustworthy friend; however, the audience is aware that Iago is plotting Othellos downfall and lies to him repeatedly about his wifes fidelity.

Characterization - Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character - Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization o Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. E.g. The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother. o Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. See the Character Sheet for more details. Theme A common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader that may be deep, difficult to understand, or even moralistic Generally, a theme has to be extracted as the reader explores the passages of a work. The author utilizes the characters, plot, and other literary devices to assist the reader in this endeavor. In truly great works of literature, the author intertwines the theme throughout the work and the full impact is slowly realized as the reader processes the text The ability to recognize a theme is important because it allows the reader to understand part of the authors purpose in writing the text The theme should be expressed in a complete sentence, not a simple word or phrase E.g. Love is a TOPIC, not a theme Love, while wonderful in theory, can be used negatively against a person is a specific theme.