Literary Devices and Figurative Language - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Literary Devices and Figurative Language

Keystone RemediationSlide2

Term

Definition

Basic Terms

ExampleSlide3

Allegory

A form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning may have moral, social, religious, or political significance and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas such as charity, greed, or envy

The people and events in a story are

symbols

of real people and events that have lived or occurred

The Lorax

by Dr. Seuss is an

allegory

of how the logging industry is destroying the environment that should be protectedSlide4

Alliteration

The repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words

The first sound you hear in a word is repeated in the next few words

The

b

ig

b

lack

b

ear

b

abbled to the

b

ored

b

ald

b

at till the

b

ored

b

ald

b

at

b

awledSlide5

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event

A reference (that the reader may or may not catch) to something else (hopefully) well-known

“When will I ever find my

Romeo

?”Slide6

Archetype

A very typical example of a certain person or thing

A character who is the stereotype of a group of people

The Breakfast Club

has

archetypes

built around the stoner kid, the rebel, the popular girl, the nerd, and the jockSlide7

Aside

A character’s dialogue is only to specific character(s) on stage; not heard by everyone on stage

When two or more characters are “whispering” to each other and the audience can hear but not all characters on stage

Think back to

Macbeth

!

When Macbeth and Banquo have a private conversation that the Thane of

Rosse

can’t hearSlide8

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within or at the end of words within a phrase or sentence

The vowel sounds in neighboring words are repeated, but not necessarily the consonants

The b

e

d is w

e

t where J

e

d is h

ea

ded.Slide9

Author’s Purpose

The author’s intent either to inform or teach someone about something, to entertain people, or to persuade his/her audience to do or not do something

Authors have these three purposes only:

To inform

To entertain

To persuade

In your career research essays, your purpose was to

inform

, while in your creative writings your purpose is to

entertain

.Slide10

Characterization

The method an author uses to reveal characters and their various traits and personalities, done both directly and indirectly

How an author builds a character with a personality

Direct: directly stating a fact about a character

Indirect:

S

peech,

T

houghts,

E

motions of others,

A

ctions,

L

ooks

“

Jenny is so rude

,” Erica said while

punching babies

.Slide11

Cliché

An expression that has been used so often that its meaning and impact are no longer effective

A phrase that’s said so much that it’s less meaningful

Jenny says every guy is her knight in shining armor

.Slide12

Conclusions

To make a judgment or decision based on reasoning rather than direct or implicit statement

A judgment or decision made that was based on the evidence you’ve been given instead of directly stated

By seeing Erica punch babies,

I know she is a cruel personSlide13

Conflict

A struggle or clash between opposing characters, forces or emotions

The problem of a story

Person vs. Person

Person vs. Self

Person vs. Society

Person vs. Technology

Person vs. Nature

Person vs. Supernatural

Erica needs to run away because there’s an angry mob chasing her for punching babiesSlide14

Connotation

The range of associations that a word or phrase suggests in addition to its dictionary meaning

A meaning of a word that is not it’s literal definition

Ratchet

is used as an insult, similar to haggard, but that is not the literal definition of the wordSlide15

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in a phrase or sentence

The consonant sounds

in neighboring words are repeated, but not necessarily the

vowels

The tre

k

Ni

ck

too

k

needed a clo

ck

for the si

ck

Bro

ck

.Slide16

Cultural Significance

The generally accepted importance of a work representing a given culture

A piece of literature is important to a culture, but wouldn’t carry the same meaning across the world

Spongebob

Squarepants

is only

culturally significant

since it’s unknown to the rest of the worldSlide17

Denotation

The explicit, literal meaning of a word or phrase; the meaning of a word as it is found in the dictionary

The literal meaning of a word

Ratchet

literally refers to a toolSlide18

Dialect

A variety of language distinct from the standard variety in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary

The way a group of people talks that is different than perfect English

“Howdy

y’all

! Where

ya

’

gon

’

git

dat

hooch

tonigh

’?”Slide19

Diction

An author’s choice of words, phrases, sentence structures and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning and tone

The way an author writes that shows the reader his meaning

Choosing to use short sentences to show anger in a character

“I’d like you to leave now.”

“You. Out. Now.”Slide20

Drama

A genre of literature represented by works intended for the stage; a work to be performed by actors on stage or television; plays

Something meant to be acted out, like a play or show

MedeaSlide21

Dynamic Character

A character which changes during the course of a story or novel. The change in outlook or characters is permanent

A character who undergoes a change in his personality during the actions of the story

More realistic!

Said

is a dynamic character, while Tarzan is notSlide22

Flashback

An organizational device used in literature to present action that occurred before current (present) time of the story. Often introduced as the dreams or recollections of one or more characters

Learning about a character’s past by seeing a scene from it

A dream that shows you the relationship two characters have that helps you understand why they’re rude to each other nowSlide23

Flat Character

A character who reveals only one or two personality traits in a story or novel, and the traits do not change

A character who we know little about; they do not change or grow, and we don’t know their character motivations

Sana

is a flat character, but Said is notSlide24

Foil

A character whose purpose is to highlight one or more attributes of the main character by providing a contrast

A character who shows you how a main character is the opposite of them

Dumbledore and Voldemort are foils

Dumbledore does what’s best for the world/school/the ones he loves

Voldemort does what’s best for VoldemortSlide25

Foreshadowing

An organizational device used to create expectation or to set up an explanation of later developments

An event in a story gives you a hint of what’s going to happen later

The witches’ prophesies in

MacbethSlide26

Generalizations

A conclusion drawn from specific information that is used to make a broad statement about a topic or person

Using limited evidence to draw a conclusion about a larger topic or person

Claiming “

All Muslims are terrorists

” simply because some extremists have done terroristic thingsSlide27

Genre

A category used to classify literary works, usually by form, technique, or content (prose, poetry, etc.)

A category of literature that can be very broad or specific

Fiction

Non-fiction

Poetry

Medea

was fictionSlide28

Hyperbole

An exaggeration or overstatement

An exaggeration or overstatement

“

I could eat a horse!

”Slide29

Idiom

An expression common to those familiar with a language or dialect where the meaning cannot be determined by the literal definition of the words it contains

A regional expression that requires an understanding of the

connotation

and not just the definition of the words

“

It’s raining cats and dogs

”Slide30

Imagery

Descriptive or figurative language in a literary work; the use of language to create sensory impressions

Descriptions that help build an image in your mind, playing off all five senses

I could hear the waves and taste the salt in the air as the warm sun mirrored off the water that splashed up on my feet.Slide31

Inferences

A judgment based on reasoning rather than on direct or explicit statement. A conclusion based on facts or circumstances; understanding gained by “reading between the lines”

Drawing a conclusion based on evidence you’ve already received

I can

infer

that today will be a good day because I’m getting paid and will pick up my new puppy.Slide32

Irony

The use of word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its literal or usual meaning; incongruity between the result of a sequence of events and the expected result

Dramatic Irony

A difference between what the audience knows and what the characters know

Situational Irony

A difference between what you expect to happen and what actually happens

Verbal Irony

A difference between what you say and what you mean

All three are in

Shrek

!Slide33

Metaphor

The comparison of two unlike things in which no words or comparison are used (like or as)

Comparing two things by avoiding the words “like” and “as”

Your eyes are the ocean on a cloudy daySlide34

Monologue

An extended speech spoken by one speaker, either to others or as if alone

One character’s extended, uninterrupted speech to others on stage

A general giving his troops a pep talk before they march into battleSlide35

Mood

The prevailing emotions or atmosphere or a work derived from literary devices such as dialogue and literary elements such as setting. The mood of a work is not always what might be expected based on its subject matter

The way a reader is supposed to feel about a piece of literature

The mood of

The Thief and the Dogs

may change depending on a readerSlide36

Motif

A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work

A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a piece of literature

The

motif

of love is found throughout

The Thief and the DogsSlide37

Onomatopoeia

The written word describing an auditory experience

The way a sound is written

Pow! Bam! Crack!Slide38

Oxymoron

The combination of two words or contrasting meanings to convey a single idea or thought

A single phrase that uses multiple ideas that don’t make literal sense

Jumbo ShrimpSlide39

Paradox

A statement that initially seems to contradict itself but, in fact, includes a fundamental truth

Something that seems like it cannot literally be true, but has a deeper meaning to it that makes sense

She felt alone in the crowded roomSlide40

Personification

An object or abstract idea given human qualities or human form

An object or idea is given human qualities

Any animal sidekick in Disney moviesSlide41

Plot Sequence

The structure of a story. The sequence in which the author arranges events in a story. The structure often includes the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. The plot may have a protagonist who is opposed by the antagonist, creating conflict

The plot elements of a story, including Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution

Medea

had all of these!Slide42

Point of View

The position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator’s outlook from which the events are depicted. The perspective from which a speaker or author recounts a narrative and presents information. The author’s manner in revealing characters, events, and ideas; the vantage point from which a story is told.

The perspective a story is told through, including 1

st

person, 2

nd

person, 3

rd

person, limited

or omniscient

Parts of

The Thief and the Dogs

was in 1

st

person, part was in 3

rd

personSlide43

Propaganda

Information aimed at positively or negatively influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people

Advertisements or information that’s purpose is to persuade or influence people

Types include Name Calling, Bandwagon, Red Herring, Emotional Appeal, Testimonial, Repetition, Sweeping Generalization, Circular Argument, Appeal to Numbers and StatisticsSlide44

Propaganda: Name Calling

An attack on a person instead of an issue

“All democrats/republicans are dumb”Slide45

Propaganda: Bandwagon

Tries to persuade the reader to do, think, or buy something because it is popular or because “everyone” is doing it

I’m not going to TJ’s party because no one else isSlide46

Propaganda: Red Herring

An attempt to distract the reader with details not relevant to the argument

If you don’t like bananas, you’re just as bad as Hitler!Slide47

Propaganda: Emotional Appeal

Tries to persuade the reader by using words that appeal to the reader’s emotions instead of to logic or reason

Look at this poor, helpless, abused kitten! Donate now so you can save it!Slide48

Propaganda: Testimonial

Attempts to persuade the reader by using a famous person to endorse a product or idea

“I’m Shaq, and I use Icy Hot since I’m old!”Slide49

Propaganda: Repetition

Attempts to persuade the reader by repeating a message over and over again

“5, 5 dollar, 5 dollar foot long, Any, any

any

”Slide50

Propaganda: Sweeping Generalization

Makes an oversimplified statement about a group based on limited information

All women are bad driversSlide51

Propaganda: Circular Argument

States a conclusion as part of the proof of the argument

I know God is real because he wrote the Bible and the Bible tells me he’s realSlide52

Propaganda: Appeal to Numbers and Statistics

Attempts to persuade the reader by showing how many people think something is true

“Over 1 million sold!”Slide53

Quatrain

Stanza or poem of four lines in any kind of rhyme scheme

In poetry, a stanza that is four lines long

I think I thought some thoughtful thoughts

I think I thought up three

But now I think about those thoughts

Do those thoughts think of me?

Shel SilversteinSlide54

Repetition

Repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer

Repeating words or phrases for emphasis

“I have a dream…”Slide55

Round Character

A well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits; usually dynamic

A well-developed character who has realistic characteristics who we know a lot about

Very realistic!

Medea and Said are both

round charactersSlide56

Satire

A literary approach that ridicules or examines a human vice or weakness

Literature that ridicules or shows the flaws of something

Saturday Night LiveSlide57

Setting

The time and place in which a story unfolds

Both the time AND place a story is set

1950s in Cairo, Egypt was the setting for

The Thief and the DogsSlide58

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things in which a word of comparison is used (like or as)

Comparing two things by using “like” or “as”

You’re as beautiful as the morning sunSlide59

Soliloquy

A dramatic speech, revealing inner thoughts and feelings, spoken aloud by one character while alone on the stage

One character’s extended, uninterrupted speech to

himself or the literal audience outside the context of the play

A Disney hero singing to himself about how he can go the distance while he’s aloneSlide60

Static Character

A character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not alter a static character’s outlook, personality, motivation, etc.

A character that does not change throughout a story

Tarzan from

The Thief and the Dogs

is static, while Said is notSlide61

Style

The author’s choice regarding language, sentence structure, voice, and tone in order to communicate with the audience

The way an author writes including word choice, word order, rhythm, and tone

Naguib

Mahfouz has a style much different than Shakespeare or EuripidesSlide62

Symbolism

A device in literature where an object represents an idea

When an object or character in a piece of literature represents an idea as well

The color red may symbolize anger, or the slums of Cairo may represent Said’s current lifestyleSlide63

Theme

A topic of discussion or work; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work. A theme is stated or implied. Clues to the theme may be found in the prominent and/or recurring ideas in a work

The single word that describes what the whole piece of literature is about

One theme of

Medea

could have been RevengeSlide64

Tone

The attitude of the author toward the audience, characters, subject, or the work itself

The author’s attitude of a piece of literature

The tone of

The Thief and the Dogs

should be desolate and depressed for everyoneSlide65

Universal Character

A character that symbolically embodies well-known meanings and basic human experiences, regardless of when or where he/she lives

A character that everyone can relate to in terms of their problems and/or personalities

Everyone can relate to Said’s desire for revenge after he’s been done wrongSlide66

Universal Significance

The generally accepted importance or value of a work to represent human experience regardless of culture or time period

A piece of literature is important

so important that any culture from anywhere or any time can find the value of it

All cultures can understand the

universal significance

of the BibleSlide67

Voice

The fluency, rhythm, and liveliness in a text that makes it unique to the author

The way a character writes that makes it unique to him

Shakespeare has a different

voice

than Euripides or

Naguib

Mahfouz