This document seeks to provide a succinct definition and an appropriate example of some of the many literary terms and devices which authors use to enhance their work. A familiarity with literary terminology and its vocabulary is essential for anyone who would understand and appreciate writing or reading. Literary devices and literary terms the complete list. You are also welcome to visit our online literature dictionary, part of our newly launched arts dictionary collection, to find additional terms and definitions related to literature. A dictionary of literary terms and literary theory fifth edition j. Literary devices, including simile, allusion, and satire, not only give life to our words, but also make us smarter. However, the terms listed here are ones that students should have been taught in earlier grades or terms that might be introduced at this grade level.
Literary devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. Now available in a new, fully updated and expanded edition. Chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths college, university of london. Included below is a list of literary terms that can help you interpret, critique, and respond to a variety of different written works. Here you will find a list literary devices with definitions and examples. Ray engaging, authoritative, and affordably priced, the bedford glossary of critical and literary terms is a comprehensive reference that clearly and accessibly defines hundreds of important literary and critical terms from classical times to the. A glossary of literary terms free pdf, doc, epub, txt. Caricature a representation of a character in which, in literature, his or her characteristics are exaggerated to produce a comic effect. List of english literary terms and definitions download b26e86475f if youre seeking a more elevated tone for a piece of writing, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, our list of literary terms is just what you need. Ap literature list of literary terms d i c t i o n. Confessional poetry a twentieth century term used to describe poetry that uses intimate. This text was made available at the following website.
Below is a list of literary devices with detailed definition and examples. Ap glossary of lit and rhetorical terms 1 ap language. Literary terms to know in seventh grade yourdictionary. Literary terms literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions. Based on a dictionary of modern critical terms, edited by. Allegory story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. Literary terms dictionary free dictionary lookup by babylon. Literary terms in this chapter, we sh all present a f ew key term s essential f or f urther deliberations a bout literature. Elements of literature multiple choice test on 33 critical literature terms or story elements of literature that are important to student understanding of fiction texts, such as plot, theme, conflict, setting, etc. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile, metaphor, and. The oxford dictionary of literary terms available for download and read online in other formats. Habib associate editors matthew birchwood, vedrana velickovic. The routledge dictionary of literary terms edited by.
Exposition one of the four major forms of discourse, in which something is explained or set forth. A glossary of literary terms available for download and read online in other formats. The bestselling oxford dictionary of literary terms formerly the concise dictionary provides clear, concise, and often witty definitions of the most troublesome literary terms from abjection to zeugma. He edited the oxford book of gothic tales 1992, and is the author of in frankensteins shadow 1987, criticism and literary theory 1890 to the present 1996, and other works of literary history. Literary terms page 5 description a form of discourse that uses language to create a mood or emotion. Later it came to mean a short poem that compressed meaning and expression in the manner of an inscription. Welcome to the website dedicated to literary devices literary terms. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any other form of writing. Glossary of literary terms, page 2 of 4 figurative language figyeruhtiv langgwidj. All terms will be discussed throughout the year and students are responsible for knowing every term listed in this packet for the final exam. Sixthgradeliteraryterms somerset area school district. A p literary terms houston independent school district. To find a literary word or phrase, always look it up in the index of terms at the end of this volume. An alphabetical listing of difficult, technical, or foreign terms with definitions or translation.
Literary devices are techniques that writers use to express their ideas and enhance their writing. Click on any of the 6 terms below to get a complete definition with lots of examples. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work. Chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths. A literary glossary is a list of literary terms and their definitions.
For example, the word dog denotes a mammal from the family canidae with four legs that is often kept as a pet. Examples include, gullivers travels, the faerie queene, pilgrims progress, and paradise lost. In twains huckleberry finn, the duke is a caricature designed to satirize and create. The best way to learn these terms, or any definitions. Ap literature list of literary terms windham high school. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions. This list is by no means comprehensive, but instead offers a primer to the language frequently used by scholars and students researching literary works. These devices serve a wide range of purposes in literature. Literary terms for 6th grade language arts sam houston middle school 1. Alastair fowler uses the following elements to define genres. Literary devices highlight important concepts in a text, strengthen the narrative, and help readers connect to the characters and themes. A glossary a list of terms in a special subject, field or area of usage, with accompanying definitions. Pdf the oxford dictionary of literary terms download.
Download pdf the oxford dictionary of literary terms book full free. A range of online literary dictionaries and glossaries, that include, among others. In the strictest academic terms, a romance is a narrative genre in literature that involves a mysterious, adventurous, or spiritual a story line where the focus is on a quest that involves bravery and strong values, not a love interest. Pdf a glossary of literary terms download full pdf. Narrative the form of discourse that tells about a series of events. Term definition example 1characterization the,actof,creating,and,developing,acharacter. Literary terms can refer to playful techniques employed by comedians to make us laugh or witty tricks wordsmiths use to coin new words or phrases. The five act structure was originally introduced in roman times and became the convention. Literary terms the routledge dictionary of literary termsis a twentyfirst century update of roger fowlers seminal dictionary of modern critical terms. Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury with new definitions of current terms and controversies, this is the essential reference.
Lord of the flies alliteration repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. Try one of the apps below to open or edit this item. Oxford dictionary of literary terms oxford reference. All content included on our site, such as text, images, digital downloads and other, is the property of its content suppliers and protected by us and international laws.
The real, direct meaning of a word, like a dictionary definition. York handbooks form a companion series to york notes and ar. We hope you will find this resource useful as you expose your students to the exciting world of literature in english and in spanish. A literary work whose content is based on the imagination and not on fact.
869 688 870 1661 799 507 1450 699 302 1443 201 440 556 1438 930 1027 389 87 842 483 1046 635 1282 97 366 1476 23 1258 1323 970 335