If you’re taking an introductory literature course, you’ll quickly realize that understanding literary terms is essential for analyzing and discussing texts. These terms act as tools, helping you dissect stories, poems, plays, and other works of art in a structured and meaningful way. To make the learning process easier, I’ve compiled a list of key literary terms along with definitions and examples. Let’s dive in, one term at a time, and make sense of it all together.
1. Plot
Definition: The sequence of events that make up a story. The plot typically includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the plot begins with the introduction of the Montague and Capulet feud (exposition), progresses through the lovers’ secret marriage (rising action), reaches a peak with Mercutio and Tybalt’s deaths (climax), and concludes with the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet (resolution).
Why it matters: The plot is the backbone of any story. When analyzing a work, try to identify key moments in each section to understand how the narrative flows.
2. Theme
Definition: The central idea, message, or underlying meaning of a literary work.
Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, one theme is the importance of empathy and understanding others, captured by Atticus Finch’s advice: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”
Themes are like the heart of the story—they tell us what the author wants us to take away from the narrative.
3. Symbolism
Definition: When an object, person, or event represents a deeper meaning or concept beyond its literal significance.
Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, as well as the elusive nature of the American Dream.
Symbols are everywhere in literature. Pay attention to recurring objects or images—they often carry symbolic weight.
4. Tone
Definition: The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through their word choice and writing style.
Example: In George Orwell’s 1984, the tone is bleak and oppressive, reflecting the grim nature of a dystopian society under constant surveillance.
To identify tone, ask yourself: “How does this feel?” Is it playful, serious, somber, or sarcastic? The tone shapes how we perceive a work.
5. Mood
Definition: The emotional atmosphere or feeling that a literary work evokes in the reader.
Example: In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the mood is tense and unsettling, heightened by the narrator’s erratic behavior and obsession with the old man’s eye.
While tone reflects the author’s attitude, mood is all about the reader’s experience.
6. Characterization
Definition: The process by which an author develops characters, making them realistic and relatable. This can be direct (explicitly stating traits) or indirect (revealing traits through actions, dialogue, or thoughts).
Example: In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen directly describes Mr. Darcy as proud and aloof, but his actions—like secretly helping Elizabeth’s family—reveal his kindness and integrity.
When analyzing characters, look for both direct and indirect clues to understand their personalities and growth.
7. Conflict
Definition: The struggle between opposing forces in a story. Conflicts can be internal (within a character) or external (between a character and an outside force).
Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss faces an external conflict against the Capitol’s oppressive system and an internal conflict as she grapples with the moral implications of killing others to survive.
Conflict drives the plot and keeps readers engaged. Without it, there’s no story!
8. Point of View (POV)
Definition: The perspective from which a story is told. Common points of view include:
- First Person: Told from the “I” perspective. Example: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
- Third Person Limited: The narrator knows the thoughts of one character. Example: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
- Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts of all characters. Example: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.
Understanding POV helps you analyze how the narrator shapes the story and influences the reader’s understanding.
9. Foreshadowing
Definition: Hints or clues that suggest events that will happen later in the story.
Example: In Of Mice and Men, the shooting of Candy’s dog foreshadows the tragic ending when George shoots Lennie.
Foreshadowing builds anticipation and creates a sense of inevitability.
10. Irony
Definition: A contrast between expectations and reality. There are three main types:
- Situational Irony: When the opposite of what’s expected happens. Example: In The Gift of the Magi, a couple sells their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, only to render the gifts useless.
- Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters don’t. Example: In Romeo and Juliet, we know Juliet isn’t truly dead, but Romeo doesn’t.
- Verbal Irony: When someone says the opposite of what they mean (often sarcastically). Example: Saying, “Great weather we’re having!” during a storm.
Irony adds layers of meaning and often surprises readers.
11. Allusion
Definition: A reference to a person, place, event, or work of art, often indirect but meaningful.
Example: In The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, there are numerous allusions to classical literature, mythology, and religious texts, deepening the poem’s complexity.
Allusions require some background knowledge, so don’t hesitate to look up references in a text.
12. Imagery
Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
Example: In William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” the imagery of “a host of golden daffodils” swaying in the breeze evokes a serene and vivid scene.
Imagery helps readers visualize and emotionally connect to the work.
13. Metaphor
Definition: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
Example: In Shakespeare’s As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage” compares life to a play, where everyone has roles to play.
Metaphors are powerful tools for uncovering deeper meanings in texts.
14. Simile
Definition: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
Similes are like metaphors’ cousin—they make comparisons but are more explicit.
15. Allegory
Definition: A story, poem, or work of art that has a hidden meaning, often moral, political, or religious.
Example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism.
Allegories are rich with layers of meaning, making them great for deeper analysis.
16. Hyperbole
Definition: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
Example: “I’ve told you a million times!”
Hyperbole adds emphasis and can create humor or drama in a work.
Final Thoughts
Literary terms are your toolkit for diving into the world of literature. They help you break down complex works into manageable pieces and articulate your thoughts clearly. When in doubt, practice identifying these terms in your readings and think about how they shape the story or message.
Remember, literature is not just about analyzing—it’s about connecting with stories, characters, and ideas. These terms are here to help you do just that. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
Sources:
Baldick, Chris. The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2015.
Kennedy, X. J., et al. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. 13th ed., Pearson, 2016.
Harmon, William, and Hugh Holman. A Handbook to Literature. 12th ed., Pearson, 2012.
Murfin, Ross, and Supryia M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. 4th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2015.
Education Universe 