This document defines various literary terms used in analyzing writing and literature. It includes definitions for diction, denotation, connotation, literal and figurative language, simile, metaphor, personification, tone, theme, claim, evidence, analysis, juxtaposition, point of view, understatement, hyperbole, irony, mood, symbol, foreshadowing, ambiguous language, en medias res, register, characterization, thesis, split thesis, alliteration, imagery, iambic pentameter, pun, oxymoron, soliloquy, aside, and comic relief.

1. Literary terms
Literary terms
Diction- Choice and use of words in a speech or writing; this affects the meaning and
audience understanding
Denotation- the ‘dictionary’ definition of a word
Connotation- Ideas and concepts which are commonly associated with a word but aren’t a
part of a dictionary
Literal language- When what is said is exactly what is meant
Figurative language- When what is said is not exactly what is meant
Simile- Comparing two unlike things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ therefore transferring the
characteristics of one thing to the other
Metaphor- When two things are directly compared therefore transferring the
characteristics of one thing to the other
Personification- When human characteristics are given to non-human things/objects
Tone- The authors or characters attitude towards a subject at hand (not necessarily the
same) affects the reader’s feelings and understanding about the author’s message
Theme- A unifying idea or a message in a story which is often universal
Claim- Starting an idea you are trying to prove
Evidence- A specific example that helps to prove your claim
Analysis- An explanations of how our evidence proves the claim
Juxtaposition- Placing two ideas or words close to one another which then influences our
thinking about each word to create new messages
Point of view- The perspective from which the narrator tells the story
First person- The narrator is a character in the story, who can reveal their own
personal feelings
3rd Person Objective- The narrator is an outsider who can report only what he or
she sees and hears. The narrator can tell us what is happening but can’t tell the thoughts
of the characters
3rd Person Limited- The narrator is an outsider who sees into the minds of one or a
few of the characters

2. 3rd Person Omniscient- The narrator is an all knowing outsider who can enter the
minds of several of the characters
Understatement- To say something with less completeness or truth than is warranted by
the facts; to express with restraint or lack of emphasis, especially for theoretical effects
Hyperbole- A kind of figurative language where exaggeration is used for emphasis or
effect
Irony- When a circumstance, action, event, or speech or the effect of the above is the
opposite of what is either expected or intended- often has a humorous effect
Mood/Atmosphere- The emotional quality that a reader feels in a scene/story. Ways to
describe mood include ‘creepy’ depressing, uplifting, joyous, confused.
Symbol- A person, object, or event which is a representative of a larger idea.
Foreshadowing- hints that the author gives us about what will happen later on in the
story.
Ambiguous language- Words that have more than one meaning, and which meaning the
author intentionally vague, therefore capitalizing on more than one meaning at the same
time
En Mediares- When a story/chapter etc. starts right in the middle of an
event/conversation, etc. Used to build readers curiosity and interest, among other effects
Register- Word choice and conventions which express the level of formality at hand can
be formal, semi-formal or informal
Characterization- The combined effects of all the methods that an author uses to reveal
who an character is. These methods include characters action, thoughts, physical
description, dialogue, behavior/body language, other people’s reaction to character.
Thesis- A summary of the main points that you are going to prove in an essay. It is found
in the introduction of an essay
Split Thesis- When a thesis includes both similarities and differences but is blended into a
unified idea or a position.
Alliteration- Repetition of the initial sound in a series of words which creates a range of
effects often rhythm or a drawing extra attention to the words involved
Ambiguous language 2- When authors/poets use words/phrases which have more than
one meaning in a way in which more than one (or all) meanings can be intended
Enjambment- In poetry, ending a line in a middle of a clause/sentence/idea without
punctuation so that the clause continues on to the next line- draws attention towards the
end of a line and the beginning of the next

3. Homophone- Words that sound that sound the same but are spelled differently and have a
different meaning
Assonance- The repetition of a ‘vowel’ sound within words
Consonance- The repetition of a consonant sound that occurs within words.
Imagery- Deeply or uniquely described situation which are meant to create a picture in
the readers mind
Iambic Pentameter- Verse where each line has 10 syllables or ‘5 feet’ (1 foot = 2
syllables), where every second syllable is stressed to help create rhythm
Pun- Ambiguous words or phrases which purposely intends to create all meanings at
once, usually for humorous effects
Oxymoron- A form of juxtaposition where direct opposites are placed directly next to
each other to create an effect
Soliloquy- A speech made by a character in a play which helps to reveal their toughts to
the audience often the only person on stage or action is ‘frozen’ and no other character is
able to hear what is being said
Aside- A brief comment which is heard only by the audience or certain characters on
stage; a stage whisper
Comic relief- a humorous scene in a play or a book meant to relieve tension after
something