1. Theme
•Central idea or message in a work of literature
•Perception about life or human nature shared with the reader
•Theme is NOT expressed by one word, but rather by a statement.
2. Finding Theme
¡To discover theme in a story: What happens to the central characters in the story? State the importance of those events as they apply to all human beings.
To discover theme in poetry: What is the topic of the poem? Then, what does the poem say about the topic?
3. Imagery
¡Use of words or phrases that appeal directly to the reader's taste, touch, hearing, sight, or smell. Imagery is any vivid or picturesque phrase that evokes a particular sensation in the reader's mind.
Examples: "golden brass,” “silvery steel,” and “autumn blaze”
4. Simile
¡Comparison between two unlike objects using the words “like” or “as.” In formal prose the simile is a device both of art and explanation, comparing an unfamiliar thing to some familiar thing (an object, event, process, etc.) known to the reader.
¡The soul in the body is like a bird in a cage.
¡My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun.
¡The argument of this book utilizes pretzel-like logic.
They remained constantly attentive to their goal, as a sunflower always turns and stays focused on the sun
5. Metaphor
¡Compares two different things by speaking of one in terms of the other. Unlike a simile, a metaphor asserts that one thing is another thing, not just that one is like another. Very frequently a metaphor is invoked by the to be verb
¡Nature is an anchor in the storm of life. She became a cat during the jewel heist
6.Symbol/Symbolism
¡An object, sign, or image that is used to stand for something else, as a flag may be used to symbolize a nation. The systematic use of recurrent symbols or images in a work to create an added level of meaning. Example: In Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the fire symbolizes rescue and hope; the beast symbolizes fear and man’s capacity for evil
7. Motif
¡A recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature. A motif may also be two contrasting elements in a work, such as good and evil.
In the Book of Genesis, we see the motif of separation again and again throughout the story. In the very first chapter, God separates the light from the darkness. Abraham and his descendants are separated from the rest of the nation as God's chosen people. Joseph is separated from his brothers in order that life might be preserved.
8.Verbal Irony
¡A subtle form of sarcasm, verbal irony is a rhetorical device in which the speaker either severely understates his point or means the opposite of what he says¡A guest politely describes a host's unimpressive wine as "nicely chilled“ An extremely dull person is described as "not a likely Mensa (organization formed of those with an IQ in the top 2% of the population) candidate
9.Conflict
¡Struggle between two opposing forces/characters¡Internal conflict: The struggle is within the character
¡External conflict: The struggle is between the character and an outside force
10. Personification
¡Represents an animal or inanimate object as having human attributes--attributes of form, character, feelings, behavior, and so on. Ideas and abstractions can also be personified.
¡The ship began to creak and protest as it struggled against the rising sea.¡We bought this house instead of the one on Maple because this one is more friendly.
¡This coffee is strong enough to get up and walk away.
11. Alliteration
¡The recurrence of initial consonant sounds. The repetition can be juxtaposed (and then it is usually limited to two words):¡Ah, what a delicious day!
¡Often, though, several words not next to each other are alliterated in a sentence. Here the use is more artistic.
¡I shall delight to hear the ocean roar, or see the stars twinkle, in the company of men to whom Nature does not spread her volumes or utter her voice in vain.
12. Allusion
¡A short, informal reference to a famous person, event or literary work
¡The best sources for allusions are literature, history, Greek myth, and the Bible¡The reference serves to explain or clarify or enhance whatever subject is under discussion, without sidetracking the reader.
¡If you take his parking place, you can expect World War II all over again.
¡Plan ahead: it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
