Question

when analyzing literature, it is important that you know the correct academic terms.

1. for each of the following terms, do your research, and work out which description fits.

then write that in the first column.

1. then think of examples of each - from literature you’ve read - and complete the

column on the right.
exposition suspense conflict foreshadowing climax setting protagonist mood
plot characterization motif tone narration flashback resolution theme imagery

term\tdefinition\texample
\tvisually descriptive or figurative language in a literary work.
\twhen an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order
of a narrative.
\tthe most exciting, intense, or thrilling point in a literary work. it is
often a turning point or pivotal moment in a story.
\tthe leading character, or one of the major characters in a work of
literature.
\ta struggle between two opposing forces: this may be between two
characters, ir it may be between a character and some other force.
\ta literary element which evokes certain feelings or senses in readers
through words and descriptions.
\tthe process of telling a story; encompasses a set of techniques
through which the creator of the story presents it to a reader.
\ta term used to describe the events that make up a story, or the
main part of a story. these events relate to each other in a pattern.
\tthe time and place in which the events of a work of literature take
place.
\tan idea that recurs in or pervades a work of literature; often the
main message of the story.
\tthe beginning part of a story in which the background to the main
conflict is introduced.
\tthe use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in the
plot; adds intrigue and dramatic tension.
\tthe attitude of the writer towards a subject: generally conveyed
through word choice, syntax, or point of view.
\ta feature in a work of literature which arouses excited expectation
or uncertainty about what might happen.
\tthe part of the story’s plot where the main problem is settled or
worked out.
\ta dominant or reoccurring idea in a literary work; often used to
contribute to the construction of the theme.
\tthe process by which the writer reveals the personality and features
of a character in a story
© stacey lloyd 2019

Answer:

To solve this, we match each term to its definition by recalling literary term meanings:

1. Imagery

• Definition: Visually descriptive or figurative language in a literary work.
• Example: In The Great Gatsby, “the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock” is imagery, evoking longing and hope.

2. Flashback

• Definition: When an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order of a narrative.
• Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout’s recollections of her childhood (e.g., Jem’s broken arm story at the start) use flashback.

3. Climax

• Definition: The most exciting, intense, or thrilling point in a literary work (often a turning point).
• Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the climax is when Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished, escalating the tragedy.

4. Protagonist

• Definition: The leading character (or major character) in a work of literature.
• Example: In Harry Potter, Harry Potter is the protagonist, driving the story’s conflict against Voldemort.

5. Conflict

• Definition: A struggle between two opposing forces (characters, character vs. force).
• Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss’ conflict is against the Capitol (and her own moral dilemmas).

6. Mood

• Definition: A literary element evoking certain feelings/senses in readers through words/descriptions.
• Example: In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, the mood is gloomy and haunting, created by phrases like “midnight dreary.”

7. Narration

• Definition: The process of telling a story (techniques to present it to readers).
• Example: In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway’s first - person narration shapes how we view the events.

8. Plot

• Definition: Events that make up a story (relate in a pattern, main part of a story).
• Example: In Cinderella, the plot includes her mistreatment, the ball, the glass slipper, and her marriage to the prince.

9. Setting

• Definition: The time and place of a work’s events.
• Example: In Pride and Prejudice, the setting is early 19th - century England (country estates, ballrooms).

10. Theme

• Definition: An idea pervading a work (often the main message).
• Example: In Animal Farm, the theme of corruption of power is central (seen in the pigs’ rise to control).

11. Exposition

• Definition: The beginning part introducing background to the main conflict.
• Example: In Lord of the Flies, the exposition introduces the boys’ plane crash and arrival on the island.

12. Foreshadowing

• Definition: Hints/clues suggesting future plot events (adds intrigue/tension).
• Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the prologue’s “star - crossed lovers” line foreshadows their tragic end.

13. Tone

• Definition: The writer’s attitude toward a subject (conveyed via word choice, syntax, POV).
• Example: In A Modest Proposal, Swift’s ironic, satirical tone criticizes British treatment of the Irish.

14. Suspense

• Definition: A feature arousing excited expectation/uncertainty about what might happen.
• Example: In The Tell - Tale Heart, the narrator’s descent into madness and the “beating heart” build suspense.

15. Resolution

• Definition: The part of the plot where the main problem is settled.
• Example: In The Wizard of Oz, the resolution is when Dorothy realizes she can return home via the shoes.

16. Motif

• Definition: A dominant/reoccurring idea (contributes to theme construction).
• Example: In The Scarlet Letter, the “scarlet A” is a motif representing sin, shame, and redemption.

17. Characterization

• Definition: The process of revealing a character’s personality/features.
• Example: In Jane Eyre, Jane’s internal thoughts (e.g., “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me”) reveal her independent character.

(For the “EXAMPLE” column, these are sample answers—you can use other literary works you’ve read!)