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	definition	example

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

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, symbolizing Gatsby’s hopes and dreams.

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 (a turning point).
• Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the climax is when Romeo kills Tybalt, escalating the feud and leading to tragic consequences.

4. Protagonist

• Definition: The leading character, or one of the major characters 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, or character vs. other force).
• Example: In The Most Dangerous Game, the conflict is between Rainsford (man vs. man) and Zaroff, and also Rainsford vs. the jungle (man vs. nature).

6. Mood

• Definition: A literary element evoking feelings/senses in readers through words/descriptions.
• Example: In The Fall of the House of Usher, the mood is eerie and foreboding, created by descriptions of the decaying mansion.

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 characters and events.

8. Plot

• Definition: Describes events that make up a story (events relate in a pattern).
• Example: In Cinderella, the plot includes her mistreatment, meeting the prince, losing the slipper, and finally being reunited.

9. Setting

• Definition: The time and place of a literary work’s events.
• Example: In Pride and Prejudice, the setting is early 19th - century England, in rural estates and towns like Meryton.

10. Theme

• Definition: An idea that recurs/pervades a work (often the main “message”).
• Example: In Animal Farm, the theme of corruption of power is seen through the pigs’ rise to control the farm.

11. Exposition

• Definition: The beginning part introducing the main conflict’s background.
• Example: In The Lord of the Rings, the exposition introduces Middle - earth, the One Ring, and the threat of Sauron.

12. Foreshadowing

• Definition: Hints/clues suggesting future plot events (adds intrigue/tension).
• Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the Prologue’s line “a pair of star - cross’d lovers take their life” foreshadows their tragic end.

13. Tone

• Definition: The writer’s attitude toward a subject (conveyed via word choice, syntax, point of view).
• Example: In A Modest Proposal, Swift’s tone is satirical, mocking how society views poverty in Ireland.

14. Suspense

• Definition: A feature arousing excited expectation/uncertainty about what might happen.
• Example: In The Tell - Tale Heart, the narrator’s increasing madness and the sound of the “beating heart” create 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 go home with the help of the Ruby Slippers.

16. Motif

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

17. Characterization

• Definition: The process of revealing a character’s personality/features.
• Example: In Jane Eyre, Jane’s dialogue and actions (e.g., standing up to Mrs. Reed) reveal her strong - willed nature.

(Note: For the "Example" column, any valid literary example for each term is acceptable. The above examples are just illustrations.)