Question | Answer |
Repetition | Where a specific word, phrase, or structure is repeated several times, usually in close proximity, to emphasize a particular idea. |
Setting | The time and place where a story occurs. The setting can be specific (e.g., New York City in 1930) or ambiguous (e.g., a large urban city during economic hard times). |
Simile | An indirect relationship where one thing or idea is described as being similar to another. Similes usually contain the words “like” or “as,” but not always. |
Speaker | The “voice” of a poem; not to be confused with the poet him/herself. Analogous to the narrator in prose fiction. |
Structure | The manner in which the various elements of a story are assembled. |
Symbolism | The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas. |
Theme | The main idea or message conveyed by the piece. |
Tone | The apparent emotional state, or “attitude,” of the speaker/narrator/narrative voice, as conveyed through the language of the piece. |
Tragedy | Where a story ends with a negative or unfortunate outcome which was essentially avoidable, usually caused by a flaw in the central character’s personality. |
Tragic hero/tragic figure: | A protagonist who comes to a bad end as a result of his own behavior, usually cased by a specific personality disorder or character flaw. |
Tragic flaw | The single characteristic (usually negative) or personality disorder which causes the downfall of the protagonist. |
Verbal irony | Where the meaning of a specific expression is, or is intended to be, the exact opposite of what the words literally mean. |