Independent literary responses Key Terms

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other.

Dramatic irony

A situation where the audience knows more about the circumstances than the characters, creating tension or humor.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Narrative voice

The format or perspective from which a story is told, influencing how the audience perceives the narrative.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message conveyed through a literary work.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story, often contributing to the theme.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings, often moral or political.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story, contributing to the theme.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Tragedy

A genre of literature that depicts the downfall of a noble hero due to a tragic flaw or fate.

Revenge tragedy

A subgenre of tragedy that focuses on the theme of revenge, often involving a protagonist who seeks to avenge a wrong.

Persona

The voice or character assumed by the writer in a literary work, distinct from the author.

Characterization

The method used by an author to develop and reveal the personality of a character.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to a downfall in tragedy.

Catharsis

The emotional release experienced by the audience at the end of a tragedy.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

Allegory

A narrative that uses characters and events to represent broader themes and moral lessons.

Narrative voice

The perspective from which a story is told, influencing how readers perceive the narrative.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message in a literary work.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other.

Irony

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often highlighting contradictions.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other, often enriching the meaning of a work.

Narrative Voice

The perspective from which a story is told, which can shape the reader's understanding and interpretation of the text.

Intertextuality

Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts and how they influence, reference, or echo each other, enriching the meaning of both.

Dramatic irony

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters, creating tension and engagement in the narrative.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message in a literary work.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.