examines how the text is a reflection of its author.

Biographical

is a form of criticism that examines how different religions, ethnicities, class identifications, political beliefs, and views affect the ways in which texts are created and interpreted.

Cultural

explores the power struggle based on societal classes.

Marxist

analyzes a work of literature in its historical context (For example: understanding the time period of the text, author's background, and how the events of the time affect the author and possibly the characters of the text).

Historical

the humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound. For example, the duck said to the waiter to put it on my bill.

Pun

is a literary device that uses symbols, be they words, people, marks, locations, or abstract ideas to represent something beyond the literal meaning.

Symbolism

language that appeals to the senses such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Imagery

a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. For example, the basketball player is like a skyscraper.

Simile

an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be. For example, the basketball player is a skyscraper.

Metaphor

A device in which repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words such as Sally sells sea shells down by the seashore (Letter S is repeated).

Alliteration

gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea.

Personification

use of words that imitate sounds such as tick, pop, buzz, ring, tap, bark, and so on

Onomatopoeia

An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect.

Hyperbole

is a common phrase or expression. For example, the test was a piece of cake.

Idiom

a figure of speech that references a person, place, thing, or event in other literary works. For example, I am Juliet to your Romeo.

Allusion

s a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect such as bittersweet.

Oxymoron

is the repetition of a vowel sound in non-rhyming words such as clap, hands, errands (Short A sound repeated).

Assonance

refers to repetitive sounds produced by a consonant in the middle or end of a word of at least 2 words in a line of poetry such as Mike likes to ride bikes (Letter K repeated).

Consonance

I/we/me

First person

you perspective.

Second person

is when an author says one thing and means something else.

Verbal irony

is when an audience perceives something that a character in the literature does not know.

Dramatic irony

is a difference between what is expected and what happens.

Situational irony

the struggle between two opposing forces
-Character versus Self
-Character versus Character
-Character versus Society

Conflict

is the main character or principal character or group of characters in a story.

protagonist

the principal opponent or foil of the main character, who is referred to as the protagonist, in a drama or narrative.

Antagonist

characters that contrast each other in order to emphasize traits.

FOIL

a woman's shoe with a thin, high tapering heel.

Stilettos

an outfit complete with accessories, jewelry etc.

Ensemble

black in color; similar to the color of jet or coal.

Sooty

is a covered vehicle without wheels that requires at least four strong people to carry it.

Palanquin

property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.

Dowry

the person to whom one is engaged.

Betrothed

a two wheel cart used by farmers

Tumbrel

to exploit weaknesses of others

Pander

useless

Otiose

a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system

Revolution