THEME -- The theme in a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight. It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey. The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature.
The title of the short story usually points to what the writer is saying and he may use various figures of speech to emphasize his theme, such as:
a.) symbol- a similar object, action, person, or place or something else that stands for something abstract
b.) allusion-is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.
c.) simile- a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g., as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox ).
d.) metaphor- is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics.
e.) hyperbole- exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
f.) irony- contrast or contradiction of what is expected and what results.
verbal irony- occurs when a character or narrator says one thing but means the opposite
dramatic irony- occurs when the reader knows more than the character
situational irony-occurs when the contrast between what appears to be and what actually exists.
Some simple examples of common themes from literature, TV, and film are:
- things are not always as they appear to be
- Love is blind
- Believe in yourself
- People are afraid of change
- Don't judge a book by its cover
Other lit Terms:
Foreshadowing-clues of hints which prepare the reader for future action or events
Flashback-looks back at events that have already occurred
Suspense-anticipation as to the outcome of events
Chronological-places events in order of time from first to last
Imagery-means to use figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.
Cliff Hanger- a melodramatic adventure in which the story ends in suspense in order to interest the reader
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