A simple list of literary terms. Click on each for a definition and examples.

An excellent resource for learning about the different forms and devices used in poetry. Each item is linked to its own page which has examples of its use. Many of the pages have videos of authors reading their poems, and some have...

This site lists and briefly defines the literary terms 7th graders should know including types of writing, literary devices, sound devices, figurative language, and parts of a story,

The writer of this site tells about her experience with reading literature written in the "magical realism" style. It is a personal response to literature, rather than a scholarly analysis, but it is well-written and knowledgable. Many...

This is an online glossary of poetry terms including a list of terms, definitions, and examples. It also provides links to other terms that are used in the definition.

This is a nine-page PDF on poetic devices; it includes four sections: The Sounds of Words, The Meanings of Words, Arranging the Words, and The Images of Words. Each section includes the poetic devices that fit the topic complete with...

This is a glossary of literary terms designed for English 11: semester 1 and semester 2.

An exhaustive list of literary terms and techniques with explanations that often include examples, prepared for a college-level survey course in English literature.

This is an introduction to the literary theme of appearance vs. reality using Hamlet, a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It features a list of key terms including literary devices and dramatic terms; essential questions including how the...

Searchable glossary of poetry terms.

A one-page chart listing figurative language terms used in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, along with definitions and examples.

Defines and compares the use of assonance and consonance in poetry, with examples.

A learning module that teaches students to recognize hyperbole and understatement as literary devices in five modules: Introduction, Recognizing Hyperbole and Understanding Its Purpose, Identifying Hyperbole in Poetry, Recognizing...

Rhetorical terms are defined on this site by the Kentucky Division of Classics. With sentence examples of each in English and Greek. Also related links to Perseus.

Contains plans for two lessons that ask students to make connections between literary texts and popular culture texts like song lyrics. After checking popular culture texts for literary elements, these elements are then examined in...

A glossary of literary terms, primarily dealing with poetry, with definitions.

Form reinforces the concept of personification with examples and room for students to create their own.

This is a glossary entry for the terms "Rhythm" and Rhyme" including the definition of each and literary examples of each.

Defines analogy. Also explains the reasoning behind the multiple levels of comparisons within an analogy. Includes examples and quotes from famous authors.

A learning module that includes ten links to videos, websites, and assessments that review literary terms such as poetic devices, figurative language, literary elements, literary terms, and more.

This resource explains how to analyze a poem for its subject, narrator, tone, diction, and more. "Open" and "closed" poems are defined. Explanation are provided for "metrical feet" and "rhyme scheme" in poetry. William Shakespeare's "My...

Explains what is meant by the term 'stream of consciousness' and where it originated. The characteristics of stream of consciousness are described, its history in literature, how it differs from 'interior monologue,' and examples of its...

This video [4:00] from the American Masters film Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun examines Zora Neale Hurston and her famous novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." In this resource, students delve into the novel's title in greater...

Site defines the term ambiguity. Offers explanations of different types of ambiguity, quotes and examples.