Name:____________
Date Assigned_____Date Due:_____
Block:___
Subject:____
LITERARY ELEMENTS/TERMS SCAVENGER HUNT
Define the following literary elements. You may use a literature book, dictionary, or computer (if available). After
you have defined the elements rewrite the definition in your own words. Write an example representing EACH element.
Your example may come from a selection you have read in another class, a selection from the literature book, a
novel/short story you have read on your own, movie, documentary etc. After each element you must cite the source
for example. You may use my definition but you may not use my example. You must state how your example qualifies
for the element. Be creative with examples. Try to think of a example that other may not use.
EXAMPLE:
Stream of Consciousness
Definition:
Stream of consciousness is characterized by a flow of thoughts and images, which may not always appear to have a
coherent structure or cohesion. The plot line may weave in and out of time and place, carrying the reader through the
life span of a character or further along a timeline to incorporate the lives (and thoughts) of characters from other
time periods. Writers who create stream-of-consciousness works of literature focus on the emotional and psychological
processes that are taking place in the minds of one or more characters. Important character traits are revealed
through an exploration of what is going on in the mind.
Own Words: The Author’s way of letting you hear the character’s thoughts. No other characters can hear these
thoughts. Information intended for the reader or viewer. Much like a mental soliloquy.
Example:
“ I’d never really given much thought to how I would die…Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of someone
else, someone I loved.” –Bella, Twilight
Explanation:
In this quote Bella is on her way to the ballet studio to rescue her mother who is supposedly being held hostage by
James. Bella has resigned herself to the fact that this encounter will probable not end well because James is
dangerous. Bella is telling herself that if she has to die she thinks that dying in the place of someone you love, in
this case her mother, is probable a good way to die. Noble even. This quotation is also foreshadowing her love and
devotion for Edward when facing the Volturi in the subsequent novel and tends to be the theme of the series as each
character risks their lives/existence for those they love.
Literary elements/Terms
Theme
Foreshadowing
Slant Rhyme
Conflict
Onomatopoeia
Archetype
Soliloquy
Aside
Allegory
Oxymoron
Gothic Romance Hyperbole
Alliteration (Do not use Peter Piper…)
Metaphor
Simile
Protagonist
Character
Connotation
Denotation
Sonnet
Myth
Parable
Dialogue
Flashback
Rhyme Scheme
Stream of Consciousness
Parody
Archaism
Plot (incl, RA, Climax, FA, Resol.)
Gothic Literature
Allusion
Irony
Antagonist
Metonymy
Couplet
Narrative
Personification
Setting
Format your paper as follows:
Fold your paper in half length-wise. In the LEFT column you should write the term along with the dictionary
definition, the definition in your own words. In the RIGHT column you will write your example ( and cited source) and
an explanation of how your example qualifies for the literary element/term defined.