Click the links below to review common figurative language and story element definitions in video format provided by Jenny Sawyer of 60secondrecap.com.
Allegory
http://youtu.be/l3iXy-I2PEg An allegory is story, poem or picture in which all the elements symbolize something else. Watch the video above to learn more.
Motif
http://youtu.be/mhptwwbA5Tc Motifs are repeated elements in a story or poem that work to support the theme.
Protagonist
http://youtu.be/IEeemzAP5A4 The protagonist is the main character in a story. This character is also usually the good guy, otherwise known as the hero.
Satire
http://youtu.be/XvhHsRAwDz4 Satire is a story, poem, comedy routine, movie, et cetera, that uses irony, sarcasm, humor, or ridicule to highlight human idiocy or vice with the purpose of advocate for political or social changes. Remember, that satire is not just mean for the sake of being mean. It must have the purpose of changing the status quo...
Subtext
http://youtu.be/w36ddaXKHeI Subtext is an underlying theme in a literary work that must be inferred by looking at the clues the author leaves, such as repeated symbols, events, etc.
Symbols
http://youtu.be/pEfIcz8epmE Symbols is literature are objects that stand for something else. Typically, a material object that represents something abstract.
Theme
http://youtu.be/qhq82Pv0IUo The theme of a literary work is the dominant idea that the symbols, repetitions and patterns in the work are trying to convey.