City University of New York
Cuny Brooklyn: Literary Terms
Site gives definitions of many literary terms including "characterization."
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Foreshadowing
This is a glossary entry for the term "Foreshadowing" including a definition, examples, and a link to more information.
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Repetition
Explains the role of repetition in poetry. Gives several examples of poems that use repetition as a literary device.
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Analogy
This is a glossary entry for the term "Analogy" including the definition, an example, and links to more information.
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Characterization
This is a glossary entry for the term "Characterization" including a definition and the characteristics to be developed: Character's appearance, actions, thoughts, voice, and reaction from others.
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Metaphor
This is a glossary entry for the term "Metaphor" including a definition and links to simile, personification, hyperbole, anology, and other figures of speech.
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Personification
This is a glossary entry for the term "Personification" including a defintion and two literary examples.
Ted Nellen
Cyber English (By Ted Nellen): Simile
This is a glossary entry for the term "Simile" including a definition and examples in a cartoon and in literary works. Links are provided to more information and examples.
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: Death Personified
For this lesson, students will personify an object within a poem. They will focus on voice and word choice in order to fully convey their message.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Figure of Speech
Wikipedia provides a detailed definition of figure of speech, and then includes hyperlinks to different types of figures of speech.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Series of Unfortunate Literary Allusions
Can you spot the many literary allusions made in the famous "Series of Unfortunate Events" books? This article points them out and explains them.
Other
Spelling police.com: Allegory
Informational site that provides the definition for and examples of allegory.
Other
Spelling police.com: Literary Devices
A simple list of literary terms. Click on each for a definition and examples.
Emory University
Emory University Writing Center: Ambiguity
Site defines the term ambiguity. Offers explanations of different types of ambiguity, quotes and examples.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: Representative Poetry Online
A glossary of literary terms, primarily dealing with poetry, with definitions.
Quia
Quia: Action Verbs
This 26 question quiz has students choose the term that best matches the definition. Java is required.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary & Rhetorical Terms
A comprehensive list of literary terms from the University of Victoria that will give students definitions and examples of how they are used. Terms are sorted by category. L.11-12.4d Verify meaning
Quia
Quia: S v Agreement: Indefinite Pronouns
Given the term definition, students are to select the matching literary term in this 40 question quiz that covers 40 literary terms. Java is required.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary Term: Allegory
This site provides an excellent description of allegory. Content includes a focus on two of the main types of allegories, as well as an example.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary Term: Ambiguity
This site from The UVic Writer's Guide provides an excellent description of the term ambiguity. Site offers links to other literary terms and their meanings.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary Term: Aphorism
Provides an excellent description of the element of aphorism in writing. Content includes several examples.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary Term: Epithet
This site from The UVic Writer's Guide provides a general description of the word "epithet." Content also includes a literary example.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: General Literary Terms
The University of Victoria's Writer's Guide includes an extensive list of literary and rhetorical terms. List can be displayed alphabetically.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Figures of Thought: Symbol
Learn about symbolism in literature and view examples of this literary technique.