A Few Literary Terms for the Bean Trees

A Few Literary Terms for The Bean Trees

Be able to apply each to the novel.

Flat v. Round Character: A flat character, also called a two-dimensional character, is more a type than an individual, and stays essentially the same throughout the work. A round, or three-dimensional character, in contrast, is multifaceted and subject to change and growth; he or she is also capable of inconsistencies.

Foil: A foil is a character that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist and, in so doing, highlights various facets of the main character's personality. A foil has some important characteristics in common with the other character, such as, frequently, superficial traits or personal history. The author may use the foil to throw the character of the protagonist into sharper relief. The term refers to the practice of putting polished foil underneath a gemstone to make it shine more brightly.

Hyperbole: Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration used figuratively. Hyperbole is used to heighten effect or to produce a comic effect. (“I’ve told you a million times. . .”)

Idiom: An idiom is a phrase or expression which means something different from what the words actually say. (“We’ll play it by ear.”)

Inference: Inference is the act of drawing a conclusion that is not actually stated. It’s being “shown,” not “told.”

Irony: Irony is a subtle perception of inconsistency in which the significance of a statement or event is changed by its content.

· Dramatic irony – The audience knows more about a character’s situation than a character does.

· Situational irony – Something unexpected happens in the plot.

· Verbal irony – Someone says one thing, but means another. This is also known as sarcasm.

Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison of two things that are basically dissimilar, but are brought together in order to create a sharp image.

Parable: A parable is an illustrative story answering a question or teaching a moral lesson. It is, in a sense, an allegory, or a story that can be read at two levels, literally or figuratively.

Proverb: A proverb is a short saying that states a basic truth about life.

Self Fufilling Prophecy: A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true. The self-fulfilling prophecy is, in the beginning, a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the original false conception come 'true'.

Motifs: Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Mnemonic Device: A mnemonic device is a memory aid. Mnemonics are often verbal, something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something. They are also often pictures.