Literary Elements & Other Definitions for Literature --> K, L, & M
- Kenning = a metaphorical compound word used as a poetic device: seafarer (ship)
- Litotes = an understatement achieved by saying the opposite of what one means, or by stating the negative of what is really meant
- Literal language = the opposite of figurative language, this type of language involves or uses words in their ordinary senses
- Limerick = a single five-line stanza, humorous, nonsense verse consisting of a triplet and a couplet
- Lyric poetry = highly musical verse that expresses the observations and feelings of a single speaker
- Logic = a mode of steps for reasoning
- Metaphysical poetry = poetry which is highly intellectual
- Metaphor = a comparison of two things that are basically dissimilar in which one is described in terms of the other
- Meter = the rhythmical pattern of a poem
- Mock epic = a satire using the form and style of an epic poem to treat a trivial incident
- Mood = the emotional aspect of a work, which contributes to the feeling the reader gets from the book
- Motif = a situation, an incident, an idea or image that is repeated significantly in a literary work
- Main character = the most important character in the story (protagonist)
- Mystery = a detective story in which the main character must solve a mystery, usually a crime
- Monologue = a speech by one character in a play, story, or poem
- Moral = a lesson taught by a literary work
- Motto = a short expression of a guiding rule of conduct
- Motivation = a reason that explains a character's thoughts, feelings, and behavior
- Myth = a fictional tale that explains the actions of gods or the causes of natural forces
- Main idea = what the story is about, the author's purpose or message
- Malapropism = misuse of a word (inappropriateness)
- Metonymy = the substitution of a word naming one object for another word closely associated with it
- Monometer = verse written in one-foot lines