Literary elements and
literary devices are important to a critical evaluation of children’s
literature. It is essential to know the meaning of all elements and devices in
order to be able to use and identify them in the future. Literary elements include antagonist, character, conflict, mood and tone, plot,
protagonist, setting, and themes. Literary devices include allegory, allusion,
archetype, deus ex machine, hyperbole, imagery, metaphor, motif, point of view,
simile, and symbolism.
The following links show
definitions and examples of each term.
Knowing the definition of each term is fundamental as a
teacher, educator, or librarian. I am lucky enough to currently teach most of
these terms to my 4th grade students for reading and writing. Although
some terms are hard to teach, my students are always reminded of the definition
when ever we get to an example in a novel or passage we are reading. Nevertheless, young adult literature should
also be evaluated using these terms that are essential to know. Kids might be
looking for a certain setting, plot, or figurative language, and the librarian should
definitely have an answer. I loved the example of theme that was presented. I
will definitely use it with my students this coming year. Where the Wild Things Are is a book that children love and will enjoy
talking and learning about all the different themes that this book displays.
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