Essential Literary Terms: A Brief Norton Guide With Exercises

by Sharon Hamilton

Essential Literary Terms offers clear, concise definitions over 220 must-know literary terms for introductory students. Drawing on her extensive teaching experience, Sharon Hamilton uses classroom-tested examples and exercises to reinforce students’ understanding and help them apply what they learn in their own writing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Writing, School, Textbooks, Literature, Professional Development

292 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2006

About the author

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Reviews

[stephani iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

wanted to read this before the fall semester began and never had time to finish it, so gonna formally DNF here but it's literally just definitions of literary and linguistic terms. So life, DNF, but DNF a text book ? idk

[Corinne Blackmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title indicates, an essential companion to reading prose, drama and, in particular, poetry. The author provides explanations of important literary terms, including tropes, schemes, and meter, and the examples from literature are extremely useful. I use this book for my courses in the introduction to criticism, and highly recommend it for professors and "common readers" who want a deeper understanding of the workings and constituent elements of great literature. Finally, the exercises are very helpful.[bookcover:Essential Literary Terms: A Brief Norton Guide with

[Mel ReadingWithMAC · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need assistance with getting Literary devices I recommend this book. I used it for a college course, but I am still holding on to it just for it use.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Okay.
This was the only "workbook"-esque book that I've read & haven't absolutely hated.
I read this book for my Literary Analysis class & Hamilton really has a way of making the material seem interesting & breaking it down so that it's easier to understand.
The exercises that she throws in throughout the book feel purposeful & helpful for the reader. They aren't aimless & don't feel like busy work.
Although it's technically a textbook, I actually didn't hate it.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose it's time to close the chapter on this book. The boys and I read through most of it during this school year. I know I will be returning to it often, as it is a helpful reference book for literature. And I'm a sucker for books like this!

[Espresso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very easy to read and is very explanatory.
It is a good book to reference for people who have not had a background in the terms for literature previously. For me it was redundant, and I did not look at it more than once or twice actually in class.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is essential to go back to the basics of understanding English literary terms. This book also covers the understanding of poetic literary terms as well..a good read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A keeper for any English lover/major.