Literary Elements in "The Necklace"

Irony, Conflict, and Characterization


*Irony is a contradictory statement or situation.

-Verbal Irony occurs when a character says one thing but means another

-Situational Irony occurs when what happens in a story is the opposite of what is expected to happen

-Dramatic Irony occurs when the reader has information that one or more of the characters do not have

*For some examples of irony, watch Alanis Morissette's music video below. While I might argue that some of these situations aren't necessarily ironic, there are some that are. What things does she sing about that ARE ironic?

Alanis Morissette - Ironic (Video)

Conflict - THE BIG FOUR

There are four different types of conflict found in literature:

Man vs. Man

Man vs. Society

Man vs. Self

Man vs. Nature

Look at each storyboard below to get a better understanding of the different types of conflict in literature.


Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.



Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect characterization:

Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?

Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?

Effect on others toward the character: What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Actions: What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Looks: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Your Assignment over "The Necklace" and Random Grumpy Cat Memes

1. Choose ONE partner

2. Analyze your text for the above terms: Make sure that this involves you "reading with a pen in your hand."

Tip: It would be helpful to read/analyze in different colors.

3. Using technology, present your findings. Present your findings in a creative, fun way!

Some Ideas: Smore, Powtoon, Stopmotion (App), Movie Maker, Incorporate QR Codes, Aurasma, Weebly, Storyboard, Incorporate Videos, Incorporate Images

**What else can you think of that would be cool??**