Shakespeare Exam Study Guide

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the Shakespeare Exam Study Guide, including definitions of literary terms, themes from plays, and important historical context.

Quarto

An early paperback format that is small and often contains errors.

Folio

A larger, revised collection of texts, more substantial than quartos.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold power and women are largely excluded from it.

Homoerotic subtext

Subtle expressions of same-sex attraction in literature or drama.

Anarchic freedom

A state of complete freedom without order or control, often depicted in chaotic or wilderness settings.

Surveillance

Close observation, especially of a suspected individual or group.

Oedipus complex

A psychoanalytic theory where a son has feelings of desire for his mother and jealousy towards his father.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.

Antanaclasis

The repetition of a word or phrase that changes meaning from the first to the second use.

Aposiopesis

A sudden breaking off in the middle of a statement, typically due to emotion.

Asyndeton

The deliberate omission of conjunctions in a series to create a more impactful expression.

Polysyndeton

The use of many conjunctions to slow the rhythm or pace of a speech or writing.

Zeugma

A figure of speech in which a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, with a change in meaning.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning.

Tragic rigidity

A characteristic of a tragic figure that leads to their downfall due to their inflexible beliefs or actions.

Divine right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects.

Cultural 'other'

A term referring to individuals or groups that are considered outside of a dominant culture or society.

Existential crisis

A moment when an individual questions the very foundations of their life, often regarding purpose and value.