English literary terms

Alliteration

The repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of multiple words in a sentence or a phrase.

consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end of words, with stressed syllables within words.

parallelism

using similar words, clauses, and grammar structures to emphasize similar ideas within a sentence.

allusion

making a brief, indirect reference to a person,place, event, or idea that exists outside of the context of the text.

hyperbole

an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or humorous effect.

personification

the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, often used in literature to create vivid imagery.

denotation

the literal or primary meaning of a word, as opposed to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

dialogue

used to convey when a character speaks in a story

anaphora

the repetition of a word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines to create a sonic effect

antagonist

opposite to protagonist, one that contends with or opposes another

diction

author’s choice and use of words in a literary work

in media res

the practice of beginning a story at a later point in the narrative.

protagonist

the main character of the story; or the principal character in a literary work

antithesis

a contrast of two opposing ideas with a parallel structure to make a point or create emphasis.

dramatic irony

irony used for creating situations in which the audience knows more about the situations, and the causes of conflicts than the leading characters or actors. ex: radhika

apostrophe

poetic phrase or speech that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present in the literary work.

dynamic character

undergoes changes throughout the narrative.

juxtaposition

a literary device that implies comparison or contrast. Placing two entities side by side to create dramatic or ironic contrast. ex: light and darkness

archetype

a character is based on a set of qualities or traits that are specific and identifiable for readers.ex: the hero

metonymy

one object or idea takes place of another with which it has close association

caesura

a pause or break within a line of poetry that creates a dramatic effect and influences rhythm.

assonance

the rep of sounds produced by vowels within a sentence or phrase

paradox

a statement that seems to contradict but has some underlying logic

foil

a character that serves to highlight the traits of another character through the contrast

connotation

refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from what its describing

colloquial

the use of informal and /or conversational language

extended metaphor

a metaphor that extends over the course of multiple lines, paragraphs, or stanzas of prose.

situational irony

a form of irony in which something takes place that is different or the opposite of what is expected to happen. ex; plot twist

catharsis

the process of releasing emotions in a way through which one can acheive a state of moral or spiritual renewal

Conceit

An extended, surprising comparison between two very different things.

Imagery

Descriptive language that creates sensory pictures (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).

Metaphor

A direct comparison saying one thing is another.

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as.”

Symbol

A person, object, place, or action that represents a deeper meaning.

Analogy

A comparison used to explain or clarify an idea.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words placed together. Example: “deafening silence.”

Understatement

Making something seem less important or serious than it really is.

Epistrophe

Repeating a word/phrase at the end of successive sentences or clauses.

Refrain

A repeated line or phrase, especially in a poem or song.

Rhyme

Repetition of similar sounds, usually at the ends of lines.

Sibilance

Repetition of “s,” “sh,” or similar hissing sounds.

Ambiguity

Language with more than one possible meaning.

Asyndeton

Leaving out conjunctions like “and” to create speed/emphasis. “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Polysyndeton

Using many conjunctions (“and,” “or,” “but”) between words or phrases.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and sentences. When analyzing, identify the specific type/pattern, such as telegraphic sentences (very short, stripped-down sentences)

Tone

The speaker/writer’s attitude toward the subject.

Antihero

A main character who lacks traditional heroic qualities.

Dialect

A particular way of speaking associated with a region, culture, or group.

Epiphany

A sudden realization or insight.

Hubris

Excessive pride or arrogance, often leading to a character’s downfall.

Static Character

A character who does not significantly change throughout the story.

Unreliable Narrator

A narrator whose version of events cannot be fully trusted.

1st Person POV

The narrator is part of the story and uses I/we.

2nd Person POV

The narrator addresses the reader as “you.”

3rd Person Limited POV

Narrator uses he/she/they but follows the thoughts/experiences of one character. (ex; their eyes watching god)

3rd Person Omniscient POV

An all-knowing narrator who can reveal the thoughts and experiences of multiple characters.

Frame Narrative

A story within a story; an outer story surrounds an inner story.

Narrator

The voice/person telling the story.

Perspective

The way a character or narrator sees/interprets events.

Point of View (POV)

The position from which a story is told (1st, 2nd, 3rd limited, etc.).

Speaker

The voice speaking in a poem; not necessarily the poet.

Conflict

A struggle or problem in a story. External: character vs. something outside them. Internal: character vs. their own thoughts/emotions.

Flashback

A scene that goes back to an earlier time.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later.

Vignette

A short, focused scene or description that captures a moment, character, or idea.

Sequence

The order in which events or ideas occur.

Blank Verse

Poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.

Closed Form Poetry

Poetry that follows a set structure of rhyme, meter, stanza, or line pattern.

End-Stopped Line

A poetic line that ends with punctuation, completing the thought

Enjambment

A sentence/idea continues past the end of a poetic line without punctuation.

Free Verse

Poetry with no fixed rhyme or meter.

Line

A single row of words in a poem.

Meter

The rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry.

Open Form Poetry

Poetry with no fixed structure or regular pattern of rhyme, meter, or stanza.

Shift / Volta / Turn

A change in thought, mood, tone, argument, or direction in a poem or text.

Stanza

A group of lines in a poem; like a paragraph in prose.

Allegory

A story in which characters/events represent deeper ideas, often moral, political, or philosophical.

Cacophony

A combination of harsh, unpleasant, clashing sounds.

Satire

Using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, society, or institutions.

Setting

The time and place where a story occurs.

Synecdoche

Using a part to represent the whole (or the whole to represent a part). Example: “all hands on deck” = sailors.