Lit Terms Set 3

hyperbole

Figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion or to create a comic effect.

simile

Figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, using a word such as like, as, resembles or than.

metaphor

Figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, in which one thing becomes another thing.

tone

The attitude the writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character.

allusion

A reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from literature, history, religion, mythology, politics, sports, science, or pop culture.

epic

Long story told in elevated language (usually poetry), which relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

deus ex machina

Any artificial or contrived device used at the end of a plot to resolve or untangle the complications.

epiphany

In a literary work, a moment of sudden insight or revelation that a character experiences.

paradox

An apparent contradiction that is actually true.

parody

The imitation of a work of literature, art, or music for amusement or instruction.

rhetorical question

A question asked for effect or emphasis that is not expected to be answered.

foil

A character who sets off another character by strong contrast.

frame story

An introductory narrative within which one or more of the characters proceed to tell individual stories.

diction

A writer's or speaker's choice of words.

in medias res

The technique of starting a story in the middle and then using a flashback to tell what happened earlier.

syntax

The way that words and phrases are arranged to form phrases, clauses, and sentences.