Lit Terms Quiz 4

ambiguity

a line/scene that can be interpreted in multiple ways (ex: your head is on backwards- could mean literally or figuratively)

connotation

emotions brought to word (depends on culture)(definition of word could change depending on the culture) (ex: blue is a color, but it is also a word used to describe a feeling of sadness)

denotation

the literal meaning of a word (ex: "home" denotes the building or place where one lives)

diction

words chosen ( ex: I WONT remember that or The professor relishes erudite conversations with his pupils (the adjectives chosen)

syntax

the order words are arranged (ex: the boy kicked the ball)

euphemism

an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant

aphorism

a short statement that reveals a universal truth (ex: Actions speak louder than words)

epigram

a witty saying expressing a single thought or observation (type of aphorism) (ex: The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits)

satire

a genre of literature that has sarcasm intended to point out what is wrong (adj form= satirical)(ex: Misanthrope-mocking French society)

romantic hero

an archetypical character who pushed back against the status quo because the status quo is usually wrong

occasional poetry

poetry written for a specific event that is meant to be spoken publicly (ex: inauguration speech)