Analyzing Literary Texts, Poetry, and Drama

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core literary analysis concepts including sign and referent, binary opposition, poetic metrical feet, figures of speech, sound devices, linguistic features, and elements of drama.

Individual Values

Beliefs and principles shown through a character's choices, thoughts, and actions.

Communal Values

Shared norms and beliefs reflected in a people's collective identity and emotions.

Sign

Any element (word, image, symbol) that carries meaning.

Referent

The actual person, object, or idea that the sign points to.

Binary Opposition

Pairing two contrasting terms or ideas (e.g., good-evil, light-dark, life-death) to create conflict and drive the narrative forward.

Binary Opposition Analysis Table

A framework mapping contrasting literary binaries (such as Light vs. Darkness, Struggle vs. Peace, and End vs. Renewal) to textual representations and their expressed values.

Rhyme

The repetition of similar sounds, usually at the end of lines or within lines of a poem.

Meter

The rhythmic structure of a poem, determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line.

Iamb

A metrical foot consisting of two beats, unaccented then accented; known as the 'marching foot'.

Trochee

A metrical foot consisting of two beats, accented then unaccented; suitable for light subjects.

Spondee

A metrical foot consisting of two accented syllables; suited for serious passages.

Anapest

A metrical foot consisting of three beats: two unaccented then one accented.

Dactyl

A metrical foot consisting of three beats: one accented then two unaccented; suitable for expressing lively movement.

Simile

A comparison between unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

An implied comparison between unlike things.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Hyperbole

The use of exaggeration.

Oxymoron

The use of opposite or contradictory terms.

Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds.

Consonance

Repetition of the same consonant sounds within or at the end of words.

Onomatopoeia

Words that evoke the actual sound they describe.

Repetition

Repetition of a word or phrase for poetic effect.

Diction

The poet's careful choice of words, phrases, and grammatical structures to create specific meaning, sound, or feeling.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere created by the poem for the reader.

Style

The way an author uses language, including diction, syntax, and sentence structure, to create a unique voice.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Organic Unity

The idea that all elements of a poem work together harmoniously to create a unified meaning or feeling.

Spectacle

The visual elements of a play, including scenery, costumes, and lighting.

Dialogue

The spoken words of the characters in drama.

Music (in Drama)

Used in musicals or plays to enhance emotion and storytelling.

Internal Conflict

A struggle within a character's mind or heart.

Character vs. Self

An internal struggle within one's emotions, desires, and beliefs, involving moral dilemmas and self-doubt.

External Conflict

A struggle with a force outside of oneself.

Character vs. Character

An external struggle between two or more characters due to opposing beliefs or desires.

Character vs. Environment

An external struggle against natural surroundings such as weather or disasters.

Character vs. Society

An external struggle against the norms, beliefs, or laws of a community, government, or cultural tradition.

Protagonist

The main character and focus of the action who drives the plot.

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.

Foil

A minor character who contrasts with the protagonist, highlighting the protagonist's traits.

Supporting Characters

Characters essential to the development of the story and protagonist, acting as allies, obstacles, mentors, etc.