Essay Writing and Literary Analysis Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing essay writing, literary devices, and tone.

Introduction Paragraph

Includes context (Title, Author, Type of work + brief summary), a bridge (connecting context & thesis), and a defendable thesis.

Bridge

Connects the context to the thesis, using synonyms from the thesis.

Defendable Thesis

The main argument or opinion presented in the introduction, which the essay will prove.

Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence (introducing the main point), a quote (embedded and properly cited), and analysis (providing insight and proving the argument).

Conclusion

Restates the thesis (using synonyms), presents a universal truth (applicable to life/society), and offers reflective final thoughts.

Allusion

A reference to something well-known (the bible, Shakespeare, mythology, fairy tales, etc.)

Allegory

Abstract ideas described in terms of characters, figures and events with a purpose of teaching a principle or moral lesson; a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning

Diction/Word Choice

The linguistic choices a writer makes to effectively convey an idea, a point of view, or tell a story

Characterization

How the author creates the personality of the character, usually indirectly through dialogue and actions.

Conflict

A struggle between two opposing forces, useful for creating suspense or unease.

Foreshadowing

Hints the author gives the reader as to what expectations to have about the story.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration, used for emphasis.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the five senses.

Mood/Emotion

Feelings created in the reader, suggested by descriptive details; embodies the overall feeling or atmosphere of the work.

Motif

Something that is repeated, e.g. image, word, phrase, idea, object, etc. Consider why it is being repeated.

Paradox

A statement that, although seemingly contradictory, is actually true.

Personification

Nonhuman things or abstract ideas described as having human attributes.

Plot

Arrangement of events by an author to achieve a particular effect.

Setting

When and where the story takes place, including historical, political, and social context.

Structure

How the story is arranged, and the effect that it has, e.g. use of flashbacks, or varying perspectives.

Symbol

Anything that represents meaning in addition to its literal meaning.

Theme

The main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a literary work.

Tone

Author’s or speaker’s attitude toward subject matter.