English Final

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metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. It is a comparison between two unlike things that share a common characteristic.

conceit

In literature, a conceit is an extended metaphor or analogy that compares two seemingly dissimilar things in a surprising or clever way. It is often used to create a deeper understanding or meaning in a work of literature. The conceit can be found in poetry, prose, and drama.

allusion

An allusion is a figure of speech that refers to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work in order to make a comparison in the reader's mind. It is a brief and indirect reference that relies on the reader's familiarity with the subject being referenced.

satire

Satire is a literary genre that uses irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to expose and criticize human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is often used to bring attention to social or political issues and to provoke change through humor and wit. Satire can be found in various forms of media, including literature, film, television, and even social media.

personification

Personification is a literary device in which human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or abstract concepts.

simile

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as" to create a vivid and imaginative image in the reader's mind.

anecdote

An anecdote is a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. It is often used to illustrate or emphasize a point or to entertain an audience.

alliteration

Alliteration is a literary device where words in a sentence or phrase start with the same consonant.

blank verse

Blank verse is a type of poetry that has a regular meter but does not rhyme. It is often used in dramatic monologues, plays, and epic poems. (unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter)

foot

The literary term *foot* refers to an unit of measurement in poetry, comprised of patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables. The combination of different numbers and types of feet is what determines poetic meter.

caesura

Caesura is a pause or break in a line of poetry, usually occurring in the middle of a line.

assonance

Assonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, typically in poetry or prose. It is often used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in writing.

grace

In Puritan literature, grace refers to the unmerited favor of God towards sinful humanity. It is often associated with the concept of predestination, where God chooses certain individuals to receive salvation through grace alone, rather than through their own good works. (grace also like holy enlightenment from God)

motif

A motif in literature is a recurring element, image, or idea that has symbolic significance and contributes to the overall theme of a work. It can be a word, phrase, object, or symbol that appears repeatedly throughout a text and helps to develop the characters, plot, and themes.

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theme

A theme in literature refers to the underlying message or meaning conveyed by a work of literature. It is the central idea or insight that the author wants to communicate to the reader about a particular subject or topic.

symbol

In literature, a symbol is a person, object, or event that represents a larger idea or concept. Symbols are often used to convey complex ideas or emotions in a way that is easily understood by the reader.

refrain

In literature, a refrain is a repeated line or phrase that appears at regular intervals throughout a poem or song. It is often used to emphasize a particular theme or idea, and can help to create a sense of rhythm and structure within the work.

free verse

Free verse is a type of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. It is characterized by its lack of traditional structure and form, allowing poets to experiment with line breaks, stanzas, and other elements of poetry. Free verse is often used to convey a sense of natural speech or thought, and can be found in a wide range of literary works.

Providence

In Puritan literature, providence refers to the belief that God is actively involved in the world and controls all events, including human actions and the course of history. Puritans believed that everything that happened was part of God's plan and that it was their duty to interpret and understand his will.

analogy

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are similar in some way, often used to help explain or clarify a concept or idea. It is a figure of speech that draws similarities between two different things to help explain something unfamiliar by comparing it to something more familiar.

Romanticism

Romanticism in literature is a literary movement that originated in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, nature, and the supernatural. Romantic literature often features heroes who are passionate and rebellious, and it emphasizes the power of imagination and the importance of personal experience. Romantic writers often used vivid imagery and symbolism to convey their ideas, and they frequently explored themes of love, death, and the supernatural.

Realism

Realism in literature is a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, which aimed to depict the world as it really is, without idealization or romanticism. Realist writers sought to portray everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people, often focusing on social issues and the harsh realities of life. They used detailed descriptions and precise language to create a sense of authenticity and accuracy in their works. Realism is characterized by its emphasis on objective reality, the use of everyday language, and the rejection of traditional literary conventions such as plot and character development.

ornate style

Ornate style is a decorative and elaborate style characterized by intricate details, embellishments, and ornamental elements. It is often associated with art, architecture, and design that features complex patterns, intricate carvings, and lavish decorations.

Apostrophe

In literature, an apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the writer or speaker addresses an imaginary or absent person, entity, or idea as if it were present and able to respond. It is often used to express intense emotion or to add emphasis to a particular point.

spiritual

Slave songs used to communicate messages. Have themes of hope and freedom from slavery.

oratory

Oratory is the art of public speaking, especially in a formal and eloquent manner. It involves the use of language, voice, and gestures to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience.

characterization

**Definition:**

Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality, traits, and motivations of a character in a literary work. It can be achieved through direct or indirect means, such as through the character's actions, thoughts, dialogue, appearance, or interactions with other characters.

Naturalism

Naturalism (1865-1914) was a literary movement that focused on the objective and detached observation of human nature using scientific principles. Naturalism also observed how environmental, social, and hereditary factors impacted human nature. Human life was determined by natural factors beyond their control. Offset of realism

novel

a novel

irony

Irony is a literary or rhetorical device in which there is a contradiction or incongruity between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs, often resulting in a humorous or satirical effect.

modernism

Modernism started in the early 20th century, especially after WWI during which writers felt disillusioned with the world. Breaking the norm and experimentation were heavily encouraged when it came to poetic style. Pervasive themes include pessimistic outlook on life and disillusionment.

flashback

A flashback is a narrative device used in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling, where the sequence of events is interrupted to present a scene or memory from the past. It provides background information or context to enhance the understanding of the present narrative.

incongruity

Incongruity in literature refers to a deliberate or unexpected clash or mismatch between elements, ideas, or situations within a work. It creates a sense of surprise, irony, or humor, challenging the reader's expectations and adding depth or complexity to the text.

stereotype

A stereotype in literature is a fixed or oversimplified representation of a character or group based on widely held beliefs or assumptions. It can be based on race, gender, profession, or other characteristics.

style

the style

dialect

Dialect is a variation of language specific to a particular region, social group, or community. It includes distinctive vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and syntax.

point of view

the POV of the story

rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in the form of a question that is asked for effect or emphasis, without expecting an answer. It is used to make a point, engage the audience, or prompt reflection.

stream of consciousness

Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique in literature that presents the continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of a character, often without traditional punctuation or logical structure.

regionalism

Regionalism in literature is a literary movement that emphasizes the portrayal of specific geographic regions and their unique characteristics, dialects, customs, and culture.

Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism was a subset of romanticism popularized by writers such as Thoreau and Emerson. Transcendentalism emphasizes intuition and personal knowledge and resists conformity to social norms. Transcendentalist writers and thinkers believe individuals are inherently good. Everyone has the power to “transcend” the chaos of society and use their own intellect for finding a sense of greater meaning and purpose. Transcendentalists believe in the power of the human spirit. Through the Transcendentalist view, the individual is capable of experiencing a direct relationship with the divine.

frontier hero

The American frontier hero in literature refers to a recurring character archetype that emerged during the 19th century in American literature. This figure embodies the spirit of exploration, self-reliance, and individualism that characterized the American frontier during its westward expansion. Often depicted as a rugged, resourceful, and morally upright individual, the frontier hero confronts and overcomes the challenges of the untamed wilderness, defending civilization and its values in the process.

Puritanism

Puritanism was a religious movement in the 16th and 17th centuries, characterized by strict adherence to Calvinist principles, moral purity, and the belief in predestination. Puritans sought to purify the Church of England from perceived Catholic influences and established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in North America.

epitaph

An epitaph is a short inscription or verse on a tombstone or memorial that commemorates a deceased person. It often includes their name, dates of birth and death, and may convey sentiments, reflections, or a summary of their life.

Age of Reason

The Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that swept across Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, logic, and empirical evidence as the primary sources of knowledge and sought to challenge traditional authority and religious dogma. The Age of Reason was marked by a focus on rationality, human rights, and the belief in progress through education, leading to advancements in science, government, and the arts.

Classicism

Classicism in literature refers to a literary movement that emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman works. It emphasizes balance, clarity, order, and adherence to established rules and forms. Classicist literature values reason, logic, and restraint over emotional expression. It often incorporates themes of heroism, morality, and the exploration of universal truths.

diction

Diction refers to the choice and use of words in speaking or writing. It involves selecting words that are appropriate for the context, audience, and purpose, as well as considering their connotations, denotations, and stylistic effects.

plain style

The plain style is a literary and writing style characterized by simplicity, clarity, and directness of expression. It emphasizes straightforward language, uncomplicated sentence structures, and the absence of ornamentation or elaborate figurative language.

iambic pentameter

Iambic pentameter is a metrical pattern commonly used in English poetry. It consists of lines with ten syllables each, organized into five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, known as iambs.

Petrarchan Sonnet

A Petrarchan sonnet, also known as an Italian sonnet, is a 14-line poem consisting of two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave typically presents a problem, question, or situation, while the sestet provides resolution, commentary, or a contrasting perspective. The rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan sonnet is typically ABBAABBA for the octave and either CDECDE or CDCDCD for the sestet.

vernacular

local language and way of speaking

Gothic Literature

Gothic literature is a genre of fiction that originated in the late 18th century. It is characterized by a dark and mysterious atmosphere, supernatural elements, emotional intensity, and a focus on themes such as horror, death, decay, madness, and the macabre.

Aphorism/Proverb

An aphorism is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth, moral principle, or observation about life. It is often presented in a pithy and witty manner, conveying wisdom or insight in a short, memorable form.

Divine Mission

a divine mission refers to the belief that individuals or communities are chosen and appointed by God for a specific purpose or task. Puritans believed in predestination, the idea that God has predetermined the salvation or damnation of individuals, and saw themselves as the elect chosen by God for a particular mission.

Local color

Local color in literature refers to the use of specific details, dialects, customs, and characteristics of a particular region or locality in a work of fiction. It aims to capture the unique qualities and atmosphere of a specific geographic area, often highlighting its distinct culture, traditions, and way of life.

symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device that involves the use of symbols, which are objects, characters, actions, or settings that represent abstract ideas, concepts, or qualities. Symbols go beyond their literal meaning and carry deeper, metaphorical or allegorical significance.

imagism

Imagism is a poetic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with poets such as Ezra Pound, H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), and Amy Lowell. It emphasizes the use of clear, vivid, and precise imagery to convey meaning and evoke sensory experiences. Imagist poets aimed to present the essence of a subject through direct and concrete language, focusing on visual and sensory details rather than abstract or flowery language. They sought to create poems that were concise, imagistic, and free from excessive sentimentality or ornamentation, influenced by the principles of visual arts and Japanese haiku.

colloquialism

A colloquialism refers to informal, everyday language or expressions that are commonly used in casual conversations or specific regional contexts.

metaphysical

In literature, metaphysical refers to a philosophical and intellectual approach characterized by abstract and complex exploration of topics beyond the physical world. Metaphysical literature often delves into profound questions about existence, reality, the nature of being, and the relationship between the spiritual and material realms. It engages with deep philosophical concepts, employs intricate and imaginative language, and challenges conventional modes of thought.

William Bradford