Key Literary Terms and Concepts

These flashcards cover key literary terms and concepts discussed in the lecture, providing definitions and examples for effective study.

Author's Intent/Purpose

The purpose or aim an author intends to convey through their work, such as to persuade, inform, or entertain.

External Conflict

A type of conflict that places characters at odds with forces outside themselves, creating tension as they try to reach their goals. Types include: character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, character vs. supernatural, character vs. technology.

Internal Conflict

A type of conflict where the character struggles with themselves concerning a decision or an issue/problem, typically character vs. self.

Mood

The way the reader feels when reading a part of the text; the overall atmosphere.

Dialect

A way of speaking specific to a particular region, such as 'y’all' or 'What’s up?'

Allusion

References a historically important or famous person, place, or thing.

Hyperbole

Figurative language that is an exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis.

Simile

Figurative language that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

Figurative language that makes a comparison between two different things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Onomatopoeia

Figurative language where words sound like the things they name, such as 'buzz' or 'sizzle'.

Imagery

The use of descriptive language that creates vivid pictures in the audience's mind through sensory information.

Personification

Figurative language that gives human qualities to an object or animal.

Alliteration

The repetition of the initial consonant sound in a series of words.

Assonance

The repetition of the vowel sound anywhere in the word.

Consonance

The repetition of the ending consonant sound in a series of words.

Round Character

Characters that are developed in a multidimensional way, with many details about their personality and interactions.

Flat Character

Characters about whom the audience has limited information and who play a minor role in the story.

Dynamic Character

A character that changes from the beginning to the end of the story, possibly due to their experiences.

Static Character

A character that remains the same throughout the story in their thoughts, words, and actions.

Foreshadowing

The suggestion of events to come in the narrative.