English Terms - For Final

Ambiguity

Ambiguity

Idea of situation that can be understood in more than one way.

Atmosphere

the way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of characters to create emotion, mood, or experiences for the reader

Social Context

The way in which the features of a society that a text is set in impact its meaning

Exact Rhyme

Poetic device used to create the same stressed vowel sounds as well as the consonant sounds that follow the vowel. Used to create musical and pointed effects.

Antagonist

One that contends with or opposes another.

Dialogue

Any case of two or more characters speaking to each other directly.

Analogy

A comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect. Typically for the purpose of clarification or explanation.

Monologue

A lengthy speech given by a single character in a story. In drama, it is the vocalization of a character's thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. Directed towards a person.

Stream of consciousness

narrative style that tries to capture a characters thought process in a realistic way

Parable

Short story used to illustrate a moral/spiritual lesson or a universal truth.

Dramatic monologue

A poem written in the form of a speech of an individual character, in which a speaker's character is revealed in a monologue usually addressed to a second person.

Slant rhyme

A rhyming scheme with words that sound similar but not exactly the same.

Protagonist

Main character

Narrative poetry

A form of poetry used to tell a story, often using the voices of both a narrator and characters.

Regionalism

Emphasis on regional locale and characteristics in art or literature.

Inferences

The act of deriving a conclusion from facts or premises.

Canto

One of the major divisions of a long poem.

Free verse

Poetry that does not have a rhyme or regular meter.

Catalog

A complete enumeration of items arranged systematically with descriptive details.

Diction

Refers to word choice and phrasing in any written or spoken text.

Parallelism

Phrases in a sentence have similar or the same grammatical structure.

Naturalism

Realism in art or literature. Specifically, a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

Tone

Refers to the "feel" or attitude that the author gives off in a piece of writing.

Syntax

The way an author chooses to order their words

Modernism

Modern artistic or literary philosophy and practice. New forms of expression

Soliloquy

Kind of monologue, or an extended speech by on character. Not directed towards anyone.

Allusion

Reference to something else, usually well known.

Repetition

The repeating of a word or phrase. Rhetorical device used to add emphasis and stress in writing and speech.

Drama

A form of performance that involves conflicts, emotions, and the portrayal of human experiences through dialogue and action .