English Literature Literary Terms Lecture

78 question-and-answer flashcards covering literary devices, story elements, character roles, and narrative techniques from the lecture notes.

What is verbal irony?

When a speaker says words that mean something different (often opposite) from what they truly intend.

In verbal irony, what is an overstatement?

An intentional exaggeration of a trait, quality, or situation.

In verbal irony, what is an understatement?

An intentional down-playing of a trait, quality, or situation.

How does sarcasm relate to irony?

Sarcasm is a biting form of verbal irony used specifically to mock, wound, or insult.

What is situational irony?

A discrepancy between what is expected to occur and what actually happens—the opposite outcome unfolds.

What is dramatic irony?

The audience knows crucial information that characters do not, creating tension as readers wait for discovery.

In literature, what is symbolism?

Using an object, character, or event to represent a deeper, non-literal meaning within the story.

Define bias in literature.

An unfair preference for or against a person, group, or idea, often revealed through language or presentation.

What is an oxymoron?

A phrase that places two contradictory terms side by side to create new meaning (e.g., "bittersweet").

What is a paradox?

A seemingly self-contradictory statement that nonetheless contains a possible truth (e.g., "less is more").

What is a contradiction in literature?

Two opposing statements or ideas in which only one can be true within the context.

Define juxtaposition.

Placing two elements close together to highlight their contrasts and build meaning.

What is figurative language?

Creative language that relies on devices like metaphor, simile, and hyperbole to add layers of meaning.

How does literal language differ from figurative language?

Literal language uses words in their exact, dictionary sense with no hidden meaning.

Define tone in writing.

The author’s attitude toward the subject, shown through word choice and style (e.g., sarcastic, solemn).

Define mood in literature.

The emotion or atmosphere a text evokes in the reader (e.g., suspenseful, joyful).

What is a simile?

A comparison that uses "like" or "as" (e.g., "busy as a bee").

What is a metaphor?

A direct comparison that omits "like" or "as" (e.g., "time is money").

Define analogy.

An extended comparison that explains an idea by likening it to a more familiar one.

What is hyperbole?

Extreme, intentional exaggeration for emphasis or humor.

Define personification.

Giving human traits to non-human objects or abstractions.

What is pathetic fallacy?

A subtype of personification where nature reflects characters’ emotions (e.g., rain during sorrow).

What is a colloquialism?

Informal, everyday language or slang used in speech or writing.

Define concrete imagery.

Sensory language that depicts tangible colors, textures, sounds, or objects to paint a clear picture.

Define imagery (figurative).

Vivid descriptive language—often using similes, metaphors, etc.—that creates mental pictures for the reader.

What is an allusion?

An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or text outside the story, left for readers to recognize.

Define alliteration.

Repetition of the same initial consonant or vowel sounds in neighboring words.

What is assonance?

Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words (e.g., "we keep keys").

What is connotation?

The implied or emotional meaning a word carries beyond its dictionary definition.

What is denotation?

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Define onomatopoeia.

A word formed to imitate a sound (e.g., "buzz," "bang").

What is jargon language?

Specialized vocabulary unique to a particular profession or group.

What is formal language?

Polished, structured language used in serious or official contexts.

Define archaic language.

Words or phrases once common but now outdated (e.g., "thy," "hast").

What are rhetorical devices (rhetoric)?

Techniques that persuade an audience through logic (logos), emotion (pathos), or ethics (ethos).

What is first-person point of view?

Narration told by a character using "I," "me," or "we."

What is second-person point of view?

Narration that addresses the reader directly as "you."

What is third-person point of view?

Narration told by someone outside the story using "he," "she," or "they."

What characterizes third-person objective?

The narrator reports only observable actions and dialogue, never entering any character’s mind.

What characterizes third-person limited omniscient?

The narrator reveals thoughts and feelings of only one character.

What characterizes third-person omniscient?

The narrator knows all characters’ thoughts, feelings, and situations.

What is a character vs. self conflict?

An internal struggle within a character over choices or emotions.

What is character vs. character conflict?

A struggle between two characters (often protagonist vs. antagonist).

What is character vs. nature conflict?

A character battles natural forces such as weather, animals, or disease.

What is character vs. society conflict?

A character stands against societal norms, laws, or expectations.

What is character vs. supernatural conflict?

A character confronts elements beyond the natural world (ghosts, gods).

What is character vs. technology conflict?

A character struggles against machines, AI, or technological forces.

Define a mirror setting.

A setting that reflects a protagonist’s emotions, thoughts, or state of mind.

Define a mold setting.

A setting that shapes the protagonist, causing them to adapt to its traits.

Define an alien setting.

A setting that appears unreal, strange, or other-worldly to characters and readers.

Define an escape setting.

A setting in which the character feels detached or disconnected from surroundings.

What is the introduction in plot structure?

The opening that hooks readers, introduces characters, and provides basic setting.

What is rising action?

The series of events that build suspense, introduce conflicts, and lead to the climax.

Define climax.

The plot’s turning point and peak emotional intensity where the main crisis occurs.

Define falling action.

Events following the climax where tension decreases, moving toward resolution.

Define conclusion (resolution).

The plot’s outcome where conflicts resolve and loose ends are tied up.

What is an anti-climax?

A sudden drop from intense buildup to triviality, disappointing reader expectations.

What is a flashback?

A scene that interrupts the present narrative to reveal past events for context.

What is foreshadowing?

Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.

Define allegory.

A complete narrative whose characters and events symbolically represent broader ideas (e.g., Animal Farm).

What is direct presentation of character?

The narrator or other characters explicitly describe a character’s traits.

What is indirect presentation?

A character’s traits are shown through actions, dialogue, and interactions.

Define protagonist.

The main character whose goals and decisions drive the plot.

Define antagonist.

The character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Define major character.

An important character central to plot progression; includes the protagonist but may also be others.

What is a deuteragonist?

The second-most important character who shares many major plot moments but is not the focus.

Define tertiary characters.

Small characters important to the protagonist yet not critical to major conflicts.

Define minor character.

A supporting character who complements majors and modestly advances the plot.

What is a love interest in literature?

A character with whom the protagonist has a romantic relationship, sometimes a deuteragonist.

Define confidant.

A trusted friend, mentor, or partner to whom the protagonist shares thoughts and feelings.

Define foil character.

A character who contrasts with the protagonist to highlight the protagonist’s traits.

What is an archetype?

A universally recognizable pattern of character, theme, or situation repeated across literature.

Define dynamic character.

A character who experiences significant internal change over the course of the story.

Define static character.

A character who remains fundamentally unchanged from beginning to end.

Define flat character.

A simple, two-dimensional character without deep complexity or development.

Define round character.

A fully developed, complex character with depth, backstory, and realistic motivations.

Define stock character.

A familiar, recurring character type (often flat) seen repeatedly across stories.

Define symbolic character.

A character created primarily to represent a larger idea, theme, or concept.