Lit Term Quiz #3 (65-84)

anti-climactic

when the ending of the plot in poetry or prose is unfulfilling or lackluster

apostrophe

when a character speaks to a character or object that is not present or is unable to respond

convention

an understanding between a reader and a writer about certain details of a story that does not need to be explained

epic

an extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero

heroine

a woman noted for courage and daring action or the female protagonist

hypophora

also referred to as anthypophora or antipophora, is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question

local color

a term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting, including its customs, clothing, dialect and landscape

stream of consciousness

a style of writing that portrays the inner workings of a character’s mind

foil

a character that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another

hubris

used in Greek tragedies, refers to excessive pride that usually leads to a hero’s downfall

parody

a literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule. i.e. SNL or Weird Al Yankovich

pun

play on words, when two words have multiple meanings and spellings and are used in a humorous manner

inversion

the reversal of the normal word order in a sentence or phrase

irony

when one thing should occur, is apparent, or in logical sequence but the opposite actually occurs. Example: A man in the ocean might say, “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.”

dramatic irony

when the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not know

verbal irony

when one thing is said, but something else, usually the opposite, is meant

cosmic irony

when a higher power toys with human expectations

soliloquy

a dramatic or literary form of discourse in which a character talks to himself or herself or reveals his or her thoughts without addressing a listener. typical in plays

tradegy

a drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consquence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances

aphorism

brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life

fable

a usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as animals that speak and act like humans

farce

a type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly, far-fetched situations

satire

a literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit; the goal is to change the behavior/issue. Authors known for this are Jonathan Swift and George Orwell