Shakespeare's Works and Characteristics

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to Shakespeare's works, particularly focusing on character types and dramatic conventions.

Archetype

A familiar character type that appears repeatedly in literature.

Tragic Hero

The main character in a tragedy who typically has high social rank, a tragic flaw, and faces downfall with courage.

Tragedy

A drama in which actions lead to the downfall of the main character.

Dramatic Irony

Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters in the play.

Soliloquy

A speech given by a character alone on stage, revealing private thoughts.

Aside

A remark made by a character that is intended for the audience or another character, not heard by others on stage.

Blank Verse

Unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter, commonly used in Shakespeare's plays.

Iambic Pentameter

A rhythmic pattern with five unstressed syllables followed by five stressed syllables.