Literary terms

Zeitgeist

The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

Myth

A fictional tale that rises from a culture's oral tradition and usually involves supernatural characters or events. They often teach the values and ideals of a culture or attempt to explain unknown phenomenon.

Narrative poetry

Poem that tells a story.

Proverb

A short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice.

Shih

Have an even number of lines, each with the same number of words.

Tone

The writer's attitude towards the readers and the subject of the writing.

Diction

A writer's word choice.

Figurative language

Refers to words, phrases, and sentences that go beyond their literal meaning to add layers of interpretation to the audience's understanding.

Imagery

Using language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

Lyric poetry

Poem in which the poet either expresses his feelings and emotions.

Speaker

The voice/narrator of the poem.

Stanza

A group of lines in a poem.

Epic

A long narrative poem about the adventures of gods or a hero.

Archetype

Details, plot patterns, character types, or theme that appear in literature across many different cultures.

Quest

The pursuit of someone or something of great importance. The hero journeys great distances, defeats evil, demonstrates valor, and grows in wisdom and maturity.

Symbol

A person, place, animal or object that has its own meaning but suggests a larger meaning.

Theme

A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.

Fabliau

A short metrical tale, usually bawdy and humorous, often involves cuckolding (infidelity).

Frame story

A story set within a story.

Direct characterization

When the author describes a character's traits explicitly.

Indirect characterization

When a character's traits are revealed through what he says, thinks or does; in a description of his appearance; or in the statements or thoughts of other characters.

Prologue

A speech, often in verse, addressed to the audience by one or more of the actors at the opening of a play.

Iambic pentameter

The number of total syllables in a line of poetry—in this case, 10, composed of five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables.

Foreshadowing

Clues an author gives to hint at upcoming events in the story.

Satire

Writing that ridicules or holds up to contempt the faults of individuals or groups. Often humorous, its purpose is to correct the flaws or shortcomings it points out.

Social commentary/Social criticism

An author's opinion about what is happening in his or her society.

Vernacular

Refers to the ordinary writing or speaking of the public; the speech of the common people.

Modern realistic drama

A type of play that includes these characteristics: ordinary language, written in prose, non-verse; realistic characters and situations; controversial issue; believable dialogue; and emphasis on the characters' behavior.

Internal conflict

A struggle occurring within the mind of a character.

External conflict

A struggle occurring between a character and society, nature, or another person.