lit terms 1

myth

fictional tale that describes the actions of gods and heroes, or explains the causes of natural phenomena

archetype

type of character, detail, image, or symbol that appears in literature throughout history and have a universal importance (Ex: beggar, hero, journey to the underworld) 

epic

a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes.  Epics generally contain the following elements:

• a hero on a quest

• legends of the past

• continuing battles between good and evil

• supernatural elements

epic hero

the larger-than-life character in an epic.  Through behavior and deeds, they display qualities that are valued by their society. SEVEN main characteristics:

• Noble Birth: Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or god-like nobleman of some capacity.

• Superhuman Abilities: The skilled warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes, e.g. cunning, bravery, humility, wisdom, virtue, making them seem to have superhuman abilities and superhuman strength.

• Vast Traveler: Known for making travels to another world or going on a perilous journey to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil.

• Unmatched Warrior: Typically has a reputation for being a larger than life figure, even prior to the beginning of the story.

• Cultural Legend: Before an epic hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture.

• Humility: The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory and they demonstrate humility. Heroes that boast, or exhibit hubris may be punished and humbled.

• Battles Supernatural Creatures: The superhuman foes and obstacles he faces are usually supernatural beings, e.g. Grendel, Poseidon, or a cyclops.

in medias res

 (“in the middle of things”) – much of the important action in the story occurred before the point at which the story begins; therefore, the epic hero’s adventure is told in a flashback. 

flashback

an account of an event that happened before a story began

hubris

excessive pride or vaulting ambition

omen

the use of an animal or aspect of nature to foretell an event; a sign-indicates if the event will be good or evil

personification

animal, object, etc. given human qualities or characteristics

poetic justice

when a character gets what he deserves, 

foreshadowing

hint of things to come

allusion

 reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art

symbolism

a symbol is an object, person, place etc. that means more than what it is

conflict

the struggle between opposing forces or characters in a story.

1.  Internal conflict - a character struggles with his or her own opposing desire, beliefs, or needs (man vs. self)

2. External Conflict - a character struggles against an outside force (man vs. man, nature, society)

plot

the series of related events in a story or play, sometimes called the storyline.

A. Exposition – Introduces characters, conflict, and setting

B. Rising Action – Suspense increases, learn more about 

characters and conflict

C. Climax – turning point, main event of story

D. Falling Action – suspense decreases, learn

outcome/consequences of turning point

E. Denouement – the end, loose ends are tied up

ballad

a short musical narrative song or poem that usually recounts a single exciting or dramatic episode

blank verse

poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter lines

prose

the ordinary form of spoken or written language without metrical structure

syntax

sentence structure

context

set of facts or circumstances surrounding an event or a situation in a piece of literature

idiom

a saying that takes on special meaning, different from the actual words that make it up (e.g. It is raining cats and dogs.)

irony

a difference between appearances and reality.

1. dramatic irony – contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader of audience knows to be true

2. situational irony – when the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of 

someone’s expectation.

C. verbal irony – words used to suggest the opposite of what is meant