english lit terminology list

address terms

address terms

how characters address other characters (what they call them)

anaphora

a rhetorical device - words or phrases are repeated at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses

antithesis/contrasts

a rhetorical device - a writer uses opposing and contrasting ideas, concepts, even sentences in close proximity to each other, creating a stark contrast

beginnings/endings

structure

characterisation

ways that characters are constructed, conveying traits

colloquial language

conversational, casual, informal language

costume

what do costumes suggest about characters

diction choices

the selection of words an author uses to create a specific impact or tone in their writing

heightened language

in contrast to casual speech, this expresses ideas in a more complex, ‘beautiful’ poetic register

imagery

figurative language, appealing to the reader’s imagination by creating images in the mind, developing atmosphere, feelings and moods

kinesics

movement, gesture, body language

lighting

how is lighting used to enhance feelings or themes in plays?

metaphor

comparing something to something else to emphasise it’s meaning using ‘like’ or ‘as’

motifs

recurring elements that have symbolic significance e.g. the noise of the locomotive, the light

plastic theatre

elements other than the actor that help to express the psychological state of the characters such as lighting, costume, colour, props and sound effects

possessive determiners

words such as my, your, his, her, our, their which indicate who owns or possesses something

prolepsis

foreshadowing future events

props

what do props suggest about the characters and the play

prosodic features

how the language sounds - pace, pause, pitch, tone, volume, emphasis

proxemics

the positioning of the actors/characters in relation to one another on stage

repetition

how does the repetition of a word or phrase emphasise meaning

stage directions

what do stage directions suggest about characters and the play

set design

how does set design enhance the play

staging

what effect does staging have on the play

sound effects

how do sound effects enhance scenes of a play

stichomythia

a technique deriving from Greek drama characterised by brief alternating lines of dialogue between characters

symbolism

using objects or elements to convey deeper meaning

tone of voice

what tone of voice is being used and what does this add to the play