Literary Terms Test

Rhetoric

Rhetoric

the art of effective expression and the persuasive use of language

Rhetorical Question

a rhetorical device where the question is posed for effect and impact. An answer to the question is not wanted.

Hypophora

a rhetorical device that involves asking a question and then quickly answering it. Used for emphasis and focus.

Hyperbole

an exaggeration of some part of a statement in order to give it emphasis or focus.

Symbol

somethings that represents something else by association or resemblance.

Metaphor

a comparison that calls one thing by the name of something else.

Foreshadowing

a hint or suggestion of something to come

Imagery

a word or group of words which appeal to one or more than one of the senses. However, figurative language can be used to help create imagery as well.

Allegory

a story where characters, events, and even objects have both literal and metaphorical meaning so that the story is operating on two levels at once.

Verbal Irony

occurs when an author or character says one thing and means something else (sarcasm)

Dramatic Irony

occurs when an audience or reader understands something that a character does not know.

Situational Irony

a discrepancy/difference between the expected result and the actual result

Sonnet

highly structured 14-line poem, usually in iambic pentameter, with a varied rhyme scheme. For Shakespearean sonnet the rhyme scheme goes ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

Iambic Pentameter

the standard metrical form used by Shakespeare; each line consists of 10 syllables, or 5 feet. It’s easy rhythm and meter reflect a natural speaking voice or a heart beat.

Blank Verse

unrhymed iambic pentameter which is closest to natural speech rhythms.

Pun

A play on words

Oxymoron

the placement of 2 contradictory words together.

Foil

a character who, by contrast, highlights the qualities or characteristics of another character.

Antithesis

a contrast of 2 words or ideas in a balanced or parallel construction.

Chiasmus

reversal in the order of words when used in parallel expressions which creates an AB BA pattern.

Soliloquy

a speech where the speaker is alone with his/her private thoughts and informs the audience when he/she is thinking. They are always truthful.

Paradox

a contradiction which is nonetheless true

Motif

a recurring, salient (stands out), thematic element (action, idea, object, or situation). It is usually not tangible or concrete.

Peripeteia

a reversal of circumstances or turning point in a tragedy

Epic

extended narrative poem, exalted in style and heroic in theme. It places tremendous demands on a poet’s knowledge, invention, and skill.

Myth

an anonymous tale emerging from the traditional beliefs of a culture or social unit. They use supernatural explanations for natural phenomena which help a culture make sense of the world.

Archetype

a word used to describe an original pattern or model from which all other things of the same kind are made.

Epithet

a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occuring in a place of the name of a person or thing.