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metaphor
a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. It is a type of analogy that compares two things by stating one is the other.
hyperbole
a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. It is a literary device that is often used to create humor, but can also be used to make a point or to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.
simile
a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight their similarities.
allusion
a figure of speech that refers to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work in order to make a comparison in the reader's mind. It is a brief and indirect reference to something else, often without explicit identification.
personification
a literary device in which human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or ideas. It is a type of figurative language that helps to create a more vivid and engaging image in the reader's mind. For example, "The wind whispered through the trees" is an example of personification because the wind, a non-human entity, is given the human quality of whispering.
exposition
a literary device used to introduce background information about events, settings, characters, or other elements of a work of fiction or non-fiction. It is usually presented at the beginning of a story or essay to provide context and establish the foundation for the plot or argument. Exposition can take many forms, including dialogue, narration, description, and flashbacks. Its purpose is to help readers understand the story or topic more fully and to engage them in the narrative or argument.
rising action
the part of a plot where the main character faces a series of conflicts that build towards the climax of the story. It is the section of the story where tension and suspense increase as the protagonist faces obstacles and challenges that propel the plot forward.
inciting incident
the event or decision that sets the main conflict of a story in motion. It is the point of no return for the protagonist and often occurs early in the narrative.
climax
the point of highest tension or turning point in the plot where the main character faces the conflict and the outcome of the story is determined.
falling action
the part of a plot where the story begins to wrap up and the conflict is resolved after the climax. It leads to the resolution and conclusion of the story.
dénouement
the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.
imagery
refers to the use of descriptive language that creates a vivid mental picture in the reader's mind. It is a literary device that appeals to the senses, such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, to create an emotional or sensory experience for the reader. Imagery is commonly used in poetry, literature, and other forms of creative writing to enhance the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the text.
symbolism
the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. It is a literary device that adds depth and meaning to a work of literature, art, or other forms of expression. Symbolism can be found in various forms such as colors, objects, animals, and even people. It is often used to convey complex ideas or emotions that cannot be expressed through words alone.
allegory
a literary device in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and ideas. It is often used to convey complex moral, ethical, or political messages in a more accessible and engaging way.
foreshadowing
a literary device used by authors to hint at or suggest future events in a story. It is a way of preparing the reader for what is to come and can create suspense and tension in the narrative. Foreshadowing can be achieved through various means, such as dialogue, description, or symbolism.
dialogue
a conversation between two or more people in a literary work, such as a novel, play, or movie. It is a way for characters to interact with each other and reveal their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Dialogue is often written with quotation marks to indicate the words spoken by each character.
mood
refers to the emotional response that the writer wishes to evoke in the reader through a story.
tone
a literary device that reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work.
theme
literary device, theme refers to the central, deeper meaning of a written work.
parallelism
the repetition of grammatical elements in writing and speaking
dramatic irony
a useful plot device for creating situations in which the audience knows more about the situations, the causes of conflicts, and their resolutions before the leading characters or actors.
situational irony
as a literary device, is a form of irony in which something takes place that is different or the opposite of what is expected to happen.
verbal irony
when a speaker speaks something contradictory to what he intends to say.
man vs man
a type of conflict where two characters are in direct opposition to each other.
man vs nature
an external struggle positioning the character against an animal or a force of nature
man vs technology
a type of literary conflict in which a character faces technology
man vs society
when the protagonist, either alone or together with the other characters, is in direct opposition to the forces of nature.
man vs self
a type of conflict that takes place inside a character's mind
internal conflict
when a character struggles with their own opposing desires or beliefs
external conflict
sets a character against something or someone beyond their control.
protagonist
the character who drives the action--the character whose fate matters most.
antagonist
the principal opponent or foil of the main character, who is referred to as the protagonist, in a drama or narrative.
the hero’s journey.
lyric poetry definition
highly musical verse that expresses the observations and feelings of a single speaker. it creates a single, unified expression
lyric poetry rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (lyric)
lyric poetry syllables
does not need required syllables (lyric)
acrostic poetry definition
a poem in which the first letter of each line spells a word or phrase that is the topic of the poem
acrostic poetry rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (acrostic)
acrostic poetry syllables
does not have required syllables (acrostic)
acrostic poetry length
one line for each letter of the word
narrative/ballad poetry
a poem that tells a story in a musical way or musical feeling
narrative/ballad poetry rhyme scheme
even-numbered lines should rhyme
narrative/ballad poetry syllables
odd-numbered lines should be longer than even-numbered lines
narrative/ballad poetry legnth length
can be as long as the story requires
epic poetry definition
a long narrative poem about the adventures of a God or Hero serious in tone, and broad in theme
epic poetry rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (epic)
epic poetry syllables
does not need a required amount of syllables (epic)
epic poetry length
very long
concrete/form poetry
a poem with a physical shape that suggests the topic. the poet arranges the letters, punctuation, and lines to create an image or picture on the page.
concrete/form poetry rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (concrete)
concrete/form poetry syllables
does not need a required amount of syllables (concrete)
concrete/form poetry length
must fit into the shape
haiku definition
a Japanese poem about nature
haiku length
3 lines
haiku syllables
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
haiku rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (haiku)
cinquain definition
can be about anything
cinquain length
5 lines
cinquain syllables
2 syllables
4 syllables
6 syllables
8 syllables
10 syllables
cinquain rhyme scheme
does not need a rhyme scheme (cinquain)
tanka
can be about anything
tanka length
5 lines
tanka syllables
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
7 syllables
7 syllables
tanka rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (tanka)
villanelle definition
a highly specialized, 6-stanza 19-line poem that features two repeating lines
villanelle length
19 lines
villanelle syllables
does not need a required amount of syllables (villanelle)
villanelle rhyme scheme
A1, B, C1, D, B, A1, D, B, C1, D, B, A1, D, B, C1, D, B, A1, C1
Shakespearean sonnet definition
a type of sonnet made famous by William Shakespeare
Shakespearean sonnet length
14 lines
Shakespearean sonnet syllables
10 per line
Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme
A, B, A, B, C, D, C, D, E, F, E, F, G, G
limerick definition
a humorous, musical feeling poem that oftentimes makes fun of or tells a story about a specific person
limerick length
5 lines
limerick syllables
3 beats
3 beats
2 beats
2 beats
3 beats
limerick rhyme scheme
A , A, B, B, A
ode definition
a formal lyric poem with a serious theme. it is usually long and may be written for a private occasion or a public ceremony. odes often honor people, commemorate events, or respond to natural scenes.
ode length
usually long
ode syllables
does not need a required amount of syllables (ode)
ode rhyme scheme
does not need a required rhyme scheme (ode)
elegy definition
a solemn and formal lyric poem about death. it may mourn a particular person or reflect on a serious or tragic theme. such as the passing of youth, beauty, or a way of life
line
basic structural component of a poem. literally a row of words that ends somewhere
stanza
a formal division of lines in a poem that is considered a unit. separated by spaces like prose paragraphs, only for poetry. conveys a single idea
couplet
2 line stanza
triplet (tercet)
a 3 line stanza
quatrain
4 line stanza
quintet
a 5 line stanza
sextet
6 line stanza
septet
7 line stanza
octave
8 line stanza
monometer
1 foot per line
dimeter
2 feet per line
trimeter
3 feet per line
tetrameter
4 feet per line
pentameter
5 feet per line
hexameter
6 feet per line
heptameter
7 feet per line
octometer
8 feet per line
foot
basic unit of a meter. normally contains either two or three syllables with varying patterns of stress
iambic
unstressed, stressed
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Flashcard (39)