lit terms #4

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Magical realism

A literary technique where the disbelief of the reader and writer produces a momentary shift in the real world wherein an element of the surreal enters and leaves with ease.

Malapropism

An incorrect usage of a word, usually with comic effect; for example, 'He is the very pineapple of politeness.'

Metaphor

A type of figurative language in which a statement suggests that one thing is something else, revealing new and intriguing qualities.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which a word represents something else which it suggests, such as using 'Wall Street' to describe the U.S. financial sector.

Minimalism

A style of art where objects are stripped down to their geometric form and presented in an impersonal manner; in literature, it involves short descriptions and simple sentences.

Monologue

Thoughts of a single person, directed outward.

Motif

A recurrent image, word, phrase, represented object, or action that tends to unify a literary work or may be elaborated into a broader theme.

Naturalism

A type of literature that applies scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings.

Nemesis

A villain who has a particular interest in defeating a hero or group of heroes, and is often of particular interest to the hero(es) in return.

Oxymoron

A combination of contradictory terms, such as 'icy hot'.

Parallelism

The repetition of words, phrases, or sentences that have the same grammatical structure or that restate a similar idea.

Parable

A brief and often simple narrative that illustrates a moral or religious lesson.

Parody

A literary form in which the style of an author or particular work is mocked for comic effect.

Pathetic fallacy

The attribution of human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects or nature, such as angry clouds.

Pastoral

A literary work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.