Untitled Flashcards Set

Allegory

A piece of literature or art that can be interpreted as another event in history or motif, often containing a hidden meaning.

Allusion

A brief, intentional reference to a historical, mythic, or literary person, place, event or movement.

Analogy

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds in consecutive words.

Atmosphere

The way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of a character to create emotion, mood, or experiences.

Climax

The most intense moment of a story marking the turning point for the protagonist.

Conflict

A struggle between two opposing forces, including character vs. self, character vs. character, and character vs. society.

Epiphany

A character's moment of realization about a situation, person, or event.

Exposition

The section of a story that sets up the background and distinguishing features in the setting.

Falling Action

The fallout of the climax leading towards the resolution.

Flashback

An interjected scene that takes place in a story from a past time in the character's life.

Foreshadowing

A plot element that hints at something to come later in the story.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration for emphatic effect.

Imagery

A literary device that uses language appealing to the senses for emphasis.

Irony

A situation in which what one person expects is different from what happens; includes verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.

Juxtaposition

When an author places two things side by side to highlight their differences.

Metaphor

A comparison NOT using 'like' or 'as'.

Mood

The overall feel or atmosphere that a reader gets from a piece of literature.

Motif

Recurring images, quotes, or concepts that carry figurative or symbolic meaning.

Paradox

A statement that contradicts itself, or that must be both true and untrue at the same time.

Parallel Structure

Using the same pattern of words or ideas to indicate that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Parody

Mimicking the style of another work in an exaggerated way for comedic effect.

Pun

A play on words for comedic effect.

Resolution

The conclusion of a story or the tie-up of its plot.

Sarcasm

The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

Satire

Writing that critiques a flaw or failure in society by emphasizing its absurdity.

Setting

The time, place, and circumstance of a story.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

Stereotype

A mistaken idea or belief about a group that may be untrue or only partly true.

Suspense

The audience's excited anticipation about a conflict or plot progression.

Symbolism

The use of one thing to represent something else; often an abstract idea.

Theme

The main idea, message, or moral of a story.

Tone

The attitude a narrator or author takes towards a subject.

Unity

How well a piece of literature flows and creates a sense of completion.

Voice

The unique style, personality, or perspective of a piece of writing.