Allegory
A piece of literature that conveys its meaning through symbols. ex: Animal Farm = political allegory
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds within a phrase or line. Ex: seven sisters slept soundly on the sand
Ambiguity
Multiple meanings of a word, phrase, or text. Ex: The fisherman went to the bank
Colloquial
Slang, informal language. Ex: y’all, gon, wanna, forreal.
Euphemism
Sugar coating an unpleasant word. Ex: Passed Away
Infer
To assume based on facts. Ex: he’s taken his coat, so it must be cold
Metonymy
Subbing an object closely associated with something for the thing itself. Ex: The White House issued a…
Oxymoron
Two opposite terms placed side by side. Ex: Bittersweet, Silent Scream
Paradox
Self-Contradictory that is a logical point. Ex: fight fire with fire
Simile
Comparing two different things using like or as. Ex: He was quiet as a mouse.
Symbol
Physical object that also represents something else (abstract idea). Ex: Yams from things fall apart represents masculinity
Synecdoche
Subbing a part for the whole. Ex: All hands on deck
Understatement
To downplay a situation. Ex: It rained a bit more than usual (there was a thunderstorm)
Situational irony
Events turned out opposite of what is expected. Ex: It rains after you wash your car
Verbal irony
What is said is not actually meant (opposite) Ex: I’ll die if I don’t get those concert tickets!
Dramatic irony
Audience/Readers know more than true characters. Ex: Juliet not actually being dead in “Romeo and Juliet”
Claim of Fact
This claim asserts that something is true or not true.
Ex: in “why investing in fast food may be a good thing” Domini talks about the claim of fact that “fast food is the way of life”
Claim of value
This claim is a statement that expresses an opinion or judgment about the worth, quality, or importance of something, essentially arguing whether something is good or bad.
Ex: In his "Star Wars" review, Roger Ebert uses a "claim of value" by stating that the film is more than just a fun space adventure. He argues it transcends genre expectations with its immersive storytelling and characters. As a result, the movie is a significant work of art, not just entertainment.
Claims of Policy
This claim is when anytime you propose a change.
Ex: In "The C Word in the Hallways," Anna Quindlen uses claims of policy by advocating for better mental health awareness in schools. She argues that ignoring mental illness contributes to tragic outcomes like school shootings. Quindlen calls for policies that integrate mental health support in schools to prevent these things.