Creative Composition 1 - Term 1 Reviewer

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering literary concepts, creative composition, ethical authorship, literary devices, and 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce.

Creative Composition

Writing that uses original ideas, imagination, experience, and purposeful language.

Fiction

The classification of literature to which 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' belongs.

Narrative Structure

Uses an unconventional sequence of events to shape the reader’s understanding.

Writer’s Voice

The writer’s distinctive style, personality, and manner of expression.

Elements of Writer’s Voice

Diction, Tone, and Style.

Diction

Involves purposeful word choice that contributes to meaning and tone; does not require the use of difficult vocabulary.

Imagery

A literary technique that appeals to the senses to create a vivid experience for the reader.

Personification

Giving human qualities or actions to a nonhuman thing, such as 'The river whispered beneath the bridge.'

Structure

Influences how information, events, and ideas are revealed to the audience.

Unreliable Narrator

A narrator whose account may be limited, distorted, or questionable.

Ethical Authorship

Creating and presenting work honestly and responsibly, which involves respecting the work of other writers.

Originality

The quality of creative work containing the writer’s own ideas and expression.

Acknowledgment of Sources

Properly acknowledging sources when appropriate in writing.

Responsible Use of AI

Using AI responsibly so that it does not replace the writer’s own creative responsibility.

Inspiration

Using an idea or technique as influence while developing an original composition.

Plagiarism

Presenting another person’s expression as one’s own.

Authentic Creative Writing

Writing that demonstrates original expression and purposeful creative choices.

Ambrose Bierce

The author of 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'.

Peyton Farquhar

The main character in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'.

Setting of 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'

A railroad bridge in northern Alabama.

Peyton Farquhar's Opening Situation

Farquhar is facing execution with his hands bound and a rope around his neck.

Precise Physical Details

Details used in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' to establish a tense and controlled atmosphere.

Chronological Order Manipulation

Bierce's manipulation of event sequence allowing the reader to experience Farquhar’s imagined escape before fully understanding the reality of his situation.

Pacing

The intentional slowing down of the narrative at important or critical moments to heighten suspense and increase intensity.

Suspense

Created through the delay of important information and the gradual revelation of reality.

Delayed Revelation

The withholding of reality that contributes strongly to the story’s surprise ending.

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'His heart beat like a drum.').

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'The forest was a prison.').

Sensory Imagery

Descriptive details that appeal to the senses, such as cold water, rough branches, and the sound of rushing current.

Symbolism

An object, place, action, or element representing a deeper meaning; for example, the bridge represents Farquhar’s impending death.

Irony

A contrast between what the reader expects and what actually happens, such as expecting Farquhar to escape when the ending reveals otherwise.

Dialogue

When two characters speak directly to each other.

Tone

The attitude or emotional quality expressed by the writer, such as an ominous and threatening atmosphere.

Weak Writing

Writing that relies on repetitive and general language while providing little sensory detail.

Effective Revision

Improves a paragraph’s voice and imagery using more precise and vivid language.

Purposeful Diction

Uses specific and carefully selected words to create a particular effect.

Distinctive Narrative Voice

An aspect of writing that makes it more personal, creative, and recognizable.