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Myth
fictional tale that describes the actions of gods and heroes, or explains the causes of natural phenomena
archetype
type of character, detail, image, or symbol that appears in literature throughout history and have a universal importance (Ex: beggar, hero, journey to the underworld)
epic
a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes.Ā Epics generally contain the following elements:
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā a hero on a quest
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā legends of the past
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā continuing battles between good and evil
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā supernatural elements
epic hero
the larger-than-life character in an epic.Ā Through behavior and deeds, they display qualities that are valued by their society.
Noble Birth
Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or god-like nobleman of some capacity.
Superhuman Abilities
The skilled warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes, e.g. cunning, bravery, humility, wisdom, virtue, making them seem to have superhuman abilities and superhuman strength.
Vast Traveler
Known for making travels to another world or going on a perilous journey to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil.
Unmatched Warrior
Typically has a reputation for being a larger than life figure, even prior to the beginning of the story.
Cultural Legend
Before an epic hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture.
Humility
The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory and they demonstrate humility. Heroes that boast, or exhibit hubris may be punished and humbled.
Battles Supernatural Creatures
The superhuman foes and obstacles he faces are usually supernatural beings, e.g. Grendel, Poseidon, or a cyclops.
in medias res
(āin the middle of thingsā) ā much of the important action in the story occurred before the point at which the story begins; therefore, the epic heroās adventure is told in a flashback.
Flashback
an account of an event that happened before a story began
hubris
excessive pride or vaulting ambition
omen
the use of an animal or aspect of nature to foretell an event; a sign-indicates if the event will be good or evil
personification
animal, object, etc. given human qualities or characteristics
poetic justice
when a character gets what he deserves
foreshadowing
hint of things to come
allusion
reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art
symbolism
a symbol is an object, person, place etc. that means more than what it is
conflict
the struggle between opposing forces or characters in a story.
Internal conflict
a character struggles with his or her own opposing desire, beliefs, or needs (man vs. self)
External Conflict
a character struggles against an outside force (man vs. man, nature, society)
plot
the series of related events in a story or play, sometimes called the storyline.
Exposition
Introduces characters, conflict, and setting
Rising Action
Suspense increases, learn more about
characters and conflict
Climax
turning point, main event of story
Falling Action
suspense decreases, learn
outcome/consequences of turning point
Denouement
the end, loose ends are tied up
ballad
a short musical narrative song or poem that usually recounts a single exciting or dramatic episode
blank verse
poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter lines
prose
the ordinary form of spoken or written language without metrical structure
syntax
sentence structure
context
set of facts or circumstances surrounding an event or a situation in a piece of literature
idiom
a saying that takes on special meaning, different from the actual words that make it up (e.g. It is raining cats and dogs.)
irony
a difference between appearances and reality.
dramatic irony
contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader of audience knows to be true
situational irony
when the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of
verbal irony
words used to suggest the opposite of what is meant
Note
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