English Literary terms

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Every breath you take and every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take.

Metaphor

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. The eyes are windows to the soul.

Tricolon

Three parallel words, phrases, or clauses in row. We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.

Antithesis

A person or ting that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. This double chocolate ice-cream is nutritionally deficient but spiritually nourishing.

Monologue

An extended speech one character delivers to an audience.

Soliloquy

When a speaker speaks their thoughts aloud to oneself regardless of any hearers.

Chiasmus

When two words are repeated in reverse order. Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.

Hyperbole

An exaggeration of a trait for some affect. Claims not meant to be taken literally. Man I could eat a horse!

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Jumbo Shrimp!

Personification

Give a nonhuman animal or object human qualities. This painting really spoke to me.

Pun

A joke that exploits the multiple meanings of a word or that two words sound similar. “A bicycle cannot stand on its own because its too-tired.”

Double Entendre

When a phrase that has two meanings, one innocent and one risque or pointed. “Children make delicious snacks.” That’s what she said jokes.

Stichomythia

Dialogue between two characters of alternating verse. Witty, lively back and forth banter between two characters.