AMLT Lit Terms SEM. 1

tragic hero

main character that goes through a series of trials leading to a final catastrophe caused by a character’s flaws

Satire

Mockery for the purpose of change

foil

character used to contrast the main character to highlight qualities of the main character

symbolism

use of a concrete object to represent an abstract idea

ambiguity

doubleness or inconclusiveness of meaning

allegory

a story poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning

hubris

excessive pride

crucible

severe test or trial

abivalence

coexistence of conflicting feelings or attitudes of an author or a reader

aphorism

a tursely phrase, statement of truth or opinion

assonance

repetition of the vowel sound

carpe diem

seize the day

yawp

loud cry or yell

vernacular

speech specific to a certain area or era sometimes called slang

didactic

text intended to teach

maxim

short statement of truth

tradgedy

drama where the main character experiences downfall due to character flaws

etymology

the study of the word origins

nostalgia

fondness for the past

elegy

poem of lament / remembrance - O capitan my capitan

unreliable narrator

one who does not fully grasp (or lies about) the significance of the events he/she comments on

dynamic character

basic character changes during the story

paradox

seeming contradiction

antipathy

feeling of dislike