Studied by 67 peopleAllegory
word conveying hidden meaning
Alliteration
a repeating letter/sound in a sentence
Allusion
unexplained reference to something outside of the text (political events)
Anachronism
a person/thing placed in the wrong time period
Analogy
a comparison written to explain an idea by comparing it to something else
Anaphora
figure of speech which words repeat at the beginning of sentences
Antagonist
a character opposing the main character - queen in snow white
Antithesis
a figure of speech juxtaposing two opposing ideas
assonance
figure of speech where the same vowel sound repeats
asyndeton
a figure of speech where conjunctions are left out
Ballad
a poem that tells a story
Cacophony
a combination of words that sound unpleasant together
caesura
a pause within poetry marked by punctuation
catharsis
releasing strong emotions through art
cliché
a phrase that is overused and lacks originality
climax
a figure of speech when phrases are arranged in order of importance
colloquialism
the use of informal words in writing
connotation
an array of emotions suggested by words associated with that word
deus ex machina
a plot device where an unsolvable conflict is resolved by an implausible character
diction
a writers unique style of expression in choice and arrangement of words
dramatic irony
a plot device in theatre were the audience has knowledge that the character does not
dénouement
the final section of a story's plot where all the loose ends are tied up
Enjambment
continuation of a sentence across a line break.
Epigraph
short quotation, phrase or poem that is placed at the beginning of another piece of writing to show the works main themes/set the tone.
Euphony
combination of works that sound pleasant together (opposite of cacophony)
exposition
Description of background information within literature.
Foreshadowing
when authors hint at plot developments that will occur later in the story.
Free verse
name given to poetry that doesn't have any strict scheme/meter. can be any line length.
Hamartia
refers to tragic error that leads to a characters downfall.
Hyperbole
obvious exaggerations for the sake of emphasis.
Idiom
phrase conveying meaning that is impossible to understand on literal interpretation. e.g. 'its raining cats and dogs'
Internal Rhyme
a rhyme occurring in the middle lines of poetry, instead of at the end of lines.
Irony
what things seem to be is very different from how they are.
Juxtaposition
an author places two things side by side to highlight their differences.
Note
Flashcard