Literary Terms and Definitions Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering literary terms, point of view, irony, plot stages, conflict types, and characterisation based on the lecture transcript.

How is 'Mood' defined in a literary text?

The overall feeling or atmosphere created in a text.

What is the definition of 'Imagery'?

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).

What are 'Symbols' in literature?

Objects, people, places, or actions that represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.

How are 'Similes' distinguished from other literary comparisons?

Comparisons using "like" or "as."

What is a 'Metaphor'?

Direct comparisons between unlike things without using "like" or "as."

What does 'Personification' involve?

Giving human qualities or actions to non-human things.

How is 'Onomatopoeia' defined?

Words that imitate natural sounds (e.g., buzz, crash).

In narratology, what is a 'Narrator'?

The voice or character telling the story.

What characterises a 'First person reliable' narrator?

A narrator using 'I' whose account can generally be trusted.

What characterises a 'First person unreliable' narrator?

A narrator using 'I' whose account may be biased, misleading, or inaccurate.

What is the 'Second person' point of view?

Uses 'you' and directly addresses the reader.

What is 'Third person omniscient' point of view?

An outside narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

What is 'Third person limited omniscient' point of view?

An outside narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

How does a 'Third person objective' narrator report a story?

An outside narrator who reports actions and dialogue without revealing characters' thoughts.

What is 'Dramatic irony'?

The audience knows something that the characters do not.

What is 'Structural irony'?

The entire work is built around a contrast between appearance and reality, often through an unreliable narrator.

What occurs during 'Situational irony'?

What happens is the opposite of what is expected.

What is 'Verbal irony'?

A speaker says something but means the opposite.

How is 'Theme' defined?

The central message, insight, or underlying idea explored in a text.

What is 'Exposition' in a plot structure?

Introduction of characters, setting, and background information.

What is an 'Inciting incident'?

The event that starts the main conflict.

What happens during the 'Rising action'?

Events that build tension and develop the conflict.

Define the 'Climax' of a story.

The turning point or moment of greatest tension.

What are 'Falling action' events?

Events following the climax that lead toward resolution.

What is 'Resolution'?

The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.

Define 'Foreshadowing'.

Hints or clues that suggest future events.

What is an 'Internal' conflict?

It is a struggle occurring within a character's mind.

What is 'Person vs self' conflict?

A character struggles with their own thoughts, emotions, or decisions.

What is 'Person vs society' conflict?

A character struggles against social rules, traditions, or institutions.

Define 'Protagonist'.

The main character

Who is a 'Flat' character?

It refers to a simple character with few traits and little complexity.

Who is a 'Static' character?

A character who does not significantly change.

What is a 'Stereotype' in literature?

A character based on oversimplified and widely recognized traits.

What is an 'Anti-hero'?

A main character who lacks traditional heroic qualities.

What is a 'Foil'?

A character whose traits contrast with another character's traits.

What is 'Direct characterisation'?

It occurs when the author directly tells the audience about traits.

What constitutes the 'Physical setting'?

The location and time period in which a story occurs.

What is 'Social context' in setting?

The social, cultural, economic, and historical conditions surrounding the story.

Define 'Antagonist'.

The character or force opposing the protagonist.

What is 'Indirect characterisation'?

It is when the audience learns through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions.

Who is a 'Dynamic' character?

A character who undergoes significant change during the story.

Who is a 'Round' character?

It is a complex, fully developed character with multiple traits.

What is an 'External' conflict?

It is a struggle between a character and an outside force.