Figurative Language and Tragedy Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to figurative language, tragedy concepts, and elements of Greek tragedy as outlined in the lecture.

Metaphor

Comparing two things without using like or as.

Simile

Comparing two things using like or as.

Personification

Giving human actions or feelings to non-human things.

Imagery

Descriptions that appeal to the five senses.

Symbolism

When an object or action stands for a bigger idea.

Motif

A repeated idea or image that shows up many times.

Allusion

A short reference to something well-known.

Irony

When something happens or is said in a way that is different from what you expect.

Paradox

A sentence or idea that seems impossible or contradictory but makes sense or shows a truth.

Oxymoron

Two opposite words put side by side.

Foreshadowing

A hint about something that will happen later.

Monologue

A long speech by one character.

Soliloquy

A character talking to themselves about their thoughts.

Parallelism

Using the same structure in sentences or ideas.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to make a point, not to get an answer.

Hypophora

Asking and then answering your own question.

Antithesis

Two opposite ideas placed together.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions.

Ethos

An appeal to credibility and what is moral and right.

Logos

An appeal to reason or facts.

Tragedy

A serious story that ends in sadness or death.

Tragic Hero

The main character whose own flaw leads to their downfall.

Hamartia

The hero’s big mistake or weakness.

Hubris

Too much pride or arrogance.

Peripeteia

A sudden change from good fortune to bad.

Anagnorisis

The moment the hero realizes the truth.

Catharsis

The feelings of pity and fear the audience experiences.

Catastrophe

The final disaster or ending of the play.

Prologue

The opening part that gives background.

Parodos

The chorus’s first entrance song.

Chorus

A group that sings and comments on what happens.

Choragus

The leader of the chorus who sometimes talks to the actors.

Episode

A main scene of dialogue or action.

Ode

A song the chorus sings to reflect on events.

Strophe

The chorus moves from right to left while singing.

Antistrophe

The chorus moves from left to right, returning to start.

Paean

A song of praise or prayer to the gods.

Exodos

The final scene where the story ends.

Alliteration

Repeating the same starting sound.

Repetition

Using the same word or phrase again.

Anaphora

Repeating the same word at the beginning of lines.

Asyndeton

Leaving out and or but to make speech faster or stronger.

Polysyndeton

Using many ands or buts for effect.

Stichomythia

A fast back-and-forth exchange of one-line speeches between two characters during an argument.