vocab quiz unit 11

abstract

(in writing) this is typically complex, discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, and seldom uses examples to support its points.

allegory

a literary work in which the characters represent abstract ideas; a symbolic representation

apostrophe

address to an absent or imaginary person

black humor

the use of disturbing themes in comedy

caricature

drawing, imitation, or description that ridiculously exaggerates peculiarities or defects

catharsis

an emotional or psychological cleansing that brings relief or renewal

connotation

the implied or associative meaning of a word

epitaph

a brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone

euphony

any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds

farce

a comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose

gothic novel

a novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action

hyperbole

a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor

interior monologue

a narrative technique that records a character's internal flow of thoughts, memories, and ideas; a longish passage of uninterrupted thought

lampoon

ridicule with satire

metaphor

a figure of speech comparing to unlike things without using like or as

paradox

a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

pathos

a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)

subjectivity

a personal presentation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions

thesis

 the primary position taken by a writer or speaker

zeugma

when a word is used with two adjacent words in the same construction, but only makes literal sense with one of them