Literary Terms and Course Schedule

Vocabulary flashcards for key literary terms and important course quiz/assignment dates based on the lecture notes.

Alliteration

The same letter sound at the beginning of successive words (e.g., Peter Piper).

Allusion

An indirect or passing reference to a text (e.g., Greek mythology in Harry Potter, such as Fluffy as Cerberus).

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that's not present and/or can't respond (e.g., "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?").

Assonance

The repetition of a vowel sound in the middle/end of words in close proximity (e.g., "Fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese").

Cliché

An overused phrase (e.g., doing something "in the blink of an eye").

Consonance

The repetition of a consonant sound in the middle/end of words in close proximity (e.g., Mike likes his new bike).

Euphemism

A mild or indirect expression that is substituted for one that's unpleasant/embarrassing (e.g., pre-owned car instead of used car).

Foreshadowing

When an author provides hints or clues about events that will happen later (e.g., dark clouds foreshadowing a storm).

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements (e.g., "I'm so embarrassed I could die").

Idiom

A phrase that is not taken literally (e.g., "It's raining cats and dogs").

Metaphor

A comparison of two unlike things (e.g., "Life is a box of chocolates").

Onomatopoeia

Sound words (e.g., sizzle, pop, clink).

Oxymoron

A two-word contradiction (e.g., Jumbo shrimp).

Parallelism

The repetition of similar grammatical structures (e.g., running, biking).

Parody

A humorous or satirical imitation of a text (e.g., Saturday Night Live).

Personification

To give human characteristics to nonhuman things (e.g., the stars danced).

Pun

Word play (e.g., Puns are punny).

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Life is like a box of chocolates").

Symbolism

The use of an object, person, or concept to represent a deeper abstract idea (e.g., a dove as a symbol of peace).

Verbal Irony

The intended meaning of a statement is the opposite of what is actually said (e.g., "About as much fun as a root canal").