English 212 Semester One Exam

Ambiguity

The presence of two or more possible meanings within a piece of writing that creates depth and invites various interpretations.

Imagery

The use of descriptive language to create visual representations in the reader's mind, enhancing themes and emotions.

Symbolism

The practice of using symbols—objects, characters, or colors—that carry significant meanings beyond their literal sense.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and style, affecting the reader's emotional response.

Voice

The distinctive style and perspective of the narrator or characters, shaping the narrative and how the reader perceives the story.

Comic Relief

A literary device used to alleviate tension or provide humor amid serious situations.

Connotation

The implied or associated meaning of a word beyond its literal definition, enhancing emotional impact.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, serving as the foundation for understanding the text's explicit message.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that involves an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting one thing is another.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as' to create vivid imagery.

Theme

The central topic or underlying message of a literary work, inviting deeper analysis and reflection.

Diction

The choice of words and style of expression by an author, significantly influencing tone and meaning.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere evoked by a piece of literature, influenced by diction, imagery, and tone.

Direct Characterization

Explicitly stating a character's traits or qualities to help the reader understand them.

Indirect Characterization

Revealing a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, and dialogues, allowing reader interpretation.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension or humor.

Situational Irony

A contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says one thing but means another, often used for sarcasm.

Bildungsroman

A literary genre focusing on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.

Graphic Novel

A book-length comic that tells a story through sequential art and text.

Stream of Consciousness

A narrative mode that captures the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind.

Close Reading

An analytical approach to reading that examines language, structure, and literary devices closely.

Flashback

A scene that takes the narrative back in time to provide background or context.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the narrative, building anticipation.

Mood (Emotional Element)

The emotional atmosphere created by the author's language, imagery, and setting.

Rite of Passage

A significant event marking an individual's transition from one stage of life to another.

Memoir

A narrative composed of personal experiences focused on specific events.

Panel

Segments of a comic or graphic novel page that contain a single drawing.

Gutter

The space between panels in a comic, representing time and action not explicitly shown.

Bleed

The area of a comic page that extends beyond the trim size, allowing for continuous artwork.

Frame

The border surrounding a panel, containing a specific drawing or moment within the story.

Graphic Weight

The use of contrast, color, and size in a comic that draws attention to specific elements.

Feminist Literary Theory

An approach that analyzes literature from a gender perspective, focusing on women and gender dynamics.

Marxist Literary Theory

A theory that explores literature through the lens of class struggle and economic power dynamics.

Id

The part of the psyche that contains basic instincts and drives, operating on the pleasure principle and seeking immediate gratification.

New Historicism

A theory focusing on a text's historical context and its engagement with cultural and political circumstances.