lit terms #4

Magical realism- A literary technique where the disbelief of the reader and writer produces amomentary shift in the real world wherein an element of the surreal enters and leaves with ease.

Malapropism- is an incorrect usage of a word, usually with comic effect. "He is the very pineapple of politeness." 

Metaphor- a type of figurative language in which a statement is made that says that one thing is something else but, literally, it is not. In connecting one object, event, or place, to another, a metaphor can uncover new and intriguing qualities of the original thing that we may not normally notice or even consider important. Metaphoric language is used in order to realize a new and different meaning. 

Metonymy-A figure of speech in which a word represents something else which it suggests. "Wall Street" is often used metonymously to describe the U.S. financial and corporate sector 

Minimalism- a style of art in which objects are stripped down to their elemental, geometric form, and presented in an impersonal manner. In literature, minimalists use short descriptions and simple sentences.

Monologue-thoughts of a single person, directed outward. 

Motif-A recurrent image, word, phrase, represented object or action that tends to unify the literary work or that may be elaborated into a more general theme. 

Naturalism- The term naturalism describes a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings. Unlike realism, which focuses on literary technique, naturalism implies a philosophical position.

Nemesis- a villain who has a particular interest in defeating a hero or group of heroes, and who is often of particular interest to the hero(es) in return.

Oxymoron-A combination of contradictory terms, like icy hot. 

Parallelism- the repetition of words, phrases, sentences that have the same grammatical structure or that restate a similar idea. 

Parable- a brief and often simple narrative that illustrates a moral or religious lesson. Some of the best-known parables are in the Bible, where Jesus uses them to teach his disciples.

Parody- a literary form in which the style of an author or particular work is mocked in its style for the sake of comic effect. 

Pathetic fallacy- The attribution of human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects or to nature; for example, angry clouds; a cruel wind. 

Pastoral- Of, relating to, or being a literary or other artistic work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.