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Allegory
Definitions of allegory:
A story, poem, or picture that reveals a hidden meaning, typically moral or political (Google)
A story in which characters and events are symbols representing ideas about human life or a political/historical situation (Merriam-Webster)
Characters or events in a literary, visual, or musical art form that symbolize ideas and concepts (Wikipedia)
Allegory is a story with characters, settings, and events that represent something different than what is in the story
Difference between reading a story literally and allegorically:
Literal reading: No hidden meanings or symbols
Allegorical reading: Looking for hidden meanings from the author
Example of allegory: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Pigs represent communist leaders of Soviet Russia
Farm represents the USSR
Other animals represent different people or groups from Soviet Russia
Allegory can be short (like Aesop's Fables) or long (like a book or series of books)
Allegory should not be read literally
What allegory isn't
Allegories use literary devices like metaphor, symbolism, and personification, but these devices alone are not an allegory
Example: Maus
Uses animal characters to communicate hidden meanings about racial groups in a Holocaust survival story
Uses real events, places, and characters
Not an allegory, but a biography of a Holocaust survivor and his son
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Example: Faith
Faith is compared to a stony uphill climb
Belief and steadfastness are necessary to reach the top
Alliteration
Alliteration is a literary device where words with the same sound group are used in quick succession
Adds character and fun to writing
Example: "The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way"
Allusion
Allusion is a figure of speech where the author refers to a subject matter by way of a passing reference
Reader needs to make a connection to the subject being mentioned
Example: Mary is referred to as another Mother Teresa in the making, indicating her qualities of helping and caring for others
Anagram
Anagrams are a form of wordplay where parts of a word are jumbled to create a new word
Adds mystery and interactive fun to writing
Example: "debit card" becomes "bad credit"
Analogy
Analogy is a literary device that establishes a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas
Helps convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one for understanding
Example: Just as one cannot have a rainbow without rain, one cannot achieve success and riches without hard work
Anecdote
Definition not provided in the transcript
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Anecdote
Definition: a short verbal accounting of a funny, amusing, interesting event or incident
Origin: Greek Byzantine period, A.D. 527 to 565 during the reign of emperor Justinian
Procopius, a historian in Justinian's court, wrote witty and amusing accounts of court life
Procopius titled his writings as "Anecdota" which means unpublished and kept secret
After his secret writings became public, the term anecdote became commonly used for similar accounts
Example: Amusing anecdotes are often shared at wedding receptions, family reunions, and other gatherings
Teachers and educators often tell anecdotes about famous people to their students
Anecdotes reveal character and are usually amusing
Example: An anecdote about Winston Churchill and his pet dog Rufus
Anthropomorphism
Definition: lending a human quality, emotion, or ambition to a non-human object or being
Used to endear the non-human subject to the readers or audience and increase relativity and character
Example: Describing a raging storm with human-like qualities
Antithesis
Definition: using two sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity
Creates a stark contrast and a balance between opposite qualities
Example: Neil Armstrong's small step for a man but a giant leap for mankind
Aphorism
Definition: a concise statement that states a principle or opinion understood to be a universal truth
Often adages, wise sayings, and maxims aimed at imparting sense and wisdom
Usually witty and curt with an underlying tone of authority
Example: "Either shape up or ship out"
Archetype
Definition: a reference to a concept, person, or object that has served as a prototype and is used repeatedly
Archetypes convey a wealth of meaning and are immediately identifiable
Example: Romeo and Juliet as an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story
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Assonance
Definition: repetition of vowel sounds within a sentence or phrase
Different from alliteration as it only repeats vowel sounds
Example: "A long song"
Asyndeton
Definition: leaving out conjunctions in a sentence while maintaining grammatical accuracy
Shortens the implied meaning and presents it in a succinct form
Creates a strong impact and greater recall worth
Example: "Read, Write, Learn"
Cacophony
Definition: use of words and phrases with strong, harsh sounds
Creates a disturbing and objectionable atmosphere
Example: "His fingers rapped and pounded the door, and his foot thumped against the yellowing wood"
Characterization
Definition: the process of introducing and describing a character in literature
Can be done directly by the author or indirectly through the character's actions, thoughts, and speech
Example: Michael Corleone as a mafia man and a family man
Circumlocution
Definition: using long and complex sentences to convey a meaning that could have been simpler
Example: Using unnecessarily long sentences to convey a simple idea
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Circumlocution
Definition: Stating an idea or view indirectly, leaving the reader guessing the actual meaning
Example: Instead of saying "At 8 pm he arrived by car for the dinner party," the author writes a long, convoluted sentence describing the arrival in a roundabout way
Conflict
Definition: A resistance the protagonist faces in achieving their aims or dreams
The conflict can be external or internal
Example: John struggles to convince himself that his Hollywood dreams are worth the struggle, but his parents and inner voice of reason disagree
Connotation
Definition: Associations people make with words beyond their literal definition
Connotations create emotions or feelings in the reader
Example: The phrase "And once again, the autumn leaves were falling" uses "autumn" to signify something coming to an end
Consonance
Definition: Repetition of consonant sounds in quick succession within a sentence or phrase
Often found at the end of a word
Opposite of assonance, which repeats vowel sounds
Example: "He struck a streak of bad luck"
Denotation
Definition: The literal or dictionary meaning of a word
Example: "They built a house" - the word "house" is meant literally as a building where a family lives
Diction
Definition: The distinctive tone, mood, attitude, dialect, and style of an author's writing
Includes the selection of words and phrases peculiar to a writer
Judged based on the prevailing standards of proper writing and speech
Example: Certain writers use archaic terms to create a Shakespearean mood in their work
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Dysphemism
Definition: The use of disparaging or offensive expressions instead of inoffensive ones
Opposite of euphemism
Used to humiliate or degrade someone
Examples include synecdoche, dysphemistic epithets, euphemistic dysphemism, dysphemistic euphemism, "-ist" dysphemism, homosexual dysphemism, name dysphemism, non-verbal dysphemism, and cross-cultural dysphemism
Epilogue
Definition: An afterword that adds insight or teases possible sequels after the main plot is over
Can be written in the same narrative style as the story or from the perspective of a character
Example: In The Tempest, Prospero addresses the audience directly, informing them that the play is over and his fate depends on their applause
Epithet
Definition: A descriptive device used to add a special quality to a person or place's regular name
Becomes part of common parlance over time
Enhances the persona of real and fictitious entities
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Example of Euphemism
"Alexander the Great" is an epithet used to refer to Alexander III of Macedon.
He is recognized by this epithet due to his achievements in creating a large empire.
Euphemism Definition:
It refers to using a milder or less abrasive form of a negative description.
Used when writing about sensitive topics like sex, violence, death, and crimes.
Purpose is to substitute harsh words with more polite ones.
Can be used for exaggeration or irony in satirical writing.
Examples of Euphemisms:
Downsizing: Used when a company fires or lays off a larger number of employees.
Friendly fire: Used by the military when soldiers are accidentally killed by their own side.
Tipsy: A soft way to say someone has had too much to drink.
Golden years: Describes the later period of life when someone is old.
Gone to heaven: A polite way to say someone is dead.
Enhanced interrogation: A modern euphemism to minimize what could be viewed as torture.
Euphony
Euphony Definition:
Refers to the use of phrases and words that create pleasant sounds.
Common in literary prose and poetry, using devices like alliteration, rhymes, and assonance.
Opposite of cacophony, which creates harsh sounds.
Example:
"Cellar door" is considered the most pleasant sounding phrase in English.
Especially notable when spoken in a British accent.
Faulty Parallelism
Parallelism Definition:
Placing similar structure related phrases, words, or clauses together.
Maintains balance in grammatical forms.
Faulty Parallelism:
Failure to maintain a balance in grammatical forms.
Similar grammatical forms receive dissimilar or unequal weight.
Example:
Bart Simpson from The Simpsons says, "they are laughing, not with me".
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Flashback
Flashback Definition:
Depicting past events that have happened before the present time in the story.
Used to create background and context for the present situation.
Example:
"Back in the day when Sarah was a young girl..."
Flashbacks are commonly used in movies to provide insight into a character's past.
Foil
Foil Definition:
Another character who contrasts with the main character to highlight their attributes.
Example:
In Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore represents 'good' and believes in the power of love.
Lord Voldemort represents 'evil' and mocks the sentiment of love.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing Definition:
Using hints and indications to suggest an upcoming outcome in the story.
Example:
"He had no idea of the disastrous chain of events to follow."
The reader knows something disastrous is about to happen to the protagonist.
Hubris
Hubris Definition:
Refers to being overly arrogant and disconnected from reality.
Often associated with a character who gains power and believes they are untouchable.
Hubris in Literature:
Considered a tragic flaw and is usually attributed to the protagonist.
It leads to the downfall of the character.
Example:
Macbeth in Shakespeare's play displays hubris, leading to his downfall.
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Hyperbole
Definition: Exaggeration and overemphasis of a statement for a grander effect
Purpose: Create a larger-than-life effect and emphasize a specific point
Example: "I am so tired I cannot walk another inch" or "I'm so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here"
Imagery
Definition: Use of words and phrases to create mental images for the reader
Purpose: Help the reader visualize the author's writings
Example: "The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds"
Irony
Definition: Use of words with a meaning that is different from the literal meaning
Purpose: Suggest a contrast between the literal meaning and the deeper significance
Example: "Oh! What fine luck I have!" - the speaker is actually unhappy and dissatisfied with their luck
Juxtaposition
Definition: Placing two related entities parallel to highlight their contrast and compare them
Purpose: Etch out a character in detail, create suspense, or lend a rhetorical effect
Example: In Paradise Lost, Milton juxtaposes Satan and God to highlight their differences
Litotes
Definition: Understated statement of an affirmative using a negative description
Purpose: Discreetly express something unpleasant without directly using negativity
Example: "I'm not feeling bad" - actually means "I am feeling well"
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Litotes (continued)
Example: Expressions like "not the brightest bulb" or "not bad" are negative litotes that mean the opposite
Usage in Old English Poetry and Literature, as well as in English, Russian, German, Dutch, and French languages
Example: Jeremiah 30:19 in the Bible uses litotes to convey a positive meaning: "there will be many and they will be great or large"
Metaphor
Definition: Ascribing meaning or identity to one subject by way of another
Purpose: Draw a comparison between the subjects and convey a degree of meaning
Example: "Henry was a lion on the battlefield" - implies that Henry was courageous and fearless
Metonymy
Definition: Referring to an object or subject by using another word closely linked to it
Purpose: Substitute the main word with a word intricately linked to it
Example: Referring to Washington D.C. as the political capital of the United States
Mood
Definition: Author's emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work
Purpose: Shape a specific emotional disposition in the reader
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Tone Definition:
The author's attitude towards the subject affects the tone of the work.
The tone evokes specific responses from the reader.
Example: In "Love Story" by Erich Segal, the delicate handling of the relationship between the protagonists compels the reader to feel their trials and tribulations.
Motif Definition:
A motif is a recurring element, subject, idea, or concept in a literary work.
It dominates the entire body of literature.
Motifs define the nature of the story and the course of events.
Example: Fairytales often have motifs of a handsome prince falling in love with a damsel in distress, or a peasant girl discovering her royal heritage.
Nemesis Definition:
Nemesis refers to poetic justice, where positive characters are rewarded and negative characters are penalized.
It can also refer to the character or medium that brings about this justice.
Example: Harry Potter is the nemesis of Lord Voldemort in the book series.
Onomatopoeia Definition:
Onomatopoeia refers to words that sound like the sound they represent.
It creates vivid mental images.
Example: Words like grunt, huff, buzz, and snap imitate the sounds they represent.
Oxymoron Definition:
Oxymoron is a literary device that combines contradictory concepts in a way that makes sense.
It reveals deeper levels of truth and explores different layers of semantics.
Example: "Sometimes we cherish things of little value" or "cold fire in his eyes" are examples of oxymorons.
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Paradox Definition:
Paradoxes are contradictory concepts or ideas that hold significant value on multiple levels.
They provide astonishing insight when their deeper meaning crystallizes.
Example: "High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king."
Pathetic Fallacy Definition:
Pathetic fallacy ascribes human feelings to nonhuman objects or nature.
It is a type of personification.
Example: "The softly whistling teapot informed him it was time for breakfast."
Periphrasis Definition:
Periphrasis uses excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could be expressed more directly.
It can be used to embellish a sentence or draw attention away from the main message.
Example: Instead of saying "I am displeased with your behavior," one can say, "the manner in which you have conducted yourself in my presence of late has caused me to feel uncomfortable and has resulted in my feeling disgruntled and disappointed with you."
Personification Definition:
Personification attaches human traits to inanimate objects, phenomena, and animals.
Example: "The raging winds," "The wise owl," "The warm and comforting fire."
Plot Definition:
The plot refers to the sequence of events that make up a story.
It can also refer to the conflict or clash occurring in the story.
Example: Many date movies follow a simple plot of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back.
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Point of View Definition:
Point of view determines the angle and perception of the story.
It influences the tone and reader's understanding of the narrative.
Common techniques include first person and third person.
Example: "Lord of the Rings" is narrated in the third person, while "Princess Diaries" is narrated in the first person.
Polysyndeton Definition:
Polysyndeton uses frequent conjunctions or connecting words in a sentence.
It adds dramatic effect and has a strong rhetorical presence.
Example: "Here and there and everywhere" or "Marge and Susan and Anne and Daisy and Barry all planned to go for a picnic."
Prologue Definition:
A prologue is an introduction to a story that sets the tone and provides background information.
It is typically narrated by one of the characters.
Example: "The origin of this story is..." or "It all began one day when..."
Puns Definition:
Puns suggest multiple meanings of a word, often for humor or irony.
They can also involve similar-sounding words.
Example: "Santa's helpers are known as subordinate Clauses."
Satire Definition:
Satire makes fun of human weaknesses or character flaws.
It aims to correct or better the character being satirized.
Its purpose is to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.
Example: Satire is used to criticize and mock societal issues or individuals.
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Satire in Modern Pop Culture
TV series Southpark uses satire to draw attention to flaws in society
Scripts and writing for the show are examples of satire in written form
Setting Definition
Setting establishes time, place, and mood of the story
Helps in understanding where and when the story takes place
Example: Harry Potter series - setting at Harry's aunt and uncle's place establishes his non-magical childhood
Simile Definition
Similes compare two unrelated things using words like 'as' or 'like'
Adds meaning and understanding to a sentence
Example: "He is like a mouse in front of the teacher"
Suspense Definition
Suspense is the intense feeling while waiting for the outcome of events
Keeps the reader engaged and wanting more information
Example: Cliffhangers create suspense and make the audience eager to know what happens next
Symbol Definition
Symbol is an object or action that represents something beyond its literal meaning
Contains multiple layers of meaning
Example: "A new dawn" represents a fresh start and the end of a tiring time
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Synecdoche Definition
Synecdoche uses a part of something to refer to the whole
Represents the entire object or a fraction of it
Example: "Weary feet in the walk of life" symbolizes a long, hard struggle through life
Syntax Definition
Syntax refers to the way words and sentences are placed together in writing
Authors may play with syntax for different effects
Example: "The man drives the car" follows normal syntax, while "The car drives the man" is awkward
Theme Definition
Theme is the main subject or motif of a literary work
Links all aspects of the work together
Example: Love is the main theme in Romeo and Juliet, with smaller themes of sacrifice and tragedy
Tone Definition
Tone is the author's attitude towards a specific character, place, or development
Portrays various emotions and influences the reader's understanding
Example: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has a positive and uplifting tone towards love and devotion
Tragedy Definition
Tragedy refers to a series of unfortunate events leading to a catastrophic ending
Built up in stages, including a crisis and a grave ending
Example: Julius Caesar is a tragedy where the ambitious king is betrayed and stabbed to death
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Understatement Definition
Understatement draws attention to an obvious fact using sarcasm or irony
Exaggerates the obviousness for humor
Example: "Oh! I wonder if he could get any later; I am free all day long" said sarcastically
Zoomorphism Definition
Zoomorphism is the attribution of animal attributes to people, objects, or ideas
Opposite of anthropomorphism
Used to provide detailed descriptions and create figurative language
Example: "My brother eats like a horse"
Difference between Zoomorphism and Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism attributes human-like mental states to animals
Zoomorphism attributes animal-like mental states to humans
Examples of Zoomorphism
"My brother eats like a horse"
"The chubby little boy rolled around in the mud like a pig"
"It ruffled my grandmother's feathers when Mrs. Beach took home first prize