English Flashcards
What is irony?
When things do not turn out as expected, or something doesn’t fit.
Ex. A “plot twist” May surprise the reader by giving an unexpected ending, or a “good” character may do a bad action, while a “bad” character may unexpectedly do the right thing.
What is tone?
Tone is the writers attitude toward the subject of the poem or story.
Ex. A poet writing about war may have a bitter attitude, while a person writing about love may be positive and optimistic. -tone can shift and change
This term is also used more loosely to describe the mood, atmosphere, or feeling of a story-gloomy, spooky, etc.
What is allusion?
A reference to something well-known which the writer expects the reader to be aware of.
Ex. Saying “he’s another Einstein” suggests the that person described is very intelligent. Allusion is an economical way of conveying an idea or characterization.
Usually, specialized knowledge is required to understand an allusion. allusions can be made to pop culture, famous writers, history, art, music, mythology, etc.
What is a title?
The name of a story, poem, book, etc.
I title may contain important information, a key symbol, or drew attention to a key aspect of the story, or a title may state the obvious, or not be particularly important to the story
What is verbal irony?
You say one thing, but mean something opposite.
Ex. You might say “he’s my hero” about someone you automatically dislike and would never imitate.
What is Foreshadowing?
Giving hints about what may happen later in the story. Foreshadowing may be very visible and obvious, or may be apparent only after the event has occurred.
What is dramatic irony?
When the reader or audience knows something the characters in the play or story do not.
Ex. The audience in Julius Caesar knows the conspirators are planning to murder him, but Caesar is unaware or their intentions.
What is setting?
Where/when- the time when the story occurs, and the place where it happens.
A setting may be very detailed and developed and influence the story a great deal, or it may be undeveloped, incidental to the story, or suppressed entirely, so that the key ideas and insights of the story are not limited to a particular time and place.
What is contrast?
Emphasizing difference between characters, setting etc.
What is symbolism?
When something(often, an object or shape) is used to represent an idea or abstract concept. Ex. A flag is a symbol of patriotism or loyalty to ones country, and a dove can be used to represent peace.
