Literary Terms 1 & 2 Flashcards
Syntax
The authors choice of word order
Motif
The repetition or variations of an image or idea in a work which is used to develop the theme and characters
Convention
A traditional aspect of literary work such as soliloquy in Shakespeare or tragic hero in Greek play
Deus ex machine
A Greek invention literally “the god from the machine” who appears at the last moment and resolved the loose ends of the play. Today it refers to anyone of stature who untangles, resolves the plot of a work
Catharsis
The release of Great emotion (audience experiences)
Cacophony
Harsh or discordant sounds in a line or passage of a literary work
Denouement
The conclusion or tying of loose ends in a literary plot. The resolution of conflict or plot
Connotation
The interpretive level of work based on its associated images rather
Euphony
Pleasant or mellifluous presentation of sounds in a literary work
Character
One who carried out the action of a plot in literature: major, minor, static, or dynamic or all types
Figurative language
The body of devices that enable the writer to operate on levels other than the literal one it includes: metaphor, simile, motif, hyperbole
Allusion
A reference to a more famous literary work (usually the Bible or mythology)
Antagonist
The force or character that opposes the main character, the protagonist
