Final Exam Key Terms Flashcards
(22 cards)
Allusion
A figure of speech that makes implied or direct reference to people, places, events, literary works, myths, works of art of Biblical stories.
Analogy
A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Antagonist
A character, group of characters, or institution that represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend.
Apostrophe
A figure of speech in which a the speaker directly addresses someone or something that is absent of cannot respond in reality.
Contrast
A comparison highlighting the differences between two or more objects.
Climax
The point of highest tension or drama in a narrative work.
Couplet
A pair of poetic lines that rhyme and have the same meter.
English Sonnet
Also known as Shakespeare Sonnet’s, it is a 14 line poem, written in iambic pentameter, with a specific rhyme pattern and structure.
Flashback
An interjected scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point the story has reached.
Foreshadow
A literary device in which an author hints at certain plot devlopments that will come later in the story.
Hyperbole
The use of exaggeration for literary effect.
Irony
A rhetorical device, literary technique, or situation in which there is a reversal of expectations.
Metaphor
A direct comparison where one things is called another. The idea is to associate a quality of the one to the other. For example: He is a bear. (His personality is gruff)
Paradox
An apparent contradiction that nevertheless is true. “There is life in death.”
Personification
Gives human characteristics to other animals, non-living things, or phenomena.
Simile
A figure of speech that directly compares two different things, usually by employing the words like, as, or than
Protagonist
The main character of a literary narrative, who conflicts with the antagonist and with whom the audience is intended to most identify.
Suspense
A feeling of uncertainty and anxiety about the outcome of certain actions use to create interest in the reader.
Theme
The central topic, subject, or concept the author is trying to point out. There can be more than one in a literary work.
Thesis Statement
A sentence or two in a piece of writing that summarizes the main topic or arguments of the essay or paper.
Symbol
An object that represents an idea, a process, or a physical entity. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning.
Tone
The attitude or feeling expressed by the author or speaker towards the subject matter or the audience.
