General Lit Terms Flashcards
(33 cards)
Definition of symbol
When a thing is more than just a thing; has meaning on its own, yet also means something else
Types of symbols
Universal - has meaning based on typical life experience
Work-based - has meaning based on a particular work
How to identify a symbol
Use symbolizes or represents; physical thing, not person
Definition of paraphrasing
Changing the poet’s words for different, more understandable words; rephrasing
How to identify paraphrasing (3)
Close to same number of lines, same perspective, literal meaning
Definition of static character
Character who does not change during the story
Definition of dynamic character
Character who changes during the story
How to identify a static/ dynamic character
Whether they changer or not
Definition of theme
When the author has attempted to record life accurately or to reveal some truth about it
How to identify theme
Theme statement - what the author wants me to know about ___ is that ___…
Definition of denotation
Basic meaning of a word, independent of its emotional coloration
Definition of connotation
Emotional implications that words may carry, as distinguished from their denotative meaning
How to identify denotation/ connotation
smart man - wise guy, intelligent - brainy, fragrance - odor
Dramatic structure
Introduction or exposition, rising action, climax or crisis, falling action, catastrophe
Definition of irony
When appearance and reality are opposites
Three types of irony - one
Situational - outcome of events is the opposite of what we expect
Three types of irony - two
Verbal - what someone says is opposite of what they mean
Three types of irony - three
Dramatic - we know more than the characters in the work do
Definition of soliloquy
Talking while or as if alone
Definition of FOILS
Two characters with a similar relationship of position who are opposite in personalities
Definition of iambic pentameter
Rhythm - accent on second syllable
Meter - pattern occurs five times in a line
Definition of blank verse
Unrhymed iambic pentameter
Definition of metonomy
When an object closely associated with the word is substituted for the word itself
Definition of synecdoche
A significant part is substituted for the whole
