Lit Terms Part 2 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Aphorism
A concise statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance.
Dialect
A particular variation of a language spoken by members of a class of region.
Dialogue
In addition to being a feature of fiction and drama which represents characters’ speech, the dialogue is also a type of literature in which two or more people engage in discussion.
Diction
The word choices made by a writer.
Elegy
A formal poem presenting a meditation on death or another solemn or sad theme.
Ellipsis
The omission of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context.
Ex. “Some people prefer cats; others, dogs.”
Epic
A long, narrative poem written in an elevated style which presents the adventures of characters of high position and episodes important to the history of a race or nation.
Epigram
A brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying.
Ex. “I can resist everything except temptation.”
Epigraph
A quotation used at the beginning of a text designed to illustrate its title or designate its theme.
Epiphany
A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Epitaph
An inscription on a tombstone or burial place.
Euphemism
An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered offensive.
Expletive
An interjection to lend emphasis; sometimes a profanity.
Fantasy
A story that contains an unreal world or contains unreal characters.
Figurative Language
Language employing one or more figures of speech (simile, metaphor, imagery, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, personification, allusion, symbol).
Flashback
The insertion of an earlier event into the chronological order of a story.
Flat Character
People depicted in narratives or dramas that tend to be minor figures who remain unchanged.
Foreshadowing
The hint in a narrative of later developments.
Frame Device
A story within a story.
Genre
A type of literature or film.
Homily
A sermon or moralistic lecture.
Hubris
Excessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy.
Hyperbole
Intentional exaggeration to create an effect.
Eulogy
A formal speech praising a person who has died.
