Literary Techniques Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is a literary technique that gives an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. Example: In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the prologue hints at the tragic fate of the characters.
What is an example of alliteration?
Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. Example: ‘She sells seashells by the seashore.’
What does the term ‘metaphor’ refer to?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’. Example: ‘Time is a thief.’
True or False: Personification is giving human traits to non-human entities.
True
What is the definition of symbolism?
Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings different from their literal sense. Example: The green light in ‘The Great Gatsby’ symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams.
Fill in the blank: An ________ is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
hyperbole
What is an example of irony?
Irony is a contrast between expectation and reality. Example: A fire station burns down.
What is the purpose of imagery in literature?
Imagery is used to create vivid and descriptive representations in the reader’s mind. Example: ‘The golden sun set over the calm, blue ocean.’
What is the definition of an oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Example: ‘Deafening silence.’
What does ‘theme’ refer to in literature?
The theme is the central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. Example: The theme of love in ‘Pride and Prejudice.’
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile compares two unlike things using ‘like’ or ‘as’, while a metaphor directly states one thing is another. Example of simile: ‘As brave as a lion.’
What is a narrative perspective?
Narrative perspective refers to the point of view from which a story is told. Examples include first-person, second-person, and third-person perspectives.
True or False: A climax is the point of highest tension in a narrative.
True
What is a protagonist?
The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing a conflict. Example: Harry Potter in the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
What is an antagonist?
An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist. Example: Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
Fill in the blank: A ________ is an event that occurs in a story that significantly alters the course of the narrative.
turning point
What is the definition of a flashback?
A flashback is a literary device that interrupts the chronological flow of a narrative to provide background information. Example: A character recalling their childhood.
What does ‘tone’ refer to in literature?
Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style. Example: A sarcastic tone in a humorous piece.
What is a literary device that creates a contrast between two opposing ideas?
Juxtaposition
What is the function of an epilogue?
An epilogue is a section at the end of a story that provides closure and additional information about the characters or events. Example: The closing chapter of ‘The Great Gatsby’ that reflects on the story’s events.
What does ‘diction’ refer to in writing?
Diction is the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Example: Formal diction in academic writing versus informal diction in casual conversation.
True or False: A subplot is a secondary plot that runs parallel to the main plot.
True
What is a cliffhanger?
A cliffhanger is a dramatic and suspenseful situation at the end of a chapter or episode that leaves the audience wanting more. Example: A character hanging off a ledge at the end of a chapter.
What does ‘setting’ refer to in literature?
Setting refers to the time and place in which the story takes place. Example: The setting of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is London and Paris before the French Revolution.
