Literary Terms Flashcards
(25 cards)
Definition of anadiplosis
Repeating the last word of a clause at the beginning of the next clause.
Definition of alliteration
Repeating a consonant sound in close proximity to others.
Definition of analogy
A comparison of two things made to explain something unfamiliar through its similarities to something familiar
Definition of an analytical essay
A type of essay where you analyze and interpret things, such as an event, poem, play, or other work of art
Definition of anaphora
The repetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, clauses, or sentences
Definition of apologue
A moral fable, usually featuring personified animals or inanimate objects which act like people to allow the author to comment on the human condition, often highlighting the irrationality of mankind
Definition of an argumentative essay
A type of essay where you prove that your opinion, theory, or hypothesis about an issue is correct or more truthful than others; you are arguing for your opinion as opposed to others
Definition of an aside
A short speech made by a character in a play–it is heard only by the audience, the rest of the characters cannot hear it. It is often used by playwrights to voice their characters thoughts and inner feelings
Definition of assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within non rhyming words
Definition of cacophony
The use of unanimous or dissonant speech sounds in language
Definition of comedy
One of two major types of drama with the aim to amuse, typically ending happily. It assumes many forms, such as farce or burlesque, and uses a variety of techniques, from parody to satire.
Definition of conceit
A far-fetched simile or metaphor occurring when the speaker compares to highly different things
Definition of consonance
The repetition of consonant sounds within and at the end of the word
Definition of diction
The author’s choice of words
Definition of double-entendre
A word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usually risqué.
Definition of euphemism
A mild word or phrase which substitutes for another which would be undesirable because it’s too direct, unpleasant, or offensive.
Definition of euphony
Agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words
Definition of hyperbole
A deliberate exaggeration used to achieve an effect that is not expected to be believed or taken literally.
Definition of idiom
A word construction or verbal expression closely associated with a given language
Definition of parallelism
The use of similar grammatical constructions to express the ideas that are related or equal in importance
Definition of parataxis
The uses of clauses (one right after the other) without conjunctions
Definition of persuasive essays
A type of essay where you try to convince the reader to adopt your position on an issue or point of view
Definition of point of view
The narrative perspective from which a literary work is presented to the reader. There are four traditional points of view: third person omniscient, third person limited, first person, and second person.
Definition of satire
A piece of literature designed to ridicule the subject of the work, aiming to arouse contempt.
