Literary Terms Flashcards
irony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of drama and is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters.
Dramatic Irony
irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to that was expected.
Situational Irony
irony in which a person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is opposite of the literal meaning.
Verbal Irony
a figure of speech in which two things are explicitly compared, using like or as.
Simile
a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.
Metaphor
a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication.
Allusion
the attribution of human nature or character to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract notions, especially as a rhetorical figure.
Personification
a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character.
Foil
a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc.
Motif
a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; topic.
Theme
a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue.
Fable
a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
Allegory
a dramatic composition, often in verse, dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, as fate or society, to downfall or destruction.
Tragedy
a protagonist with fatal flaws which eventually leads to his downfall.
Tragic Hero
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Irony
