Literary Terms: A-F Flashcards
(25 cards)
the repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (e.g. “she sells sea shells”)
Alliteration
The device of using character and|or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning
Allegory
a direct or indirect reference to something which is presumbly myth, place, or work of art
Allusion
the multiple meanings either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage
Ambiguity
a similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar. Metaphors and similes are tools used to draw an analogy. Therefore, analogy is more extensive and elaborate than either a simile or a metaphor. Consider the following example: “Structure of an atom is like a solar system. The nucleus is the sun and the electrons are the planets revolving around their sun.”
Analogy
the word, phrase, or clause, referred to by a pronoun
Antecedent
a terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle
Aphorism
a figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction , such as liberty or love
Apostrophe
the emotional mood created by the entirely of a literary work, established partly by the setting
Atmosphere
a grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb
Clause
the use of slang or informalities in speech or writing
Colloguial
a fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects
Conceit
the non-literal, associative meaning of a word, the implied suggested meaning
Connotation
the strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color
Denotation
referring to style, diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
Diction
from the Greek, literally means “teaching”
Didactic
from the Greek for “good speech,” a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept
Euphemism
a metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work
Extended Metaphor
writing or speech that is not intended to carry literary meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid
Figurative Language
a device used to produce figurative language
Figure of Speech
derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Helps in speeding up the rhythm of words. EX: “This is the villain among you WHO DECEIVED you, WHO CHEATED you, WHO MEANT TO BETRAY you completely.”
Asyndeton
derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence. EX: Hourly joys be still upon you! Juno sings her blessings on you…
Scarcity and want shall shun you…
Ceres’ blessing so is on you.”
Epistophe
the opposite of epistrophe and means the repetition of the same phrase or word beginning of successive sentences such as in this example:
FIVE YEARS have passed;
FIVE SUMMERS, with the length of
FIVE LONG winters! and again I hear these waters…
Anaphora
A short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. They can include an extensive range of tales and stories. In fact, it is a short description or an account of any event that makes the reader laugh or brood over the topic presented for the purpose.
Anecdote
