Literary Terms A-F

Question 0

Alliteration

Answer 0

the repetition of sounds, epically initial constant sounds in two or more neighboring words

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to literal meaning

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art

Question 3

Ambiguity

Answer 3

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage

Question 4

Analogy

Answer 4

(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.Nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets revolving around their sun.

Question 5

Antecedent

Answer 5

The word, phrase, or clause, referred to by the pronoun

Question 6

Aphorism

Answer 6

A terse(brief)statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or morale principle

Question 7

Apostrophe

Answer 7

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love

Question 8

Atmosphere

Answer 8

The emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting

Question 9

Clause

Answer 9

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb

Question 10

Colloquial

Answer 10

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing

Question 11

Conceit

Answer 11

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects

Question 12

Connotation

Answer 12

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word, the implied, suggested meaning

Question 13

Denotation

Answer 13

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color

Question 14

Didactic

Answer 14

From the Greek , literally means “teaching”

Question 15

Euphemism

Answer 15

From the Greek for “good speech” a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept

Question 16

Extended Metaphor

Answer 16

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work

Question 17

Figurative language

Answer 17

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literary meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.

Question 18

Figure of speech

Answer 18

A device used to produce figurative language

Question 19

Asyndeton

Answer 19

is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected.It is a stylistic device used to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and the sentences, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Asyndeton helps in speeding up the rhythm of words.EX: “This villain among you who deceived you who cheated you who meant to betray you.

Question 20

Anaphora

Answer 20

the opposite of epistrophe and means the repetition of the same phrase or word at the 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…

Question 21

Epistrophe

Answer 21

is 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

Question 22

Ethos

Answer 22

represents credibility or an ethical appeal which involves a persuasion by the character involved

Question 23

Analogy

Answer 23

a comparison in which an idea or thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it.

Question 24

Epistrophe

Answer 24

derived from a Greek word that means “turning upon”,which indicates the same it is a stylistic device defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the clauses or sentences

Question 25

Antithesis

Answer 25

meaning opposite;a rhetorical device in which 2 opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses ,i.e. the structures of phrases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners or readers.for example:”Setting foot on the moon may be a small step for a man but a giant step for mankind.the use of contrasting ideas ,”a small step” and “a giant step” in the sentence above emphasizes the significance of one of the biggest landmarks of human history.

Question 26

Anaphora

Answer 26

the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect

Question 27

Anecdote

Answer 27

a short and interesting story or amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make listeners laugh. Anecdotes 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 readers laugh or brood over the topic presented for the purpose.