Literary Terms & Definitions

Question 1

literally means “opposite,” is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect

Answer 1

Antithesis

Question 2

the language used by the people of a specific area, class, district, or any other group of people. The

Answer 2

Dialect

Question 3

literary device that is used in narratives to omit some parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance to fill the gaps while acting or reading it out. It is usually written between the sentences as a series of three dots, like this: “…”

Answer 3

Ellipsis

Question 4

a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character. The objective is to highlight the traits of the other character.

Answer 4

Foil

Question 5

a literary device in which the plot goes ahead of time; meaning a scene that interrupts and takes the narrative forward in time from the current time in the story.

Answer 5

Flash forward

Question 6

an earlier clause, phrase, or word to which a pronoun, noun, or another word refers.

Answer 6

Antecedent

Question 7

the use of informal words, phrases, or even slang in a piece of writing

Answer 7

Colloquialism

Question 8

Define Antagonist.

Answer 8

The character in conflict with the Protagonist.

Question 9

Define ad hominem

Answer 9

a Latin word that means “against the man.” As the name suggests, it is a literary term that involves commenting on or against an opponent, to undermine him instead of his arguments

Question 10

Define plot.

Answer 10

the logical sequence of events that develops a story.

Question 11

derived from a Greek word that means “becoming silent.” It is a rhetorical device that can be defined as a figure of speech in which the speaker or writer breaks off abruptly, and leaves the statement incomplete. It is as if the speaker is not willing to state what is present in his mind, due to being overcome by passion, excitement, or fear. In a piece of literature, it means to leave a sentence unfinished, so that the reader can determine his own meanings.

Answer 11

Aposiopesis

Question 12

a literary technique in which an abstract idea is given a form of characters, actions or events.

For example:

“Animal Farm” used the actions of animals on a farm to represent the overthrow of the last of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II and the Communist Revolution of Russia before WW II. In addition, the actions of the animals on the farm are used to expose the greed and corruption of the Revolution.

Answer 12

Allegory

Question 13

a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept which might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered

Answer 13

Euphemism

Question 14

is a literary device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a person recently deceased

Answer 14

Eulogy

Question 15

is a literary device that can be defined as a concise and brief story intended to provide a moral lesson at the end

Answer 15

Fable

Question 16

an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention

Answer 16

Fallacy

Question 17

the term refers to the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds – primarily those of consonants – to achieve desired results.

Answer 17

Cacophony

Question 18

Define Narrator

Answer 18

The person who is telling the story.

Question 19

It is the term used to signal the rising and falling of the voice when reading a literary piece. In poetry, it is the momentary changes in rhythm and pitch. Helps set the rhythmic pace of a literary piece

Answer 19

Cadence

Question 20

Define Fallacy.

Answer 20

an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention

Question 21

an account or detailed description about the life of a person

Answer 21

Biography

Question 23

is a figure of speech sometimes represented by an exclamation, such as “Oh.” A writer or speaker speaks directly to someone who is not present or is dead, or speaks to an inanimate object.

Answer 23

Apostrophe

Question 24

gives a thing, an idea or an animal human qualities.

For example:

The flowers are dancing beside the lake.
Have you see my new car? She is a real beauty!

Answer 24

Personification

Question 25

a term that refers to a particular philosophy in art and literature that emphasizes the idea that different forms of art and literature ought to convey information and instructions, along with pleasure and entertainment.

Answer 25

Didacticism

Question 26

a figure of speech in which two essentially dissimilar objects or concepts are expressly compared with one another through the use of “like” or “as

Answer 26

Simile

Question 27

that particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point. It is a structural part of a plot, and is at times referred to as a “crisis.” It is a decisive moment or a turning point in a storyline at which the rising action turns around into a falling action.

Answer 27

Climax

Question 28

a device used in descriptive writing and visual arts, in which particular aspects of a subject are exaggerated, to create a silly or comic effect

Answer 28

Caricature

Question 29

a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.

Answer 29

Hyperbole

Question 30

refers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. This repetition often takes place in quick succession, such as in “pitter, patter.”

Answer 30

Consonance

Question 31

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

Answer 31

Ethos

Question 32

Define Conflict

Answer 32

involves a struggle or issue between two opposing forces, usually a protagonist and an antagonist, around which the story revolves

Question 33

German word meaning “look-alike,” or “double walker,” originally referred to a ghost, or shadow of a person; but in modern times it simply refers to a person that is a look-alike of another person.

Answer 33

Doppelgänger

Question 34

Define Mood

Answer 34

a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions

Question 35

that moment in the story where a character achieves realization, awareness, or a feeling of knowledge, after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story

Answer 35

Epiphany

Question 36

What is a monologue

Answer 36

the speech or verbal presentation given by a single character in order to express his or her collection of thoughts and ideas aloud. Often such a character speaks directly to audience, or to another character. These are found in dramatic medium like films and plays, and also in non-dramatic medium like poetry.

Question 37

as style of speaking or writing, determined by the choice of words by a speaker or a writer. It’s the choice of words which often separates good writing from bad writing

Answer 37

Diction

Question 39

a literary technique in which writers employ two or more characters to be engaged in conversation with one another

Answer 39

Dialogue

Question 40

Literary device that uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful

Answer 40

Figurative Language

Question 41

a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning; words or statements lead to vagueness and confusion, and shape the basis for instances of unintentional humor.

Answer 41

Ambiguity

Question 42

refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. It may also refer to actions and events that are predictable because of some previous events.

Answer 42

Cliche’

Question 43

refers to an inversion in the arrangement of common words. It can be defined as a rhetorical device in which the writers play with the normal positions of words, phrases, and clauses in order to create differently arranged sentences, which still suggest a similar meaning

Answer 43

Hyperbaric

Question 44

The use of the words in such a way in which the intended meaning is completely opposite to their literal meaning. For example: The bread is soft as a stone. So nice of you to break my new PSP!

Answer 44

Irony

Question 45

Names something by describing it's qualities in a two word compound expression (often consiting of a noun and a verb made into a noun using an -er ending) for example mouse catcher = cat.

Answer 45

Kenning

Question 47

typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature.

Answer 47

Archetype

Question 48

a literary device that can be defined as a phrase or a figure of speech that might have multiple senses, interpretations, or two different meanings, or which might be understood in two different ways. Oxford Dictionary says that it “conveys an indelicate meaning

Answer 48

Double entendre

Question 49

literary device used to introduce background information about events, settings, characters, or other elements of a work to the audience or readers

Answer 49

Exposition

Question 50

is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things. As a literary device, it creates implicit comparisons without the express use of “like” or “as. For example: Laughter is the best medicine. Time is money.

Answer 50

Metaphor

Question 51

A short, pointed, and memorable saying that is based on facts, and which is considered a veritable truth by the majority of people

Answer 51

Adage

Question 52

literary term that is defined as the use of specific phrases and words in a particular situation, profession, or trade

Answer 52

Jargon

Question 53

a short form of literary composition based on a single subject matter, and often gives the personal opinion of the author.

Answer 53

Essay

Question 55

an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress.

Answer 55

Catharsis

Question 56

The typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. When employed properly, they help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work.

Answer 56

Literary Devices

Question 57

a form of word play in which letters of a word or phrase are rearranged in such a way that a new word or phrase is formed Examples: William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” rearranged of the name “Amleth,” a Danish prince. Vladamir Nabakov, in his novel Lolita, presents the character “Vivian Darkbloom,” which is an rearrangement of his own name. K. Rowling, in her Harry Potter series, uses “I am Lord Voldemort” for her character “Tom Marvolo Riddle,” to reveal the two different identities of the villain.

Answer 57

Anagram

Question 59

refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly

Answer 59

Connotation

Question 60

refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words. The phrase is understood to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply

Answer 60

Idiom

Question 61

literary device used commonly in literature, and in daily life, where logical deductions are made based on premises assumed to be true. Another definition of inference suggests that it is rational but non-logical, which means that, through the

Answer 61

Inference

Question 62

literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. It often appears at the beginning of a story, or a chapter, and helps the reader develop expectations about the coming events in a story

Answer 62

Foreshadowing

Question 63

A rhetorical device that features repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences, phrases, or clauses. It works as a literary device to allow writers to convey, emphasize, and reinforce meaning. This word repetition at the beginning of each phrase in a group of sentences or clauses is a stylized technique that can be very effective in speeches, lyrics, poetry, and prose.

Answer 63

Anaphora

Question 63

the main statement of a poem, an essay, a short story, or a novel, which usually appears as an introduction, or a point on which the writer will develop his work in order to convince his readers.

Answer 63

Argument

Question 64

a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner. The term is often applied to philosophical, moral, and literary principles.

Answer 64

Aphorism

Question 65

Define Dialoque

Answer 65

When the characters speak to each other.

Question 66

deliberate exaggeration of actions and ideas for the sake of emphasis. For example: Your bag weighs a ton! I have got a million issues to look after!

Answer 66

Hyperbole

Question 67

a rhetorical or literary device in which a writer compares or contrasts two people, places, things, or ideas

Answer 67

Comparison

Question 68

is a type of literary device that appears in different categories of essays and theses, in the form of paraphrase and quotations. It is presented to persuade readers, and used with powerful arguments in the texts or essays

Answer 68

Evidence

Question 69

A form of language that has no formal metrical structure. It applies a natural flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure, rather than rhythmic structure, such as in the case of traditional poetry.

Answer 69

Prose

Question 70

a poetic device that can be defined as metrical lines in which its middle words and its end words rhyme with one another

Answer 70

Internal rhyme

Question 71

Systems of thoughts composed of ideas, attitudes, and courses of action, beliefs and practices that systematically construct the subjects and the worlds of which they speak.

Answer 71

Discourse

Question 72

derived from a Greek word which means “turning about.” It is a literary term or device that involves repeating a phrase in reverse order

Answer 72

A timetable

Question 73

known as a conclusion reached through reasoning

Answer 73

Induction

Question 74

refers to the same consonant sounds in words coming together For example: Better butter always makes the batter better. She sells seashells at seashore.

Answer 74

Alliteration

Question 74

A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar.

Answer 74

Analogy

Question 75

a literary device that is used step-by-step in literature to highlight and explain the details about a character in a story. It is in the initial stage in which the writer introduces the character with noticeable emergence

Answer 75

Characterization

Question 78

an indirect or a subtle observation about a thing or a person. It is generally critical, disparaging, or salacious in nature, and its use is almost always derogatory.

Answer 78

Innuendo

Question 79

It is a figure of speech in which a used phrase or word is considered very old fashioned and outdated

Answer 79

Archaism

Question 80

the use of figurative language to create visual representations of actions, objects and ideas in our mind in such a way that they appeal to our physical senses. For example: The room was dark and gloomy. -The words “dark” and “gloomy” are visual images. The river was roaring in the mountains. – The word “roaring” appeals to our sense of hearing

Answer 80

Imagery

Question 81

Define Protagonist.

Answer 81

The main character

Question 83

What is a soliloquy?

Answer 83

the character or speaker speaks to himself, keeping these thoughts secret from the other characters of the play.

Question 83

refers to the circumstance where an implausible concept or a divine character is introduced into a storyline, for the purpose of resolving its conflict and procuring an interesting outcome.

Answer 83

Deus ex machina

Question 83

is a brief writing or saying inscribed on a grave

Answer 83

Epitaph

Question 85

means a type of art, literature, or music characterized by a specific form, content, and style

Answer 85

Genre

Question 87

means to use figurative language to represent objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

Answer 87

Imagery

Question 88

What are common literary elements?

Answer 88

Plot, Setting, Conflict, Mood, Theme, Dialogue, Narrative Method, Protagonist, Antagonist, Narrator

Question 89

brief, simple, and popular saying, or a phrase that gives advice and effectively embodies a commonplace truth based on practical experience or common sense

Answer 89

Proverb

Question 89

literary device in which the repetition of similar vowel sounds takes place in two or more words in proximity to each other within a line of poetry or prose

Answer 89

Assonance

Question 89

a literary element that involves a struggle between two opposing forces, usually a protagonist and an antagonist

Answer 89

Comparison

Question 90

Define Setting.

Answer 90

It refers to the time and place in which a story takes place.

Question 90

an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place. Example: The most famous example comes from Act 2, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar: Brutus: “Peace! Count the clock.” Cassius: “The clock has stricken three.” The time this play depicts is a point in history dating back to 44 A.D. Mechanical clocks referred to in the above-mentioned dialogue had not been invented at that time, but were present in Shakespeare’s time. The mention of a clock in this play is an example.

Answer 90

Anachronism

Question 90

A short and interesting story, or an amusing event, often proposed to support or demonstrate some point, and to make the audience laugh.

Answer 90

Anecdote

Question 90

is extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character, which ultimately brings about his downfall.

Answer 90

Hubris

Question 91

What are the 2 types of literary devices?

Answer 91

Literary Elements and Literary Techniques

Question 91

generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings.

Answer 91

Denotation