Metaphor-resolution (Plot) Flashcards
Metaphor
A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without the use of such specific words of comparison as like, as, than, or resembles
Implied metaphor
Does not state explicitly the two terms of the comparison “I like to see it lap the miles” is an implied metaphor in which the verb laps implies a comparison between “it” and some animal that “laps” up water
Extended metaphor
A metaphor that is extended or developed as far as the writer wants to take it
Dead metaphor
A metaphor that has been used so often that the comparison is no longer vivid
Mixed metaphor
A metaphor that has gotten out of control and mixed its terms so that they are visually or imaginatively incompatible
Metonymy
A figure of speech in which a person, place, or thing, is referred to by something closely associated with it.
Mood
An atmosphere created by a writer’s diction and the details selected
Motif
A recurring image, word, phrase, action, idea, object, or situation used throughout a work (or in several works by one author), unifying the work by tying the current situation to previous ones, or new ideas to the theme
Motivation
The reasons for a character’s behaviour
Onomatopoeia
The use of words whose sounds echo their sense
Oxymoron
A figure of speech that combinee opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase
Parable
A relatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson about how to leave a good life
Paradox
A statement that appears self-contradictory, but that reveals a kind of truth
Koan is a paradox used in Zen Buddhism to gain intuitive knowledge “ what is the sound of one hand clapping?”
Parallel structure (parallelism)
The repetition of words or phrases that have similar grammatical structures
Paratactic sentence
Simply juxtapose clauses or sentences. I am tired: it is hot.
Parody
A work that makes fun of another work by imitating some aspect of the writer’s style
Periodic
Sentence that places the main idea or central complete thought at the end of the sentence, after all introductory elements
Personification
A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes
Plot
The series of related events in a story or play, sometimes called the storyline
Exposition
Introduces characters, situation, and setting
Rising action
Complications in conflict and situations (may introduce new ones as well)
Climax
That point in a plot that creates the greatest intensity, suspense, or interest, also called “turning point”
Resolution
The conclusion of a story, when all or most or the conflicts have been settled; often called the denouement
