Advanced English 1 Literary Terms List

Question 1

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Answer 1

Alliteration

Question 2

An idea, symbol, patter, or character-type, in a story. It’s any story element that appears again and again in stories from cultures around the world and symbolizes something universal in the human experience.

Answer 2

Archetype

Question 3

A plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. Its function is generally to resolve an otherwise irresolvable plot situation.

Answer 3

Deus Ex Machina

Question 4

The repeated use of a word or phrase for the same person, place, or object

Answer 4

Epithet

Question 5

A detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length

Answer 5

Homeric (Epic) Simile

Question 6

Term for the epic convention of the beginning “in the middle of things,” rather than at the very start of the story

Answer 6

In Medias Res

Question 7

An appeal made by a poet to a muse or deity for help in composing the poem

Answer 7

Invocation to a Muse

Question 8

Placing two images/symbols/ideas close together for the purpose of comparison/contrast

Answer 8

Juxtaposition

Question 9

Statement that appears contradictory but, in fact, has some truth

Answer 9

Paradox

Question 10

Point of view is the perspective from which a story is narrated

Answer 10

Point of View