Allusions and Literary Terms Flashcards
Augean Stables
(From Greek mythology) - Hercules had to clean out the Augean stables, which was a monumental task because it hadn’t been done in 30 years. Now Augean stables refer to any very difficult cleanup, actual or figurative.
Belling the cat
(From an old fable and piers plowman) - the fable tells of a mouses suggestion to put a bell around the neck of a cat so they could tell when the car was in the vicinity. However, the question of who was to have the courage to bell the cat was a difficult one because of the inherent danger. Now a person who bells the cat is the person who has courage to stick out for his friends despite putting himself at risk.
Big brother is watching you
(From George Orwell’s 1984) - the novel warns that government could invade our privacy. Big brother now refers to any government or ruler that tries to dictate, eavesdrop, or gather personal information on its citizens.
Bligh
(From mutiny on the bounty by nordhoff and hall and an actual British naval officer involved in mutinies) - the novels captain Bligh was a tyrant. Now any person who is cruel, unreasonable, and tyrannical is a captain Bligh.
Brave new world
(From Huxely’s Brave new world) - Aldous Huxley used this term satirically to portray a regimented, technological world without a heart or soul. The term is often used sarcastically or ironically to depict “advances” in our society which may in fact lead humanity to ruin.
Byronic
(After lord Byron) - George Gordon, lord Byron, was an English romantic poet who was considered a bit of a rake in his day. Now the term refers to any person who is like Byron himself or whose writing includes handsome, sad, brooding, and appealing characters like Bryon’s.
Catch-22
(From heller’s catch-22) - Joseph heller’s protagonist, yossarian, who tried together out of dangerous jobs in the air corps by claiming insanity. However, the doctors told him anyone who wanted to avoid combat was sane, and if he really was crazy, he wouldn’t be same enough to apply for a discharge. This is the circular “catch-22”. Now any situation where you lose no matter which decision you make is called a catch-22.
Cheshire Cat
(from Carroll’s Alice in wonderland) - the Cheshire Cat in Lewis caroll’s story grinned all the time and could disappear and reappear at will, leaving only its grin.
Artful Dodger
(From Dickens’s novel, Oliver Twist) - the artful dodger, nickname of Charles Dickens’s character jack Dawkins, was the head pickpocket in Fagin’s gang. Now any skillful crook is called an artful dodger.
Damon and Pythias
(From Greek legends) - Pythias was sentenced to death, but let out for a specified time for a parental visit if Damon took his place while Pythias was gone. Pythias got back just before they were about to execute his friend, and they were both let go. Now any close friends are sometimes called Damon and Pythias.
Dantesque
(After Dante) - Dante wrote with epic scope, vivid detail, and allegory. Now any writing resembling this is considered Dantesque.
Dickensian
(After dickens) - Charles dickens wrote novels showing the poverty mi justices, and misery of Victorian England. Now situations or writings about similar topics are sometimes called Dickensian.
Dog in the manger
(From an old fable) - in the fable a dog prevented an ox from eating the hay though he had no use for it himself. Anyone who tries to spoil something for someone else, even though it is for no use of himself, is now called a dog in the manger.
Don Juan
From Tellez’s el burlador de Seville and bryons epic poem Don Juan) - Gabriel Tellez (tirso de Molina) - told about the life and loves of Don Juan, the chief character in his play. Today we refer to a man who is a playboy or philander as a Don Juan.
Dorian Gray
(From wilde’s the picture of Dorian gray) - Oscar wilde’s character, Dorian gray, a handsome but corrupt man, wanted to stay young and handsome forever, but of course, could not. A Dorian gray, today, is anyone who clings to youth and is afraid of aging.
Everyman
(From an old play Everyman, of unknown authorship) - in the play, Everyman represented every men or all men. The term is still used in this sense.
Faulknerian
(After Faulkner) - in his novels and short stories, William faulkner’s charcters seemed to be driven by hidden forces beyond their control, and the plots included tragic violence set in the south. Any later work similar to his writings, characters, or settings is said to faulknerian.
Faustian
(From a body of literature by Marlowe, Goethe, and others) - Faust sold his soul to the devil to gain power, youth, and wealth. In modern usage, a Faustian bargain is one in which a person sacrifices everything to obtain immediate gratification, but pays the price later on.
For whom the bell tolls
(From Donne’s devotions) - John Donne said “no man is an island” and that all people shared a common fate. He sued the phrase: “never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” The expression continues to have a similar meaning in later works.
Gatsby
(From Fitzgeralds the great gatsby) - F. Scott Fitzgeralds character, jay gatsby, was a crooked, but appealing, millionaire who deceived others about his past. A gatsby is someone who gives in to his own fantasies and obsessions and represents ostentatious and lavish living.
Gilded age
(Twain/warner novel) twain’s novel, the Guilded Age deals with greed in post civil war America. This phrase has come to demote post civil war era.
Heart of darkness
(conrads The Heart of Darkness) derives from Conrad’s story of the character Marlows searching through a dense jungle for another man. Heart of darkness now refers to the dark side of the human soul.
Holy grail
(King Arthur/Christian Legends) object of knightly quests, lost cup that Jesus drank from at the last supper. Signifies any difficult or unattainable goal.
Homeric
(Homer, Greek writer) epics, ( Iliad & the odyssey) were mythological, heroic, and immense in scale. Anything larger than life
Horatio Alger
Deal with poor boys that become rich. Anyone who makes good after being born into poverty
Kafkaesque
Franz kafkas writings often presented characters thwarted by red tape and authoritative bureaucracy. Any literature or situation similar to this is considered…
Spithead and nore
Infamous mutiny concerning British sailors took place at these two locations. Mutiny.
Lord Nelson
England’s most renowned naval hero. References typically allude to particularly military heroism.
Montaigne
Philosopher and essayist who believed man can find truth in the universe though he is a victim of customs, prejudices, and self interest. Allusions evoke this basic philosophy.
Last hurrah
(O’conners novel) novel based on the life of James Curley, a former Boston mayor. Refers to the last speech or function of prominent person, particularly a politician, before retiring or leaving office. Final action of a person before the end of their career.
Leviathan
( book of job) biblical one was a giant sea monster. Anything that is huge and monstrous
Lilliputian
(Swifts gullivers travels) tiny people who worked together to subdue the giants. Now anything that is very tiny but can control something large is known as a…
Machiavellian
( machiavellis the prince) Hohhot people were basically evil and that it was sometimes necessary to use evil means to rule. Refers to anyone who is merciless, clever, and unethical to obtain goals, specifically politically
Man for all seasons
(Thomas more) author of utopia, was sent to prison and executed because he refused to accept king henry vii as the head of the church in England. Called a man for all time/ all seasons for sticking to his beliefs so strongly. Respected person who stands up for his ideas under pressure.
Moby dick
(Melvilles) captain ahab relentlessly pursued moby dick, the whale. This now means any monstrous obsession.
Munchkin
( baums the wizard of oz) dimunitive, lively people. Physically small person, often affectionately.
Noble savage
( Jean Jacque Rousseau) uncultivated person who is really more worthy and sensible than some of his “civilized” counterparts.
Oedipus complex
(!Greek mythology & Sophocles Oedipus Rex) killed father, married mother. Freuds idea of a child’s erotic attachment to a parent of the opposite sex, creating rivalry with the parent of the same sex.
Orwellian
( George Orwell) in the novel 1984, his expression of disillusionment with communism, totalitarianism, and bureaucracy. Used to describe things bleak and oppressive, especially a political situation.
Pilgrims process
( Bunyan) Christian overcame all obstacles through faith. Anyone who overcomes worldly problems through faith.
Apostles, the Twelve
An apostle is a person who is sent by God with a message for the people. The apostles of Jesus were Matthew, Peter, James (the Greater), John, Judas, Iscariot, Matthias, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, James (the Lesser), Simon, and Thaddeus.
Armageddon
(From the Book of Revelations in the New Testament) Armageddon is the scene of a battle between forces of good and evil, ending the world. Armageddon is now used to describe a fierce confrontation resulting in mutual destruction.
Cain and Abel
(from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament) Cain and Abel were twin brothers sons of Adam and Eve. Cain murdered his brother, Able, and God put a mark on Cain so everyone would know he was a murder but also so people would know he was under God’s protection. In the present day the Mark of Cain refers to the stigma of anyone who is committed a crime or is an outcast by social standards.
city on a hill
(From the book of Matthew in the New Testament) The city on a hill appears in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus described a “city that is set on the hill that cannot be hid” a place that was the “light of the world.” This referred to a place that would be a shining example and a model to others, and the phrase is still used in that sense.
Daniel in the lion’s den
Daniel was an old testament prophet who went through many trials and tribulations in Babylon. He had four visions of the end of the world, as these visions where the basis for the book of Revelation. Now a person confronted with difficulties is compared to Daniel in the lion’s den and is encouraged to hold up in the face of adversity or persecution, as he did.
David and Goliath
When Goliath, the great Philistine warrior, challenge the Israelites in combat, young David excepted the challenge and felled Goliath with a single stone from a sling. Now anyone who confronts great odds is considered a David going up against a goliath.
Ham
The youngest son of Noah. Because Noah’s descendants bear the curse of servitude, Ham can be used as an allusion to this condition.
Elijah and Jezebel
A wicked Phoenician princess who became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel, Queen Jezebel was opposed to Elijah’s monotheistic views and forced him to leave Phoenicia. She was thrown out of a palace window, killed, and eaten by dogs, as Elijah had predicted. A Jezebel now is any wicked or shameless women.
Esther and the king of Persia
Esther and her foster father, Mordecai, helped deliver the Jews from persecution by the king of Persia.
feet of clay
(From the book of Daniel in the old testament) Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of someone having a gold head, silver arms, brass belly, iron legs, and feet of clay. Daniel predicted the feet of clay where the weakness and foretold the fall of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire. The expression “feet of clay” now refers to the flaws of an otherwise strong and admirable person.
four horsemen of the apocalypse
(from the book of revelation in the New Testament) in his view of the end of the world, Saint John saw for horses (white, red, black, and pale) representing the horrors of war: conquest, slaughter, famine, and death. Today the “four Horsemen” phrase is used to represent any four men of ill repute or those who will bring catastrophe or destruction.
good Samaritan
Samaritans lived in Samaria at the time of Jesus. They honored Moses as the only profit, but were at odds with other Jews. Jesus told a parable of a Samaritan who did what he thought was right even under the pressure from others. Now a good Samaritan is anyone who does the right and courageous thing.
Jacob and Esau
These twin boys were born to childless Isaac and Rebekah an answer to prayer. Esau, a hunter, and Jacob, a shepherd, fought over the promise of spiritual privileges and birthright. Sometimes people refer to any arguing or greedy family members as being like Jacob and Esau.
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, son of Mary and God, became a religious teacher and leader. His followers founded Christianity.
Job
The Old Testament tells of Job, whose family was killed, stricken with illness, and deprived of his worldly goods. He kept his faith during his suffering, though he complained loud and long as the result of a wager between God and Satan. The story showed the God did not punish people because they sinned, and that no one was immune from suffering, even the pious and guiltless. Today people talk of the “patience of Job,” alluding to this story.
Jonah and the Whale
Jonah was an old testament prophet. He tried to escape God’s command to go to Assyria and preach, but God brought a storm upon his ship. The crew threw him overboard and he was swallowed by a whale. Later the whale vomited Jonah out and then Jonah went to Assyria and preached repentance as he had been commanded earlier. The story show God’s love for both Jews and Gentiles.
Joseph
Husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus; a carpenter by trade, Joseph was a kind husband and father.
Joshua and the battle of Jericho
Joshua succeeded Moses and led Israel in conquering Canaan. The fall of the city of Jericho was a major battle ending in victory for the Israelites.
Judas Iscariot
One of the 12 apostles, Judas betrayed Jesus to the authorities for a handful of silver coins. He later repented and returned the money he had been given, but apparently either hang himself or fell to his death. Today a Judas is a traitor.
Lazarus
(From the book of John in the New Testament) Lazarus was brought back to life by Jesus. Now someone who survives a disaster or rises again from apparent defeat is called a Lazarus.
Lot and his wife
Lot was Abraham’s nephew and lived in Sodom until God destroyed the city because of its wickedness. Lot escaped, but his wife was turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back at the burning city.
Mary
Mary, wife of Joseph, was the mother of Jesus, who conceived without intercourse. She was at the crucifixion and the burial tomb, and saw Jesus after his resurrection.
Moses
At God’s request, Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt and guided them through the desert to the edge of Canaan. This flight from bondage is referred to in the Bible as the exodus. When the Egyptians pursued the Hebrews, God drowned the Egyptians in the sea. Moses also led his people to a sacred mountain where God appeared amid lightning and thunder. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments and Moses established Israel’s laws.
Antihero
Character, usually the protagonist, who faces a series of problems and events in a story but often is going against traditional social standards
Aphorism
Wise saying, usually brief, reflecting a general truth.
Ex: Haste makes wise
Bildungsroman
Fiction depicting the moral and intellectual growth of a protagonist, often intended for the education and guidance of others
Bowdlerize
To excise material deemed objectionable from a piece of writing (named after Thomas Bowlder, who censored and deleted passages and words from Shakespeare’s plays in 1818)
Burlesque
Literary form which ridicules or mocks
Catharsis
Therapeutic release of emotion upon identifying with and being moved by a piece of literature
Catastrophe
Final event of a dramatic work, usually ruin or death
Characterization
The process of developing a character in a narrative or drama, often through the conflict of the plot
Circumlocution
Writing or speaking that goes around the subject instead of getting directly to the point. Ex: this was not unlike…
Classicism
Literary (and other artistic) movements of Ancient Greece and Rome, using strict forms, accenting reason, and characterized by restraint. Opposite is romanticism
Cliche
Trite, overused idea or statement. Ex: Have a nice day.
Climax
High point in the plot where the reader is most intrigued and does not yet know the outcome
Coherence
Clarity in connecting ideas
Comedy
Fictional writing that has a happy ending for its major characters and contains humor
Conciseness
“Tight” writing; use of only the necessary words to express thoughts
Concision
See conciseness
The act of being concise
Concrete
Opposite of abstract; refers to specific people and things that can be perceived with the five senses
Conflict
Opposing elements or characters in a plot
Connotation
Feelings and associations added to a specific word meaning.
Ex: mother- kindly, self-sacrificing, nurturing woman
Consonance
Repetition of similar consonant sounds,Mitch changes in intervening vowel sounds
Convention
Accepted literary form of the past
Copyright
Legal rights to published works which stop anyone else from using the work without permission
Critic
Person who evaluates literature or other art
Foreshadow
Hints about the narrative about what will happen later, can be literal or symbolic hints
Genre, literary
Kind or type of literature; literary classification. Ex: Novel; science fiction
Hero
Character, usually the protagonist, who rises above and conquers a series of problems and events in the story
Homonyms
Words that sound alike, are spelled alike, but have different meanings Ex: Trunk (of a tree and a suitcase)
Homophones
Words that sound alike (includes homonyms and also words that have different spellings Ex: sea and see
Hyperbole
Use of extreme exaggeration for effect Ex: his breath could wilt a flower
i.e.
That is (usually followed by an explanatory matter)
Ibid
Used in footnotes and bibliographies to refer to the source used directly above
Idiom
Phrase in common use that does not literally mean what it says Ex: Hold onto your hat and pocketbook
Imagery
Creation of mental pictures by pertinent word choice and heightened description Ex: His leathery, sun-abused face was ridged like corrugated cardboard
In medias res
Beginning in the middle of events Ex: Odyssey by Homer (opens in the middle of a journey
Irony
Phrases or words with meanings quite different from what is actually stated Ex: Brutus is an honorable man
Malapropism
Confusion of similar-sounding words which often ends up sounding humorous Ex: the Calvary had well-groomed horses
Metaphor
Comparison of unlike things without using the words like or as Ex: her lips were rose petals
Moral
A lesson the literature is teaching, fables usually teach a lesson about life
Motif, literary
Recurrent words or phrases
Mythology
Traditional tales about goddesses, gods, heroes, and other characters, often telling about the creation of the universe, talking about death, or otherwise explaining human existence
Narration
Telling a story
Narrator
Person telling the story
n.b.
Note well (followed by an important point to remember)
Nom de plume
Pen name or pseudonym used by author
Novel
Long, fictional prose story
Novella
Short novel with fewer characters than novel
Novel, gothic
Novel with medieval setting suggesting mystery and/or horror
Peter
(Simon or Simon Peter) Simon, son of Jonah, was an important disciple of Jesus and was called “the rock” on which the church would built. He was a fisherman from Galilee, and became a spokesperson for the other disciples. He witnessed the transfiguration and crucifixion of Jesus. Three times he denied he knew Jesus after Jesus was arrested and condemned. He is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Noah and the flood
(Noah and the ark) Noah was a good man who lived in an age of sin. God wanted to save him and his family from a great flood that wiped out nearly everything and so commanded Noah to build an ark and take 2 of every creature with him into the ark. Noah did so, and after the deluge, received a blessing of fertility. He later was guilty of drunkenness, but his sons Ham, Shem, and Japheth became the legendary ancestors of the tribes of the ancient Middle East.
Criticism
Essay and critiques evaluating a writer or his work, based on set standards, according to the philosophy of the critic
Denotation
Dictionary meaning of a word. Ex mother- female who bears or adopts a child
Denouement
Outcome, resolution, solution of a plot
Dialogue/dialog
Speaking and conversation between characters in stories, plays, and in person
Didactic
Describes literary works meant to teach a moral or lesson
Doppelgänger
Personification of a character’s darker side; ghost
Double entendre
Double meaning of a word, phrase or sentence often raucous or sexual in implication ex. All eyes to the rear🍑
Editorial
Newspaper or magazine article expressing the opinion of an editor or publisher
Ellipsis
Three dots (. . .) to show words have been left out of a quotation or to indicate the passage of time
Envoy/envoi
Brief postscript to book, essay, poem; Often concluding the stanza to a ballad, summarizing the poem.
Epigram
Witty, often paradoxical, saying or brief poem ex absence makes the heart grow fonder— of someone else.
Epitaph
Inscription on tombstone or marker for the dead
Eponym
Person whose name is the source of a new word. Peter Magnol (Magnolia)
Essay
Short prose work expressing author’s views on a subject
Euphemism
More palatable word for a less pleasant subject. Ex lady of the night is a euphemism for Prostitute
Fable
Story with moral of lesson about life, often with animal characters possessing human characteristics
Fiction, popular
Fiction Aimed at the mainstream population
Fiction, science
Fiction concerning advanced technology, usually imagined, not actual scientific advancements
First person narration
Story told from the first person point of view, usually using I
Flashback
Jumping backward in the chronology if a narrative, often through a dream or a musing sequence
Foil
Character opposite or different from the protagonist, used to highlight the protagonist’s traits; incidents or settings may also be used as foils
Folklore/folktales
Stories and legends transmitted by word of mouth, rather than in writing
Noah and the flood (Noah and the ark)
Noah was a good man who lived in an age of sin. God wanted to save him and his family from a flood that nearly wiped out everything and so commanded Noah to build an ark and take two of every creature with him into the ark. Noah did so, and after the deluge, was blessed with fertility. He later was guilty of drunkenness, but his sons, Ham, Jem, and Japeth, become legendary ancestors of the tribes of the ancient Middle East.
Peter
(Simon or Simon Peter) Simon, son of Jonah, was an important disciple of Jesus and was called “the rock” on which the church would be built. He was a fisherman from Galilee, and became a spokesperson for the disciples. He witnessed the transfiguration and crucifixion of Jesus. Three times he denied he knew Jesus after Jesus was arrested and condemned. He is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Prodigal son
The parable of the prodigal son relates a story of a spendthrift son, who upon repentance and returning home, was warmly welcomed by his father. Any young man who is wayward and then forgiven by his family after he changes his ways and returns home is now called a prodigal son.
Samson and Delilah
Samson, an Israelite judge renowned for his strength, was betrayed to the Philippines by his mistress, Delilah. Now any hard-hearted, disloyal woman is called a Delilah, and a well-built, physically strong man is called a Samson.
Sodom and Gomorrah
(From the book of Genesis in the Old Testament) Sodom and Gomorrah were cities that God destroyed because they were so sinful. Today, any place deemed unwholesome is referred to as Sodom and Gomorrah
Solomon, King
Solomon, the third King of Israel, was the son of King David. He reigned for about 50 years, became rich, wrote books, and was considered a wise man. People refer to the wisdom of Solomon when referring to someone who is fair and astute
Thomas
(Doubting Thomas) Thomas was one of the 12 apostles. He would not believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead until he actually saw the wounds on Jesus after he reappeared. Now anyone who doubts or questions things which others believe is called a doubting Thomas.
Platonic Love
(from plato’s symposium) - The love Plato speaks of is based purely on mental and spiritual closeness. Thus any strong but no sexual affinity for another person is called platonic
Promethean
(from Greek mythology, Aeschylus, and others) Prometheus was a Greek god who defied authority and was punished. Prometheus has been alluded in to various ways, in literature (sometimes for his defiant attitude, sometimes for the punishment he received, and sometimes a hero for his independence). Today a Promethean person is anyone who is independent, defiant of authority, and willing to make sacrifices for his beliefs
Pygmalion
(From Greek mythology ) The mythological Pygmalion sculpted a statue of the ideal woman and fell in love with it. Any story or situation where a mentor takes on a pupil, remakes the person, then falls in love with the resulting creation is compared with the Pygmalion myth.
Queeg
(from wouk’s The Caine mutiny) Herman Wouk’s character Captain Queeg, was an erratic, unstable commander who persecuted his subordinates. The name has come to denote any petty, incompetent person in a leadership posistion.
Quixotic
(from cervantes’s Don Quixote) Miguel de Cervantes’s character, Don Quixote, steadfastly sought knightly glory, colliding with everyday reality. Today anyone who pursues idealized, impractical goals is quixotic.
Rube Goldberg
Cartoonist Rube Goldberg drew fanciful, complex machines that did simple things. Thus any procedure that makes a simple task seem complicated is compared to a Rube Goldberg contraption.
Runyonesque
Damon Runyon wrote about the seamier side of New York, and his like able characters were gamblers and scoundrels. we now refer to any underworld person or even personable or like able rogue as Runyonesque
Shangri-la
(from Hilton’s Lost Horizons) James Hilton portrayed a land of eternal youth and peace in his novel. Now Shangri-la has come to mean idyllic peace
Shot heard from around the world
(from Emerson’s concord hymn) Emerson’s poem told of the first shot fired against the British in the revolutionary war. Now a shot heard around the world refers to any dramatic statement or actions that begins something important or greatly influenced later events
silent spring
Rachel Carson wrote about the destruction of our environment by the use of herbicides and pesticides, referring to a silent spring without birds and other creatures. Now the words refers to a ecological calamity
Socratic method
(from Socrates/Plato interactions) Plato’s teacher, Socrates, used a question-answer method of teaching instead of lecturing. this method is now referred to as the Socratic method
Svengali
(from DuMaurier’s Trilby) Trilby, George DuMaurier’s beautifully character, fell under the hypnotic spell of Svengali, a musician who was turning her into a singer. Today anyone who has (or tries to obtain) power over someone else through strength of a personality is called a Svengali
Tabula Rasa
(from Latin, blank state) the British philosopher John Locke talked about a students mind as being “tabula rasa”. he meant by this the students mind was fresh and unsullied, ready to be inscribed with knowledge. this expression has the same meaning today
Trojan Horse
(from Virgil’s Aeneid) In Virgil’s epic, the Greeks defeated Troy by filling a large, wooden horse with their soldiers and tricking the Trojans into letting it through the city gates. Today, any seemingly innocent maneuver that is designed to harm an adversary is called a Trojan horse.
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
(from Carrolls through the looking glass, and byrom’s poem) John byrom’s used the terms Tweedledee and Tweedledum to satirize to competing schools of musicians and Lewis caroll used the names for quarrelsome identical twins. Tweedledee and Tweedledum have come to denote any two things that are hard to tell apart.
ugly American
in this novel, the protagonist, am American operative abroad, got his nickname because he was physically ugly. the phrase, however, has come to symbolize overbearing American policies or behavior in foreign countries
Utopia
Thomas Moore depicted an ideal society in this work. A utopia- this term literally means nowhere in Greek, is any perfect place, state of being or government
Willy loman
Arthur millers play had as its protagonist willy loman, a salesman whose life was crumbling about him and who eventually committed suicide. In present use willy loman is working hard to try to earn a living, but is not being very successful and is therefore a pathetic figure.
Walter Mitty
James Thurber’s character, Walter Mitty, was a quiet unassuming man who had daydreams of grandeur and heroic episodes. a person today who fantasizes about unrealistic, brave deeds is mittylike, mittyish, or Walter Mitty.
Wise men, three
The three wise men were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus’ divinity. They were magi who came from the east, guided by a star, to pay homage to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem and give him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Although not named in the bible, later tradition calls them Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
Aristotle
One of the greatest thinkers of the world, a Greek philosopher and student of Plato. He was a philosopher of moderation and common sense and thought the heart to be the seat o intelligence (sentimentalist). Unlike Plato he was not mathematically inclined. –great Greek philosopher who may rely on the heart as well as common sense for direction
Queen Bess
Elizabeth of England, 1533-1603. Daughter of Henry the VIII, she ruled during the grandeur of the England Empire beginning with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. –representative of the grandest of all time periods in the modern era in western civilization; the arts and literature flourished in the Elizabethan Era.
Hannibal
247-183 B.C. General of Carthage sworn to eternal enmity toward Rome. He crossed the Alps in Italy with elephants in a 15 year campaign; he eventually committed suicide. –represents a daring plot to wage war against a most formidable enemy, despite the failure to conquer Rome. Hannibal is remembered for the success in using elephants against Rome.
Belial
Personified as the spirit of evil in the bible, Belial is evil, the devil, or satan. Ba’al indicates an idolator. –satan, satanic, devil. Evil is connoted.
Pequod
(Also Pequot) North American Indian tribe along the Connecticut coast in the 17th century around the mystic river. Tribe was nearly exterminated in 1637. –name usually implies a foreshadowing of doom; extermination, destruction, or some kind of complete disaster is suggested.
Jove
Latin from Jupiter, derived from the Greek and mythology. Jove is used as a reference to the brother of the God of the sea, Poseidon or Neptune. –king of all gods, equivalent to Zeus, brother of Poseidon, Jove represents the all-powerful, the controller of the universe.
Narcissus
From Greek mythology, a beautiful youth who after echo’s death pines away for love of his own reflection in a spring. –the name narcissus denotes excessive self-love in ones importance or appearance leads to disaster. Vanity corrupts.
Ahab
From Achab–3 Kings, 18:1-16. Seventh ruler of Israel who provoked the anger of Elijah by agreeing to worship of Baal and Astarte, gods of the underworld. Ahab was an idolatrous King. –swayed by things negative and sinful, Ahab suggest a dark, evil inclination.
Pan
Greek mythology, God of pasture and flocks, usually picture as half man and half goat playing the flute. –from pan comes the word “panic.” He liked to surprise people in the forest and cause them to “panic.”
Achilles
Hero of The Iliad, a Greek warrior and leader in the Trojan war, he killed hector, was killed by Paris with an arrow striking his vulnerable heel that had not been dipped in the river Styx at birth. –Greek warrior hero of the Trojan war, despite all attempts to make him invincible, he fell victim to one solitary vulnerability.
Sisyphus
From Greek mythology, King of Corinth who was noted for his crafting and punished in the underworld by having to push a huge rock up a hill, it would roll back down, he would begin again. –everlasting repetition of a task becomes never ending as a punishment for wrong-doings and deception
John Locke
1632-1704. English philosopher who influenced Kant, Voltaire, and Rousseau. Things, events, conditions perceived by the senses are the origin of all knowledge; piety is a check on the passions. –English philosopher, “origin of all knowledge comes from the senses”
Immanuel Kant
1724-1804. German philosopher who determined that knowledge is not of the senses. He thought that men should avoid dogmatism and overestimation, skepticism and underestimation. –German philosopher, knowledge is not derived from the senses, man should avoid the extremes.
Gabriel
One of the seven archangels, God’s messenger and interpreter. Gabriel is the angel of mercy; he will announce the arrival of judgement day. –angel of mercy
Fates
The three goddesses of Greek and roman mythology who control human destiny and life. Clotho: spins the thread of life; Lachesis determines its length; Atropos cuts it off. –the fates control life. The notion does not allow reference to free will.
Abraham and Isaac
Abraham, reportedly 100 years old, and his wife, Sarah, had only one son named Isaac. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering and Abraham promised he would. then at the last possible moment, God provided an animal sacrafice instead. this story showed that if you have faith and are willing to give up anything God asks, he will bless you later.
Adam and Eve
The first two humans on earth were Adam and Eve. Eve persuaded Adam to eat of the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil, and thereby began the sins of man. God banished them from the garden of Eden and relegated them to work and grow their own food forever.
Euroclydon
Refers to a notheaster- a violent wind. Such a wind caught pauls ships in Acts 27:14. All prisoners including paul survived, some on the planks of a drowning vessel
Brahmins
A member of priestly hindu caste: the word is derived from worship and prayer. The name also represents a long established family especially in early England
Vishnu
The “preserver” and second member of Hindu trinity, Brahman is first, Siva is third. Krishna is the human incarnation of Vishnu
Andromeda
In greek mythology, An Ethiopian princess rescued from a sea monster by Perseus whom he married
Benedict Arnold
1741-1801: American army officer and traitor who served with Ethen Allen- he was a hero at Ticonderoga, later court-martialed fleeing to England where he lived the rest of his life in disgrace and poverty
Cerberus
From classical mythology, Cerberus was a monstrous three headed dog having a mane and tail of serpents who guarded the entrance to Hades
Morgan le fay
She is King Arthurs sister and the ruler of the island Avalon. She has two sides (a split personality). When she is good she is a magical healer who can fly and shape shift. When shes bad she is a destructive witch who is an enemy of Camelot and devious temptress. She’s most famous for her evil side
novel, historical
Full length fiction book, using facts as its basis for plot or setting, but also including imaginary characters and dialogue.
novel, picaresque
Novel characterized by young hero of lower class, unrespectable background, who leaves home and is faced with a harsh cruel world, and eventually conforms to its realities.
Nuance
Slight shade of meaning or detail
op. cit.
Using footnotes/bibliographies to refer to work previously cited or quoted.
Oxymoron
Use of paradoxical or opposite words for effect example: poor little rich girl.
Paradox
Contradictory statement that makes sense. Example: she loved and hated him at the same time.
Paraphrase
Restatement of writing, keeping the basic meaning, but telling it in one’s own words.
parody, literary
Satire imitating an author or work with the aim of mockery.
Passage, purple
Writing that contains flowery, ornate language, often in the midst of otherwise dull passages.
Personification
Literary device where writer attributes human qualities to objects or ideas. Example: fear raised its ugly head.
plagiarism
Using other people’s work as one’s own without crediting the true author. (this is illegal and punishable in a court of law.)
Plot
Structure of the literature; the way it is put together; the enfolding or sequence of events.
Poetry
Poem collection; genre characterized by rhythm, rhyme (sometimes), and stanzas, as opposed to prose.
Point of view
Perspective from which the story is written; can be omniscient (all-knowing), first person (“I”), shifting between characters, or other.
Perceval
The most innocent and child-like of the knights, he encounters (and in some stories) becomes the Fisher King. He is one of only three knights who achieve the holy grail
King Arthur
Arthur is the great king of Camelot, husband of Guievere, and captain of the Round Table. Legend has it that he will return to Britain when she is in dire need.
Lancelot
The finest and most handsome of the knights whose one mistake was falling in love with Guinevere, King Arthurs’s wife. This sinful affair prevented him form achieving the Grail and contributed to the end of the Fellowship of the Round Table
Merlin
He is the greatest of magicians. He is most famous for training and advising Arthur
Galahad
He is the son of Lancelot. Unlike his father, Galahad is chaste and pure. He achieves the Grail and is given the perilous seat
Guinevere
the wife of Arthur, she has a famous affair with Lancelot and ends her days as a nun
Gawain
A model of bravery and courtesy, Gawain was, nevertheless, not perfect. Like Lancelot, women tempted him. his feud with Lancelot (Lancelot accidentally killed Gawain’s brother) contributed to the end of the fellowship of the Round Table
The Holy Grail
The Chalice used by Christ and his disciples at the Last Supper. Achieving the Grail is the ultimate goal of every knight’s quest
Camelot
Camelot is the principal court of King Arthur and the home of the Round Table
Excalibur
This is the sword given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. In some stories, young Arthur must pull the sword out of a stone to prove he is the rightful king
Round Table
This is the table that seated a fellowship of knights who served King Arthur, One seat (called the Perilous Seat) was left empty to represent Judas’ betrayal of christ. Only the most holy could sit in this seat
Allegory
Writing that has a deeper meaning hidden beneath the obvious one
Alliteration
Repetition of sounds at the beginning of words. EX: SLug in the slime
Allusion
Reference, without explanation, to a work of literature, a character, a principle, and so on, assuming that the reader is familiar with its implications
Analogy
Comparison of two dissimilar things that are alike in some way, often using simile or metaphor. EX: He reminded me of a pig eating his swill
Antagonist
Person who apposes or competes with the main character, hero or heroin, often the villain
realism, literary
literature reflecting real life, rather than imaginary or idealistic life.
redundancy
repetition that is unnecessary and awkward, as contrasted with intentional repetition for a particular effect. Ex: rich, wealthy individual.
resolution
clarification, solution, or outcome of the conflict in a story.
rhetoric
persuasive writing
roman à clef
novel based on actual people and places, but written as fiction instead of fact
romance
story about heroic deeds, mysterious settings, or love
romanticism
Literary moment characterized by emotion, imagination, and goodness of people; little emphasis on reason. Opposite of classicism.
sarcasm
Form of irony which seems to praise, but really criticizes.
Ex: Mother always knows best!
satire
Literature that makes fun of social conditions or conventions, often for the purpose of creating change. Ex: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain.
sequel
A subsequent work similar to an original, often with the same characters. Ex: Star Trek I, Star Trek II
setting
Time and place of story. Ex: Nineteenth-century England.
simile
Comparison of one thing to another using the words like or as. Ex: Her lips were like rose petals.
story, short
Fiction story shorter than a novel, often having a surprise ending.
style
They way an author characteristically expresses him or herself (short sentences, flowery language, etc.)
symbol
A word or object that stands for something else. Ex: dove=peace
synonym
Words meaning the same. Ex: mix, blend
synopsis
Summary or condensed statement of a literary work
tale, fairy
Fanciful, imaginary story about a hero or heroine overcoming a problem, often involving mystical creature, supernatural power, or magic; often a type of folktale
theme/thesis
Main idea in a piece of literature; topic or subject
thriller
Story or movie filled with suspense
tone
Mood brought forth by story or poem. Ex: sadness
tragedy
Literature, often drama, ending catastrophe for the protagonists after dealing with a series of problems.
understatement
Form of irony where the author intentionally understates the facts. Ex: We have a little problem here (referring to an impending catastrophe).
verse
Writing with rhyme and meter, as opposed to prose; often verse refers to poetry of a less serious nature.
Novel, historical
Full length fiction book, historical facts as its a basis for plot or setting but including imaginary characters
Novel, picaresque
Novel Characterized by young hero of lower-class non respectable background who leaves home and is faced with a harsh, cruel world, and eventually conforms to its realities
Nuance
Slight shade of meaning or detail
Op. cit.
Used in footnotes/bibliographies to refer to work previously cited or quoted
Oxymoron
Use of paradoxical or opposite words for effect ex. Poor little rich girl
Paradox
Contradictory statement that makes sense ex she loved and hated him at the same time
Paraphrase
Restatement of writing, keeping the basic meaning, but telling it in one’s own words
Parody, literary
Satire imitating an author or work with the aim of mockery
Passage, purple
Writing that contains flowery, ornate language often in the midst of otherwise dull passages
Personification
Literary device where writer attributes human qualities to objects or ideas. Ex Fear raised its ugly head
Plagiarism
Using other people’s work as one’s own without crediting the true author. Illegal and punishable in the court of law.
Plot
Structure of the literature; the way it is put together; the unfolding or sequence of the events
Poetry
Poem collection; genre characterized y rhythm, rhyme (sometimes), and stanzas, opposed to prose
Point of view
Perspective from which the story is written; can be omniscient (all-knowing), first person (“I”), shifting between characters or other
Prose
Literature written in sentences and paragraphs, as opposed to poetry or verse
Protagonist
Main character, hero, or heroine in a written work
Proverb
Saying, adage, or maxim, usually short and generally believed to be true. Ex a stitch in time saves nine
Pseudonym
Name author uses instead if his/her real name; nom de plume
Pun
Play on words; words put together in such a way as to be humorous
