English Final Flashcards
a comparison using like or as
similie
a comparison that states (or implies) that one thing is a completely different thing
metaphor
giving human traits to something not human
personification
a statement that seems to contradict itself but that, on closer inspection, actually makes sense
paradox
a condensed paradox that joins two polar opposites in one expression
oxymoron
words, phrases, clauses, or sentences set up in deliberate contrast to one another
antithesis
a reference to something the audience is expected to know, such as another story, a myth, a character, etc.
allusion
wordplay that results either from a) one word with multiple meanings or b) multiple words that sound identical
pun
the repetition of consonant sounds, generally initial consonant sounds (I.e, at the beginning of words)
alliteration
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, sentences, or verses–especially to create rhythm and emphasis
anaphora
a pair of consecutive lines of poetry that express a complete thought, usually follow a similar meter and often rhyme
couplet
a poetic unit of four lines (either a stanza or an entire poem)
quatrain
providing a hint of what is to come later in the story
foreshadowing
a character’s brief remark, either to the audience or to another character, that other characters on stage do not hear
aside
a speech given by a character alone on stage that lets the audience know what the character is thinking and feeling
soliloquy
a character whose personality and attitude contrast sharply with those of another character and, therefore, highlight both characters’ important traits
foil
a situation when the audience knows more than the characters know
dramatic irony
the ordinary form of written language using sentence and paragraphs, lacking metrical structure, that is distinguished from poetry or verse
prose
poetry; wiring arranges in lines, rather than in ordinary sentences and paragraphs
verse
a humorous character, scene, or dialogue included in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension
comic relief
a serious story that chronicles the downfall of a morally good but imperfect protagonist- a downfall that is often due to some kind of hamartia (or error in judgment) on the part of the protagonist, In the course of the story, the audience experiences fear, pity and emotional catharsis,
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