English (Grade 11) Flashcards
Metaphor
An expression that implies or describes a comparison between two things
(She is a firecracker)
Simile
A comparison between two things, but they stay distinct with words: like, as or than
(He is angrier than a bear)
Personification
Human characteristics given to objects, animals, or abstract notions
(The story jumped off the page)
Paradox
A seemingly self-contradictory or absurd statement that may prove to be true
(this is the end of the beginning)
Pun
A humorous play on words
(Make like a tree and leave)
Pathetic Fallacy
When human emotion of character is reflected in nature
(the sky wept)
Informal Synecdoche
A common device used in literature (and in life) which is a part of something larger and which represents that larger/whole thing
(Wheels to represent a car, sails to represent a ship, “nice wheels”)
oxymoron
when contradictory terms are combined for effect
(Awfully good)
Hyperbole
An over-exaggeration not to be taken literally
(Im dead tired)
Allusion
A brief or indirect reference to a person, place, or event that is assumed to be familiar with the intended audience
(Ninga turtles feature turtles with names of Donatello, Michelangelo, leonardo) - Italian artists
Rhetorical Question
a question posed to make the reader consider a concept or idea but you don’t expect an actual answer
(why me?)
Anaphora
Consists of repeating the repetition of words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences.
(i.e. “Mad world! Mad kings! Mad composition!”)
Epiphora
Consists of one or more words repeating at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences
(i.e. I’m tired of this job. I’m over this job. I’m done with this job!)
Polysyndeton
Repetition of conjunctions in sentences and successive clauses; gives impression of multiplicity
(i.e. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers OR “Were you lying before or are you lying now or are you telling the truth or something else of that nature?”)
Balance
Two words or phrases that have essentially the same form and length, usually joined by a comma, semicolon or coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
(Rose are red, violets are blue
So it has been, so it must be)
Antithesis
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas for effect.
Very similar to paradox but antithesis deals with opposites, whereas a paradox deals with truths that seem contradictory.
(It was the season of light, it was the season of darkness.
Rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.)
Chiasmus
Another type of balance where the second half is balanced with the first but in reverse.
(i.e. Ask not what your country can do for you,
ask what you can do for your country. - JFK, Fair is foul, and
foul is fair)
Parallelism
Equivalent grammatical form.
When words or phrases match – parallel to – the structure of the corresponding words or phrases. Parallel sentence structure gives your writing balance and rhythm.
(i.e. Recommended exercise includes running, swimming and cycling.
(The –ing ending of these words are parallel in structure and equal in importance.)
People exercise because they want to look healthy, because they need to have stamina, or because they hope to live longer.)
Irony
A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is really meant; usually characterized by an incongruity (i.e. a contrast) between reality and appearance. There are 3 types of irony:
verbal;
dramatic; and
situational.
Verbal irony
It is a contrast between what is said and what is meant (i.e. Someone saying “Just what I needed!” when they spill coffee all over their shirt)
Dramatic Irony
It occurs when the audience or the reader knows more than the character about events; in other words, what the character thinks is true is not consistent with what the audience knows (i.e. When a person goes up the stairs in a horror movie thinking they are getting away from the killer when, in fact, the audience knows that the killer is already up there)
Situational Irony
This refers to the contrast between the actual result of a situation and what was intended or expected to happen (i.e. A fire station burning down in a fire)
Alliteration
Occurrence of same letter or sound at beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
(i.e. Bob’s Burgers)
Assonance
Repetition of a vowel sounds. (i.e. His tender heir might bear his memory.)
Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds. (i.e. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.)
Onomatopoeia
The word echoes the sound it makes. (i.e. Splat, zip, boing, clap)
Figures of Thought
Otherwise known as “tropes” meaning turns or conversions.
These words or phrases are used (in fact, turned or converted) in a way that changes their meaning.
Figures of Speech
Otherwise known as “schemes”.
These are words that remain literal in meaning; however, the arrangement of the words create a special rhythmic effect or pattern.
Figures of Sound
These are words or phrases used to convey and reinforce the meaning through the skillful use of sound.
