English Key Terms Flashcards
what is antithesis?
the use of contrasting parallel structures representing (absolute) opposites in one another
what is juxtaposition
the placement of two contrasting concepts, characters, objects or settings side by side to highlight their key differences
what is chiasmus
a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order
what is anaphora?
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
what is epistrophe
Ending successive sentences or clauses with the same word (or phrase)
what is allusion?
a literary device that indirectly references a real life person, place or event
what is hyperbole?
is an exaggerated statement used for exaggerated effect
what is an oxymoron?
a self-contradicting word or group of words
what is a paradox?
a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth
what is personification?
a literary device that uses figurative language to give recognisable human-like qualities to non-human or inanimate objects/ entities
what is satire?
the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
what is an example of satire?
Family guy uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws in modern society
what is this the definition of?
a work in which the characters and events represent particular qualities or ideas that relate to morals, religion or politics
allegory
what is this the definition of?
where an animal or non-human object is given human form, behaviour or personality
anthropomorphism
what is a couplet?
a pair of consecutive lines of poetry that create a complete thought or idea
what is caesura
a pause within a line of poetry
what is enjambment?
the continuing of a sentence from one line of a poem into the next line
what is this the definition of?
the flaw in character which leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy
hamartia
what is hubris?
excessive pride or self-confidence, belief that they are above the gods - (Greek gods)
what is litotes?
a phrase that uses negation to create an affirmative understatement
what is this the definition of?
a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison by relating one thing to another unrelated thing
metaphor
what is a motif?
a recurring image or idea in a piece of writing
what is an example of a motif?
eg : in Macbeth the motif of blood is used :’ will neptunes ocean wash this blood clean of my hand,’ and then later on ‘I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er,’ representing macbeths murderous actions throughout the text
what is a soliloquy
a dramatic speech uttered by one character speaking aloud while alone on the stage (or while under the impression of being alone)
example of litotes?
I am not displeased with this
example of chiasmus
fair is foul, and foul is fair
example of antithesis (Macbeth)
Lesser than Macbeth and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier
example of oxymoron
fair is foul and foul is fair!
what is macbeths hamartia?
his unchecked ambition
example of hyperbole
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse
example of allusion?
when Macbeth’s battle is compared to Golgotha, the place where Christ was killed
or also when Macbeth is said to be the bridegroom of bellona the Greek goddess of war
example of couplet
What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won
what is this an example of?
A thing of beauty is a joy forever/ It’s loveliness increases; it will never / Pass into nothingness…
enjambment
what device is this quote an example of?
There is none but he / whose being I do fear; and under him / My genius is rebuk’d, as, it is said, / Mark Antony’s was by Caesar
hubris!!!
