English Literature Terms Flashcards
An unrhymed verse
Blank Verse
A story where characters or events express truths about human life
Allegory
A narrative poem that relates the deeds of a hero
Epic
A literary work with a happy ending that’s funny or serious
Comedy
A struggle that takes place between 2 opposing forces
Conflict
The point of greatest physical or emotional energy in a poem or story
Climax
The repetition of a sound in a group of words
Alliteration
The use of hints or clues in a narrative to suggest action to come
Foreshadowing
The similarity of adjacent word groups for rhythm or effect
Parallelism
Someone who serves as a contrast to another
Foil
Poetry that doesn’t tell a story
Lyric Poetry
A poem of 14 lines usually in iambic pentameter or rhyming according to a prescribed scheme.
Sonnet
A comparison made between 2 different things, using a word such as like or as
Simile
The attitude the writer takes toward his or her subject
Tone
A dramatic monologue that gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken thoughts
Soliloquy
Actions and events leading up to the climax or turning point of the story
Rising Action
Contrast between what is stated and what is meant or what’s expected to happen and what’s actually to happen
Irony
A statement that contradicts common sense and yet is perhaps true
Paradox
Central character in a long, narrative poem or story. They face and overcome phenomena or natural foes.
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Epic Hero
A remark or group of words by a character in the play that is intended not to be heard by the other characters but just the audience.
Aside
