Final (crap.) Flashcards
define allegory
figure of speech in which abstract ideas and principles are described in terms of characters, figures and events
define anaphora
the Greek term used to describe the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences
define parable
a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson
define fable
a literary genre: a succinct fictional story, in prose or verse, that features animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that are anthropomorphized (given human qualities, such as verbal communication) and that illustrates or leads to an interpretation of a moral lesson
define allusion
a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance
define microcosm
means “small world,” and in the thought of the Renaissance, it was applied specifically to human beings, who were considered to be small-scale models of the universe, with all its variety and contradiction.
define symbol
the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense
define imagery
an author’s use of vivid and descriptive language to add depth to his or her work
define motif
is any recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Through its repetition, a motif can help produce other narrative (or literary) aspects such as theme or mood.
define context
Anything beyond the specific words of a literary work that may be relevant to understanding the meaning
define juxtaposition
a literary technique in which two or more ideas, places, characters and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts
define implicit
Implied or understood though not directly expressed
define explicit
fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity
define connotation
refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly
define denotation
generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings
components needed in a well-balanced argument
- define the issue
- assert the position
- argue directly for the position
- counter the reader’s or audience’s objections and questions
- establish the writer’s credibility
- use or address fallacies
define pathos appeal
relies on feelings, instincts, and opinions
define ethos appeal
writer’s character is basis for appeal, has good moral character so therefore credible
define logos
writer presents series of reasonable observations and a conclusion to establish a reliable claim or position
define oversimplification
provides easy answers to complex questions, often by appealing to emotions rather than logic
define red herrings
SQUIRREL. using misleading evidence to support a conclusion
define scare tatics
trying to frighten people to agree with the arguer by threatening them or predicting unrealistically dire consequences
define ad populum / bandwagon appeals
encouraging an audience to agree with the writer because everyone else is doing so “to the crowd”
define glittering generalities
emotionally-appealing words that are meant to evoke action
define false authority
asks audiences to agree with the assertion of a write based simply on his or her character or the authority of another person or institution who may not be fully qualified.
