General Lit Terms

Question 1

Definition of symbol

Answer 1

When a thing is more than just a thing; has meaning on its own, yet also means something else

Question 2

Types of symbols

Answer 2

Universal - has meaning based on typical life experience

Work-based - has meaning based on a particular work

Question 3

How to identify a symbol

Answer 3

Use symbolizes or represents; physical thing, not person

Question 4

Definition of paraphrasing

Answer 4

Changing the poet’s words for different, more understandable words; rephrasing

Question 5

How to identify paraphrasing (3)

Answer 5

Close to same number of lines, same perspective, literal meaning

Question 6

Definition of static character

Answer 6

Character who does not change during the story

Question 7

Definition of dynamic character

Answer 7

Character who changes during the story

Question 8

How to identify a static/ dynamic character

Answer 8

Whether they changer or not

Question 9

Definition of theme

Answer 9

When the author has attempted to record life accurately or to reveal some truth about it

Question 10

How to identify theme

Answer 10

Theme statement - what the author wants me to know about ___ is that ___…

Question 11

Definition of denotation

Answer 11

Basic meaning of a word, independent of its emotional coloration

Question 12

Definition of connotation

Answer 12

Emotional implications that words may carry, as distinguished from their denotative meaning

Question 13

How to identify denotation/ connotation

Answer 13

smart man - wise guy, intelligent - brainy, fragrance - odor

Question 14

Dramatic structure

Answer 14

Introduction or exposition, rising action, climax or crisis, falling action, catastrophe

Question 15

Definition of irony

Answer 15

When appearance and reality are opposites

Question 16

Three types of irony - one

Answer 16

Situational - outcome of events is the opposite of what we expect

Question 17

Three types of irony - two

Answer 17

Verbal - what someone says is opposite of what they mean

Question 18

Three types of irony - three

Answer 18

Dramatic - we know more than the characters in the work do

Question 19

Definition of soliloquy

Answer 19

Talking while or as if alone

Question 20

Definition of FOILS

Answer 20

Two characters with a similar relationship of position who are opposite in personalities

Question 21

Definition of iambic pentameter

Answer 21

Rhythm - accent on second syllable

Meter - pattern occurs five times in a line

Question 22

Definition of blank verse

Answer 22

Unrhymed iambic pentameter

Question 23

Definition of metonomy

Answer 23

When an object closely associated with the word is substituted for the word itself

Question 24

Definition of synecdoche

Answer 24

A significant part is substituted for the whole

Question 25

Visual imagery

Answer 25

Sight

Question 26

Auditory imagery

Answer 26

Sound

Question 27

Olfactory imagery

Answer 27

Smell

Question 28

Tactile/ Kinesthetic imagery

Answer 28

Touch/ feel

Question 29

Gustatory imagery

Answer 29

Taste

Question 30

Definition of a tragic flaw

Answer 30

A personality error or frailty caused by bad judgement, character, etc

Question 31

Definition of a tragic hero

Answer 31

a hero of high position that has a tragic flaw

Question 32

Definition of Hamartia

Answer 32

Moment when tragic flaw causes hero to do something stupid that results in his downfall; AKA when shit hits the fan

Question 33

Definition of catharsis

Answer 33

A purging of emotion