General Literary Terms Flashcards
Analogy
similarity between like features of 2 things on which a comparison may be based
Allegory
representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of 1 subject under the guise of another
Paradox
statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality express a possible truth
ex. You can save money by spending it.
I know one thing; that I know nothing.
This is the beginning of the end.
Oxymoron
peculiarity of phrasing that produces an incongruous self-contradictory effect
conjoining contradictory terms
ex. jumbo shrimp
Sardonicism
characterized by bitter or scornful decision; mocking or cynical
Exposition
act of setting forth meaning or purpose
Alliteration
occurrence of same letter or consonant sound at the beginning or adjacent to words; closely connected
Assonance
repetition of the sound or vowel near each other in a poem
Consonance
repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close together
ex. Blank and think
Spelled and scald
Sent and went
Dawn goes down
Stream of consciousness
continuous thoughts and conscious reactions to events
Figurative language
words/expression different from the literal interpretation
Syntax
linguistic elements put together in phrases
Soliloquy
a character’s monologue to oneself; illusion of a series of unspoken reflections
Metonymy
the use of the name of a 1 thing for that of another
Crown - in place of a royal person
The White House - in place of the President or others who work there
The suits - in place of business people
Synechdoche
part of something that represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part
The phrase “hired hands” can be used to refer to workmen.
The word “head” refers to cattle.
The word “wheels” refers to a vehicle.
