Glossary Flashcards
Active voice definition
The subject of the sentence performs the action
Impact active voice
Makes the writing more clear and interesting
Example and non example
Example: The bird ate a worm
Non-example: the worm got eaten by the bird
Allusion definition
An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Allusion Example
I’ll turn into a pumpkin if I don’t get home on time!
Allusion impact
Makes for more interesting writing. Also helps express certain feelings better and clearer
Anecdote Definition
A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Anecdote Example
He ran so fast I couldn’t keep up and almost fell over!
Anecdote Impact
Anecdotes catch a readers attention by making text more interesting and therefore grabbing the reader’s attention.
Antecedent Example
My mom makes the best cakes. She always adds just enough icing!
Antecedent Definition
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Classicism Definition
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures.
Classicism Example
Michelangelos painting of the gods
Comic Relief definition
when a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat. The “gatekeeper scene” in Macbeth is an example of comic relief.
Comic relief example
Two characters making a joke during a funeral
Impact comic relief
Comic relief is used to break the tension. It allows the audience to experience a different emotion, especially when the stakes have been building for a long while.
Diction definition
Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.
Colloquial definition
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.
Colloquial example
“Kick the bucket” “Y’all” “Wanna”
Colloquial impact
Can make conversations more enjoyable and interesting. Develop a closeness to a character
Connotation definition
Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning. (For example, “policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.)
Denotation definition
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Vernacular definition
- Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Didactic definition
A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Didactic example
To Kill a Mockingbird
Adage definition
A folk saying with a lesson. “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Adage example
Measure twice, cut once.
Adage impact
Often demonstrates profound wisdom, serving as a guide for character with complex plots
Allegory definition
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth.
Allegory example
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Allegory imapct
Allowing writers to have a deeper message within a story
Aphorism definition
A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.
Aphorism example
“God helps them that help themselves,” and “A watched pot never boils.” -Benjamin Franklin.
Aphorism Impact
Cleverly and concisely express ideas and beliefs.
Ellipses definition
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Ellipses example
“The whole day, rain, torrents of rain”
Ellipses impact
Enhances emotional impact of a piece of dialogue
Euphemism example
“vertically challenged” instead of short. “Big boned” instead of fat
Euphemism definition
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes they are used for political correctness.
Euphemism impact
Allowing writers to discuss difficult and distressing topics with sensitivity.
Figurative language
“Figurative Language” is the opposite of “Literal Language.” Literal language is writing that makes complete sense when you take it at face value. “Figurative Language” is the opposite: writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Analogy definition
An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables. When a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that the relationship between the first pair of variables is the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.
Analogy example
“Life is like a box of chocolates- you never know what you’re going to get”
Analogy impact
Gives a reader a deeper understanding of a complicated topic
Hyperbole definition
Exaggeration.
Hyperbole example
“my mom will kill me if she finds out”
Hyperbole impact
Convey strong emotions, help with character development, and develop imagery.
Idiom definition
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Idiom example
“I got chewed out by my coach”
Idiom impact
Provide imagery, add authenticity, and establish setting.
Metaphor definition
Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words. “My feet are popsicles.” An extended metaphor is when the metaphor is continued later in the written work. If I continued to call my feet “my popsicles” in later paragraphs, that would be an extended metaphor.
Metaphor example and non example
Example: “Eyes are the window to the soul”. Non-example, “the cat is like a rocket”
Metaphor impact
creating a unique voice and style, imagery, making a complex thought easier to understand
Metonymy definition
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept. “Relations between London and Washington have been strained,” does not literally mean relations between the two cities, but between the leaders of The United States and England.
Metonymy example
“I could not understand his tongue” I could not understand his speech
Metonymy impact
Makes long and broad concepts narrower
Synecdoche definition
A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its parts, or vice versa.
Synecdoche example
“Check out my new wheels” Check out my new car
Synecdoche impact
Make dialogue sound more natural, enriching language, create imagery.
Similie Definition
Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very different things. “My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles.”
Simile impact
Enhance a description, create vivid imagery, convey mood or tone.
Simile Example and non-example
Example: hop like a bunny. Non-example: time is a thief
Synesthesia definition
a description involving a “crossing of the senses
Synesthesia example
“The music had a hint of purple to it”
Synesthesia impact
Vivid imagery and sensory descriptions
Personification definition
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.
Personification example
the kind oak tree yawned when the wind blew.
Personification impact
Connect with parts of the story or poem that are not characters. Creates atmosphere, create vivid imagery, and exploring complex emotions.
Genre
The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, genres can be subdivided as well (poetry can be classified into lyric, dramatic, narrative, etc.)
Gothic
Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death. Also refers to an architectural style of the middle ages, often seen in cathedrals of this period.
Gothic Example
The Castle of Otranto
Imagery
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind. Usually this involves the five senses. Authors often use imagery in conjunction with metaphors, similes, or figures of speech.
Imagery example
“the sky was as blue as the ocean”
Imagery impact
Enhance the readers experience by creating a physical response and helping them understand the story and how to feel about it.
Invective definition
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Invective example
“What, are you chicken? You’re afraid of your own shadow! You’re going to be alone forever with that bravery!”
Invective impact
Arouse a negative emotion in the audience
Irony definition
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Verbal irony definition
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
Verbal irony example
if your gym teacher wants you to run a mile in eight minutes or faster, but calls it a “walk in the park” it would be verbal irony. If your voice tone is bitter, it’s called sarcasm.
Verbal irony impact
Portray humor, provide emphasis, and expose contradictions.
Dramatic irony definition
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Dramatic irony example
in many horror movies, we (the audience) know who the killer is, which the victim-to-be has no idea who is doing the slaying. Sometimes the character trusts the killer completely when (ironically) he/she shouldn’t.
Dramatic irony impact
Creates a sense of tension between what the reader knows and how the character is acting.
Situational irony definition
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
Situational irony example
Johnny spent two hours planning on sneaking into the movie theater and missed the movie. When he finally did manage to sneak inside he found out that kids were admitted free that day
Situational irony impact
Comedic effect, tragedy, to teach, or to introduce a surprise twist.
Juxtaposition definition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison. Authors often use juxtaposition of ideas or examples in order to make a point.
Juxtaposition example
or example, an author my juxtapose the average day of a typical American with that of someone in the third world in order to make a point of social commentary
Juxtaposition impact
Emphasize difference, stir emotions, highlight themes, and make stories richer.
Mood definition
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction). Syntax is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length and strength and complexity also affect pacing and therefore mood. Setting, tone, and events can all affect the mood.
Motif definition
a recurring idea in a piece of literature
Motif example
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea that “you never really understand another person until you consider things from his or her point of view” is a motif, because the idea is brought up several times over the course of the novel.
Motif impact
highlight something about a character, understand them better, or establish a mood of the story
Oxymoron definiton
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
Oxymoron example
“wise fool,” “eloquent silence,” “jumbo shrimp.”
Oxymoron impact
Add dramatic effect, humor, and complexity to writing
Pacing definition
he speed or tempo of an author’s writing. Writers can use a variety of devices (syntax, polysyndeton, anaphora, meter) to change the pacing of their words. An author’s pacing can be fast, sluggish, stabbing, vibrato, staccato, measured, etc.
Pacing example
Fight scenes are often fast paced, death scenes are often slow paced.
Pacing impact
create tension, suspense, excitement, and allow emotional depth
Paradox definition
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true
Paradox example
“You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without getting a job.”
Paradox impact
Reveals important themes, helps a character think critically, and make a story more interesting
Parallelism definition
(Also known as parallel structure or balanced sentences.) Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Parallelism example
“Cinderella swept the floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”
Parallelism impact
Parallelism is used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing.
Anaphora definition
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.
Anaphora example
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Anaphora impact
This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent.
Chiasmus definition
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.
Chiasmus example
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Chiasmus impact
used to reiterate concepts, add clarity, and artistic expression
Antithesis definition
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel structure.
Antithesis impact
Create a vivid contrast and to emphasize significance of the opposing ideas or elements
Antithesis example
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”
Zuegma definition
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
Zuegma example
“The butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.” “I quickly dressed myself and the salad.”
Zuegma impact
Add emotion, produce a level of shock, and add humor to writing.
Parenthetical Idea definition
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence. It is almost considered an aside…a whisper, and should be used sparingly for effect, rather than repeatedly.
Parenthetical Idea example
“In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the gallon) America will be out of oil.”
Parenthetical Idea impact
enclose non essential information to clarify or example
Parody definition
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original, and pokes fun at it. This is also a form of allusion, since it is referencing a previous text, event, etc. The Simpsons often parody Shakespeare plays. Saturday Night Live also parodies famous persons and events. Do not confuse with satire.
Parody example
Cervantes’ Don Quixote is perhaps the ultimate example of genre parody. Cervantes’ epic novel is a parody of the medieval romance genre of literature, in which a chivalrous knight goes on a heroic quest, often to win the heart of an impossibly beautiful maiden.
Persona definition
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story. Do not confuse with alter-ego.
Poetic device
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines.
Alliteration definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Alliteration example
“Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore”
Alliteration literary impact
help create the mood or tone of a poem or piece of prose
Assonance definition
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.
Assonance example
“From the molten-golden notes”
Assonance literary impact
used mainly to grasp the reader’s attention to a particular phrase and it helps to exaggerate the meaning of that phrase.
Consonance definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words.
consonance example
“Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door”
consonance literary impact
give language a musical element, as well as emphasize sounds or words that resonate with the main ideas or themes of the work.
Onomatopoeia definition
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes.
Onomatopoeia example
Snap, rustle, boom, murmur
Onomatopoeia literary impact
give life and realism to descriptions and situations
Internal rhyme definition
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.
Internal rhyme example
“To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!”
Internal rhyme literary impact
make the writing more rhythmic.
Slant rhyme definition
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.
Slant rhyme example
“I sat upon a stone, / And found my life has gone.”
Slant rhyme literary impact
allows for more creativity in word choice
End rhyme definition
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme.
End rhyme example
“Roses are red, violets are blue, / Sugar is sweet, and so are you.”
End rhyme literary impact
creates a rhythm
Rhyme Scheme definition
The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes.
Rhyme Scheme
rhyme scheme of a b a b c d c d:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? a
Thou art more lovely and more temperate. b
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. a
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. b
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines c
And often is his gold complexion dimmed d
And every fair from fair sometime declines c
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed d
Rhyme Scheme literary definition
creates an echo in the poem, which can leave a lasting effect on the audience.
Stressed and unstressed syllables example
In the name “Nathan,” the first syllable is stressed. In the word “unhappiness,” the second of the four syllables is stressed.
Stressed and unstressed syllables definition
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed, or said with more force than the other syllable(s)
stressed and unstressed syllables literary impact
poets can evoke different feelings and set the mood for their work
Meter definition
A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry.
Sonnet impact
played an important role in exploring themes such as love, beauty, and mortality
meter example
Iambic pentameter
Polysyndeton example
“I walked the dog, and fed the cat, and milked the cows.” “Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things…he also shall be unclean.”
meter impact
influencing the pace and musicality of the poem.
Free verse example
The Red Wheelbarrow
Free verse definition
Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme.
Free verse impact
offers poets greater creative freedom, allowing for diverse expressions and styles.
Iambic pentameter example
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
Iambic pentameter definition
Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllable
Sonnet definition
A 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter. Usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.
Iambic pentameter impact
create a pleasing rhythm in the reader’s ear and make the text more musical and memorable
Sonnet example
“How do I love thee?
Polysyndeton definition
– When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions. Normally, a conjunction is used only before the last item in a list. Examples of polysyndeton:
Polysyndeton impact
Polysyndeton is often used to slow down the pace of the writing and/or add an authoritative tone.
Pun definition
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way
pun example
My dog has a fur coat and pants!” “I was stirred by his cooking lesson.”
pun impact
used to enhance a reader’s interpretation, show off a clever use of language, or generate irony.
Rhetoric definition
The art of effective communication.
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle
The relationships in a piece of writing or a speech among the speaker/writer, the event(s) or experiences that inspired the subject (exigence), the audience, the message, the author’s purpose, and the appeals, tools, and techniques used to achieve that purpose. Context (history, environment, background information, culture) surround and influence every part of the triangle. All analysis of writing is essentially an analysis of the relationships between the points on the triangle.
Rhetorical Question definition
Question not asked for information but for effect.
Rhetorical question impact
to make a point or convey an effect.
Rhetorical question example
“The angry parent asked the child, ‘Are you finished interrupting me?’”
Romanticism definition
Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the world, and an emphasis on nature. Does not rely on traditional themes and structures (see classicism).
Romanticism example
Frankenstein
Sarcasm definition
A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.
Sarcasm example
“So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus / Hath told you Caesar was ambitious. / If it were so, it was a grievous fault, / And grievously hath Caesar answered it.”
Sarcasm impact
plays a vital role in understanding various characters through their dialogue
Satire definition
work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect. It targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions. Good satire usually has three layers: serious on the surface; humorous when you discover that it is satire instead of reality; and serious when you discern the underlying point of the author.
satire impact
create deep meaning in their stories
satire example
Animal Farm
Sentence definition
A sentence is group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought
Appositive definition
A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its meaning.
Appositive example
“Bob, the lumber yard worker, spoke with Judy, an accountant from the city.”
Appositive impact
allowing writers to add descriptive clarity without overly complicating their writing.
Clause definition
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. (Example: “Other than baseball, football is my favorite sport.” In this sentence, the independent clause is “football is my favorite sport” and the dependent clause is “Other than baseball.”
Balanced sentence definition
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically.
Balanced sentence example
“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” Also called parallelism.
Balanced sentence impact
enhance clarity and emphasize connections between ideas by creating a symmetrical structure.
Compound sentence definition
Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.
Complex sentence definition
Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Complex sentence example
Whenever he was lonely, Lance called his mother.
Cumulative sentence definition
(also called a loose sentence) When the writer begins with an independent clause, then adds subordinate elements.
Cumulative sentence example
“He doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration.”
Periodic sentence definition
When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence. The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause.
Periodic sentence example
“His confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience.”
Simple sentence definition
Contains only one independent clause.
Simple sentence example
“The old man sat alone.”.
Declarative sentence definition
States an idea. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question.
declarative sentence example
“The ball is round.”
Imperative sentence definition
Issues a command.
Imperative sentence definition
“Kick the ball.”
Style definition
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.
Symbol definition
Anything that represents or stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete such as an object, actions, character…that represents something more abstract
Symbol example
Examples of symbols include the Whale in Moby Dick, the river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness, and the Raven in “The Raven.”
Syntax/sentence variety definition
Grammatical arrangement of words. This is perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to master. First, a reader should examine the length of sentences (short or long). How does sentence length and structure relate to tone and meaning. Are they simple, compound, compound-complex sentences? How do they relate to one another? Syntax is the grouping of words, while diction refers to the selection of individual words.
Symbol impact
creating a mood, evoking emotions, and helping readers understand complex ideas.
theme definition
The central idea or message of a work. The theme may be directly stated in nonfiction works, although not necessarily. It is rarely stated directly in fiction.
Theme example
love, redemption, forgiveness, coming of age, revenge, good vs evil, bravery and hardship.
Thesis definition
The sentence or groups of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition. It should be short and clear. (also see argument)
Thesis example
“Through the examination of recurring motifs such as death, decay, and the passage of time, Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ can be interpreted as a profound exploration of the human condition and the inevitability of mortality. “
Tone definition
A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and organization. To identify tone, consider how the piece would sound if read aloud (or how the author wanted it to sound aloud).
Tone example
Tone can be: playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, somber, etc.
Tone impact
sets the atmosphere and mood of a story, deeply influencing how readers perceive the narrative
Understatement definition
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous.
Understatement example
“Our defense played valiantly, and held the other team to merely eight touchdowns in the first quarter.”
Understatement impact
often lead to the emphasis on the very thing that the writer or speaker appears to downplay.
