Glossary Terms Flashcards
1
Q
abstract
A
(n.) An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research. (adj.) Dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular or specific instance.
2
Q
ad hominem
A
Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.
3
Q
adage
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A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.
4
Q
allegory
A
A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface.
5
Q
alliteration
A
The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem.
6
Q
allusion
A
A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.
7
Q
ambiguity
A
A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations.
8
Q
anachronism
A
A person; scene; event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.
9
Q
analogy
A
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things; a passage that points out several similarities between two unlike things is called an extended analogy.
10
Q
anecdote
A
A brief explanation; summary; or evaluation of a text or work of literature.
11
Q
annotation
A
A brief explanation; summary; or evaluation of a text or work of literature.
12
Q
antagonist
A
A character or force in a work of literature that; by opposing the protagonist; produces tension or conflict.
13
Q
antecedent
A
A word to which a pronoun refers.
14
Q
antithesis
A
A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words; clauses; or sentences.
15
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aphorism
A
A short; pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.
16
Q
Apollonian
A
In contrast to Dionysian; it refers to the most noble; godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.
17
Q
apostrophe
A
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present.
18
Q
arch
A
(adj.) Characterized by clever or sly humor; often saucy; playful; and somewhat irreverent.
19
Q
archetype
A
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form.
20
Q
assonance
A
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry.
21
Q
bard
A
A poet in olden times; a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.
22
Q
bathos
A
Insincere or overdone sentimentality.
23
Q
belle-lettres
A
A French term for the world of books; criticism; and literature in general.
24
Q
bibliography
A
A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.
25
bombast
Inflated, pretentious language.
26
burlesque
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.
27
cacophony
Grating; inharmonious sounds.
28
canon
The works considered the most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied.
29
caricature
A grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.
30
carpe diem
Literally; "seize the day"; "enjoy life while you can;" a common theme in life and literature.
31
circumlocution
Literally; "talking around" a subject; i.e.; discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.
32
classic
A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time.
33
classical; classicism
Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality; objectivity; simplicity; and restraint.
34
clause
A structural element of a sentence; consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate.
35
independent clauses
sometimes called main clauses; may stand on their own as complete sentences
36
dependent clauses
are used as nouns or modifiers; are incomplete sentences and cannot stand alone grammatically; they are sometimes called subordinate clauses; those that function as adjectives; nouns; or adverbs are known; respectively; as adjective; noun; and adverbial clauses
37
climax
The high point; or turning point; of a story or play.
38
comparison and contrast
A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted. Comparison often refers to similarities; contrast to differences.
39
conceit
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea; often stated in figurative language.
40
concrete detail
A highly specific; particular; often real; actual; or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract.
41
connotation
The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase.
42
consonance
The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit of speech or writing.
43
critique
An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature; limitations; and conformity to a set of standards.
44
cynic
One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.
45
deductive reasoning
A method of reasoning by which specific definitions; conclusions; and theorems are drawn from general principles.
46
denotation
The dictionary definition of a word.
47
dénouement
The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama; real or imagined.
48
descriptive detail
Graphic; exact; and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person; place; or thing.
49
deus ex machina
In literature; the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.
50
diction
The choice of words in oral and written discourse.
51
didactic
Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson; usually in a dry; pompous manner.
52
digression
That portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic.
53
Dionysian
As distinguished from Apollonian; the word refers to sensual; pleasure-seeking; impulses.
54
dramatic irony
A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.
55
elegy
A poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing or death of someone or something of value.
56
ellipsis
Three periods (...)indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.
57
elliptical construction
A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words.
58
empathy
A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.
59
epic
A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.
60
epigram
A concise but ingenious; witty; and thoughtful statement.
61
euphony
Pleasing; harmonious sounds.
62
epithet
An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; Can also be used to apply to vulgar or profane exclamations.
63
eponymous
A term for the title character of a work of literature.
64
euphemism
A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.
65
exegesis
A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.
66
exposé
A factual piece of writing that reveals weaknesses; faults; frailties; or other shortcomings.
67
exposition
The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.
68
explication
The interpretation or analysis of a text.
69
extended metaphor
A series of comparisons between two unlike objects.
70
fable
A short tale; often with nonhuman characters; from which a useful lesson or moral may be drawn.
71
fallacy; fallacious reasoning
An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data; defective evidence; false information; or flawed logic.
72
fantasy
A story containing unreal; imaginary features.
73
farce
A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness; although it may have a serious; scornful purpose.
74
figure of speech; figurative language
In contrast to literal language; figurative language implies meanings.
75
frame
A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse.
76
genre
A term used to describe literary forms; such as novel; play; and essay.
77
harangue
A forceful sermon; lecture; or tirade.
78
homily
A leture or sermon on a religious or moral theme meant to guide human behavior.
79
hubris
Excessive pride that often affects tone.
80
humanism
A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity.
81
hyperbole
Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.
82
idyll
A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place.
83
image
A word or phrase representing that which can be seen; touched; tasted; smelled; or felt.
84
imagery
the use of images in speech and writing.
85
indirect quotation
A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased.
86
inductive reasoning
A method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.
87
inference
A conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts; observations; or some other specific data.
88
invective
A direct verbal assault; a denunciation; casting blame on someone or something.
89
irony
A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated; often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected.
90
kenning
A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities.
91
lampoon
A mocking; satirical assault on a person or situation.
92
litotes
A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.
93
loose sentence
A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences; i.e.; subject-verb-objects. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses.
94
lyrical prose
Personal; reflective prose that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject.
95
malapropism
A confused use of words in which the appropriate word is replaced by one with a similar sound but inappropriate meaning.
96
maxim
A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth.
97
melodrama
A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response.
98
metaphor
A figure of speech that compares unlike objects.
99
extended metaphor
When several characteristics of the same objects are compared
100
metaphorical allusion
A metaphor referring to a particular person; place; or thing
101
metaphysical
A term describing poetry that uses elaborate conceits; expresses the complexities of love and life; and is highly intellectual. More generally; it refers to ideas that are neither analytical nor subject to empirical verification; that is; ideas that express an attitude about which rational argument is impossible.
102
metonymy
A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated.
103
Middle English
The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.
104
mock epic
A parody of traditional epic form.
105
mock solemnity
Feigned or deliberately artificial seriousness; often for satirical purposes.
106
mode
The general form; pattern; and manner of expression of a piece of discourse.
107
montage
A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea.
108
mood
The emotional tone or prevailing atmosphere in a work of literature or other discourse. In grammar; it refers to the intent of a particular sentence.
109
indicative mood
used for statements of fact
110
subjunctive mood
used to express doubt or a conditional attitude
111
imperative mood
give commands
112
moral
A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature.
113
motif
A phrase; idea; or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.
114
muse
(n.) One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts; the imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer. (v.) To reflect deeply; to ponder.
115
myth
An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group of society.
116
narrative
A form of verse or prose (both fiction and nonfiction) that tells a story. A storyteller may use any number of narrative devices; such as skipping back and forth in time; ordering events chronologically; and ordering events to lead up to a suspenseful climax.
117
naturalism
A term often used as a synonym for realism; also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.
118
non sequitur
A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.
119
objective
(adj.) Of or relating to facts and reality; as opposed to private and personal feelings and attitudes.
120
ode
A lyric poem usually marked by serious; respectful; and exalted feelings toward the subject.
121
Old English
The Anglo-Saxon language spoken from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D. in what is now Great Britain.
122
omniscient narrator
A narrator with unlimited awareness; understanding; and insight of characters; setting; background; and all other elements of the story.
123
onomatopoeia
The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning.
124
oxymoron
A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect.
125
parable
A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived.
126
paradox
A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true.
127
parallel structure
The structure required for expressing two or more grammatical elements of equal rank. Coordinate idea;s compared and contrasted ideas and correlative constructions call for parallel construction.
128
parody
An imitation of a work meant to ridicule its style and subject.
129
paraphrase
A version of a text put into simple; everyday words or summarized for brevity.
130
pastoral
A work of literature dealing with rural life.
131
pathetic fallacy
Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects.
132
pathos
That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow.
133
pedantic
Narrowly academic instead of broad and humane; excessively petty and meticulous.
134
periodic sentence
A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end. In other words; the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.
135
persona
The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader or other audience.
136
personification
A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics.
137
plot
The interrelationship among the events in a story
138
plot line
the pattern of events; including exposition; rising action; climax; falling action; and resolution
139
point of view
The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to a subject of discourse.
140
internal POV
A matter discussed in the first person has this
141
external POV
an observer uses this
142
predicate
the part of a sentence that is not the grammatical subject. It often says something about the subject
143
predicate nominative
A noun that provides another name for the subject
144
prose
Any discourse that is not poetry
145
prose poem
a selection of prose that; because of its language or content; is poetic in nature
146
proverb
A short pithy statement of general truth that condenses common experience into memorable form.
147
pseudonym
A false name or alias used by writers.
148
pulp fiction
Novels written for mass consumption; often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots.
149
pun
A humorous play on words; using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings.
150
realism
The depiction of people; things; and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.
151
rebuttal/ refutation
The part of discourse wherein opposing arguments are anticipated and answered.
152
reiteration
Repetition of an idea using different words; often for emphasis or other effect.
153
repetition
Reuse of the same words; phrases; or ideas for rhetorical effect; usually to emphasize a point.
154
retraction
The withdrawal of a previously stated idea or opinion.
155
rhetoric
The language of a work and its style; words; often highly emotional; used to convince or sway an audience.
156
rhetorical mode
A general term that identifies discourse according to its chief purpose. Includes exposition; argumentation; description; and narration.
157
exposition
to explain; analyze; or discuss an idea
158
argumentation
to prove a point or to persuade
159
description
to recreate or present with details
160
narration
to relate an anecdote or story
161
rhetorical question
A question to which the audience already knows the answer; a question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
162
rhetorical stance
Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject.
163
rhyme
The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals; used mostly in poetry but not unheard of in prose.
164
rhythm
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up speech and writing.
165
romance
An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places.
166
sarcasm
A sharp; caustic attitude conveyed in words through jibes; taunts; or other remarks; differs from irony; which is more subtle.
167
satire
A literary style used to poke fun at; attack; or ridicule and idea; vice; or foible; often for the purpose of inducing change.
168
sentence structure
The arrangement of the parts of a sentence. A sentence may be simple; compound; or complex. Sentences may also contain any of these structures in combination with each other. Each variation leaves a different impression on the reader; and along with other rhetorical devices; may create a countless array of effects.
169
simple sentence
one subject and one verb
170
compound sentence
two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction
171
complex sentence
an independent claus plus one or more dependent clauses
172
sentiment
A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature.
173
sentimental
A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish.
174
setting
An environment that consists of time; place; historical milieu; and social; political; and even spiritual circumstances.
175
simile
A figurative comparison using the words like or as.
176
stream of consciousness
A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind.
177
style
The manner in which an author uses and arranges words; shapes ideas; forms sentences; and creates a structure to convey ideas.
178
stylistic devices
A general term referring to diction; syntax; tone; figurative language; and all other elements that contribute to the "style" or manner of a given piece of discourse.
179
subject complement
The name of a grammatical unit that is comprised of predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives.
180
subjective
(adj.) Of or relating to private and personal feelings and attitudes as opposed to facts and reality.
181
subtext
The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of an essay or other work.
182
syllogism
A form of deductive reasoning in which given certain ideas or facts; other ideas or facts must follow. (think transitive property)
183
symbolism
The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object.
184
synecdoche
A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part. When the name of a material stands for the thing itself; that; too; is this.
185
syntax
The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular this; or pattern of words.
186
theme
The main idea of meaning; often an abstract idea upon which an essay or other form of discourse is built.
187
thesis
The main idea of a piece of discourse; the statement or proposition that a speaker or writer wishes to advance; illustrate; prove; or defend.
188
tone
The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. This is the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work -- the spirt or quality that is the word's emotional essence.
189
tragedy
A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw or by a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish.
190
transition
A stylistic device used to create a link between ideas. These often endow discourse with continuity and coherence.
191
trope
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image; symbol; simile; and metaphor.
192
understatement
A restrained statement that departs from what could be said; a studied avoidance of emphasis or exaggeration; often to create a particular effect.
193
verbal irony
A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words.
194
verse
A synonym for poetry; also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry.
195
verisimilitude
Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is or could have been.
196
voice
The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker.
197
active voice
(refers to the use of verbs) A verb is in this when it expresses an action performed by its subject. Stylistically; this leads to more economical and vigorous writing.
198
passive voice
(refers to the use of verbs) A verb is in this when it expresses an action performed upon its subject or when the subject is the result of the action.
199
whimsy
An object; device; or creation that is fanciful or rooted in unreality.
200
wit
The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene.
