IB Lit Terms Flashcards
Antithesis
A rhetorical device that involves contrasting two opposing ideas or concepts within a sentence or paragraph.
Ex: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Understatement
A figure of speech where something is deliberately represented as less intense than it actually is.
Ex: “I’m feeling a bit tired” after running a marathon.
Syntax
The arrangement and order of words and phrases in a sentence to create meaning and convey ideas.
Ex: “The cat chased the mouse.” vs “Chased the mouse, the cat did.”
Apostrophe
A figure of speech in which an absent or imaginary person, thing, or idea, is addressed directly.
Ex: “O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Tone
The author’s attitude or perspective towards the subject matter or audience in a literary work.
Ex: A story with a somber tone might convey sadness or melancholy.
Logos
A rhetorical appeal that uses logic, reasoning, and evidence to persuade an audience.
Ex: “Studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.”
Pathos
A rhetorical appeal that aims to evoke emotions and create an empathetic response in the audience.
Ex: A charity commercial showing images of suffering animals to elicit feelings of compassion.
Ethos
A rhetorical appeal that establishes the credibility, authority, and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer.
Ex: A doctor speaking about the benefits of medication based on their expertise and experience.
Diction
The choice and use of words in a speech or writing, which contributes to the overall style and tone.
Ex: using formal or informal language, slang, or technical terms
Connotation
The emotional or cultural associations and meanings attached to a word beyond its literal definition.
Ex: “Home” may connotate warmth, comfort, and belonging.
Denotation
The literal or dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotional or cultural associations.
Ex: The denotation of “cat” is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal.
Imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures or sensory experiences for the reader.
Ex: The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning typically a moral or political one.
Ex: “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, which represents the Russian Revolution and subsequent political events.
Onomatopoeia
The use of words that imitate or suggest the sounds associated with the objects or actions they describe.
Ex: “Buzz,” “hiss,” “splash.”
Theme
The central idea or message that is explored or developed throughout a literary work.
Ex: The theme of “love conquers all” in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Abstract language
Language that describes concepts, ideas, or qualities that cannot be perceived by the senses.
Ex: “Justice,” “freedom,” or “happiness.”
Anadiplosis
A rhetorical device in which the last word or phrase of a clause is repeated at the beginning of the next clause.
Ex: “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
Archetype
A recurring symbol, character, or motif in literature that represents a universal pattern or prototype.
Ex: The “wise old mentor” archetype seen in many heroes’ journey narratives.
Flashback
A narrative device that interrupts the chronological sequence of events to depict an earlier event or episode.
Ex: A character recalling childhood memories in the midst of a present-day story
Cataloging
A literary technique that involves listing or presenting a series of items, characteristics, or descriptions.
Ex: She wore a dress of silk, a necklace of pearls, and a crown of flowers.
Dynamic character
A character who undergoes a significant internal change or growth throughout the course of a story.
Ex: Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Static Character
A character who does not undergo any significant internal change throughout the story.
Ex: Sherlock Holmes, who remains consistent in his deductive reasoning skills.
Round Character
A character who is complex, multidimensional, and exhibits a range of emotions and traits.
Ex: Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
Flat Character
A character who lacks depth and is often one-dimensional, typically serving a specific purpose in the story.
Ex: The stock “villain” in a fairy tale.
