Key Language Methods Flashcards
What is satire?
Use of humour or ridicule to criticise
Satire often targets societal norms or political issues.
Define asyndeton.
List without conjunctions
An example of asyndeton is ‘I came, I saw, I conquered.’
What is polysyndeton?
List with conjunctions (and)
An example of polysyndeton is ‘I love apples and oranges and bananas.’
What is a simile?
Comparing using ‘like’ or ‘as’
For example, ‘as brave as a lion.’
Define metaphor.
Saying one thing is another
An example is ‘Time is a thief.’
What does personification mean?
Make object human
For example, ‘The wind whispered through the trees.’
What is pathetic fallacy?
Weather to create mood
For instance, a stormy night can reflect chaos in a story.
Define pathos.
Language to evoke pity
Pathos is often used in persuasive writing to stir emotions.
What is an allusion?
Reference to another literary work
Allusions can enhance meaning by connecting to broader themes.
What does hyperbole mean?
Exaggerated statement
An example is ‘I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.’
Define connotation.
Associated meaning of word
For example, ‘home’ connotes warmth and comfort.
What is characterisation?
Built up description of character in text
Characterisation can be direct or indirect.
What is a semantic field?
Words related in meaning
For example, the semantic field of ‘happiness’ includes joy, delight, and bliss.
Define imagery.
Visually descriptive language
Imagery helps create vivid mental pictures for the reader.
