Key Terminology Flashcards
Simile
A comparison of generally unlike things
using like' or as …as’.
Says that one thing is LIKE/AS another.
Metaphor
A very strong and powerful comparison
between UNLIKE things. States that one
thing IS another (which is obviously false,
that is, not literally true).
Personification
When inanimate (non-living) or non-human
objects or ideas are given human qualities.
Alliteration
Repetition of consonants, usually at the
beginning of words so that the words are
linked together by sound.
Can be interrupted by a few words, but
closeness is important.
Anaphora
Repetition of the starting line of a poem.
Caesura
a break in the flow of sound in the middle of a line of verse.
Emotive language
Powerful describing words or adjectives.
Enjambment
When a sentence runs over from one line of verse into the next.
Onomatopoeia
Where the SOUND of a word is the same as
its MEANING. When the sound of the
word imitates or suggest the meaning or
noise of the action described.
Foreshadowing
“Foreshadowing” is a narrative device in which suggestions or warnings about events to come are dropped or planted.
Hyperbole
Exaggeration for effect.
Imagery
A literary device used in poetry, novels, and other writing that uses vivid description that appeals to a readers’ senses to create an image or idea in their head.
Irony
The use of words that are clearly the
opposite of what is really meant. The
opposite of sincerity.
Juxtaposition
When two or more ideas are contrasted near (not necessarily next to) each other.
Oxymoron
When two opposing words are place side by side to create an effect.
Pathetic fallacy
When human characteristics are applied to things (often found in nature), i.e. the “angry sky” or “the wind whispered through the trees”. Usually done to set the tone or reflect the mood of characters.
Sibilance
Repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
Symbolism
Symbolism is the idea that things represent other things.
Assonance
Repetition of the vowel sounds in words Sound
with a close connection.
Colloquial Language
Informal or slang words and phrases (i.e. just how you’d speak everyday!). Think wanna rather than “want to”.
Semantic field
When a group of words all link to one overall theme.
Allusion
Making reference to people, places, events, literary work, myths, or works of art…
Repetition
Exactly how it sounds - repeating words,
phrases, lines or verses in a text.
Rhyme
Repetition of sound at the ends of words.
Half Rhyme
When words sound similar but are not a full rhyme, like spine and lime.
Stanza
The different parts of a poem with gaps in the middle.
Euphemism
An expression used to avoid saying
something embarrassing or
uncomfortable.
