Language and Structural Techniques Flashcards
Simile: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A figure of speech that compares two different things using “like” or “as.”
Effect on the reader:
Creates vivid imagery, making descriptions more engaging and relatable. Helps the reader understand something unfamiliar by comparing it to something they know.
Example:
Her smile was as bright as the sun.
Metaphor: definition, effect and example
Definition:
a figure of speech that makes a non-literal comparison between two things (typically by saying that something is something else).
Effect on the reader:
Makes descriptions more powerful and thought-provoking. Helps the reader see things in a new way by making strong, imaginative connections.
Example:
He was a lion in the fight.
Extended Metaphor: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A metaphor that continues throughout a piece of text, developing the comparison further.
Effect on the reader:
Deepens understanding and reinforces a theme or idea throughout the text. Engages the reader by sustaining imagery.
Example:
Life is a journey, with its winding roads, unexpected detours, and breathtaking views.
Personification: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Giving human characteristics to non-human objects, animals, or ideas.
Effect on the reader:
Creates vivid imagery and emotional connection, making descriptions more engaging and relatable.
Example:
The wind whispered through the trees.
Pathetic Fallacy: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A type of personification where human emotions are given to nature or the weather.
Effect on the reader:
Sets the mood or atmosphere, influencing how the reader feels about a scene or character.
Example:
The angry storm raged against the ship.
Alliteration: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of closely placed words.
Effect on the reader:
Creates rhythm, draws attention to key phrases, and makes writing more memorable.
Example:
The slippery snake slithered silently.
Assonance: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
Effect on the reader:
Creates musicality and enhances mood, making phrases more fluid and engaging.
Example:
The gleaming sunbeams shone down on the vast green fields.
Anecdote: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A short personal story used to illustrate a point.
Effect on the reader:
Makes writing more relatable and engaging, building a connection between the writer and reader.
Example:
I remember the first time I rode a bike. I fell three times, but I never gave up!
Irony: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A contrast between expectation and reality, often in a humorous or dramatic way.
Effect on the reader:
Engages and surprises the reader, sometimes creating humor or highlighting deeper meanings.
Example:
A fire station burns down.
Onomatopoeia: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A word that imitates the sound it represents.
Effect on the reader:
Makes descriptions more immersive and engaging, appealing to the reader’s senses.
Example:
The bees buzzed.
Sibilance: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of “s” or “sh” sounds in words close together.
Effect on the reader:
Can create a soft, soothing effect or a sinister, hissing sound depending on the context.
Example:
The snake slithered silently through the grass.
Colloquial Language: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Informal, everyday language or slang.
Effect on the reader:
Makes writing feel more conversational and relatable, helping to create a realistic voice.
Example:
“I ain’t got no time for that!”
Semantic Field: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A group of words related in meaning, often associated with a particular theme or topic.
Effect:
Creates a specific mood, reinforces a theme, or immerses the reader in a particular setting.
Example:
In a war-related text: “battlefield, soldiers, weapons, blood, victory.”
Euphemism: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A mild or indirect expression used to replace something harsh or unpleasant.
Effect:
Softens difficult or uncomfortable topics; can also be used humorously or to deceive.
Example:
Instead of “died,” saying “passed away.”
Double Entendre: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A phrase that has two meanings, often used by shakespear.
Effect:
Engages the reader with wordplay and can add humor or hidden meanings.
Example:
“Children make delicious snacks.”
Idiom: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A commonly used phrase where the meaning is not literal but understood culturally.
Effect:
Makes language more engaging and relatable, often adding color and informality.
Example:
Its raining cats and dogs.
Figurative Language: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Language that goes beyond the literal meaning, including metaphors, similes, and personification.
Effect:
Creates vivid imagery, engages the reader’s imagination, and conveys deeper meanings.
Example: “The world is a stage.”
Emotive Language: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Words that provoke strong emotions in the reader.
Effect:
Persuades or influences the reader by making them feel anger, sadness, excitement, etc.
Example:
“The innocent child sobbed uncontrollably as she was torn from her family.”
Evocative Verbs: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Strong action words that create a vivid mental image.
Effect:
Adds intensity and dynamism to writing, making scenes more powerful.
Example:
“The waves crashed against the shore, devouring the sand beneath.”
Allusion: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.
Effect:
Adds depth and meaning, allowing the reader to connect ideas.
Example: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
Allegory: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A story, poem, or picture that has a deeper symbolic meaning, often moral or political.
Effect:
Encourages deeper interpretation and conveys complex ideas in a simple form.
Example:
Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory for the Russian Revolution.
Didactic: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Writing intended to teach or convey a moral lesson.
Effect:
Encourages the reader to learn or reflect on ethical or moral issues.
Example:
Aesop’s fables, like The Tortoise and the Hare, which teaches patience and perseverance.
Repetition: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times for emphasis.
Effect:
Reinforces an idea, creates rhythm, and makes the message more memorable.
Example:
“Never give in. Never, never, never.”
Rhyme: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of similar sounds, typically at the end of lines in poetry.
Effect:
Creates musicality, enhances memorability, and can set a particular tone.
Example:
“The cat sat on the mat.”
Half Rhyme: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A partial or imperfect rhyme where words have similar but not identical sounds.
Effect:
Creates a subtle or unsettling effect, making the poem feel less predictable.
Example:
Stanza: definition, effect and example
Definition: A grouped set of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose.
Effect: Organizes ideas, creates structure, and can influence pacing.
Minor Sentence: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A short sentence that lacks a subject or verb but still conveys meaning.
Effect:
Creates impact, urgency, or realism in speech.
Example:
“No hope. No future. Nothing.”
Syntactic Parallelism: definition, effect and example
Definition: The repetition of sentence structures for emphasis or rhythm.
Effect: Creates a pattern, making the text more engaging and persuasive.
Example:
“She came, she saw, she conquered.” (Also used in Charge of Light Brigade)
Anaphora: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
Effect:
Adds emphasis, builds rhythm, and creates a persuasive or poetic effect.
Example:
In ‘London’ repetition of “In every”
Dialogue: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a text. It can reveal character relationships, emotions, or advance the plot.
Effect:
It makes the text more engaging and realistic, helping the reader understand characters better. It also breaks up long descriptive passages, adding variety to the narrative.
Zooming-in: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Zooming-in focuses on a small detail, such as an object, facial expression, or a specific moment.
Effect:
Can create tension and highlight important details, making the scene more vivid.
Example:
Her trembling fingers traced the rim of the coffee cup, the chipped ceramic cold against her skin.
Panning-out: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Moves away from a detail to show a bigger picture, such as a setting or atmosphere.
Effect:
Provides context, helping the reader understand the broader significance of a moment.
Example:
Beyond the café window, the city hummed with life—people rushing, cars honking, and streetlights flickering against the evening sky.
Flashback (Analeptic reference): definition, effect and example
Definition:
A moment in the narrative that jumps back in time to reveal past events, often providing insight into a character’s background or motivation.
Effect:
It deepens character development, builds suspense, and helps the reader understand past events that shape the present narrative.
Flashforward (Prolepsis): definition, effect and example
Definition:
A narrative technique that jumps forward in time to show future events before returning to the present.
Effect:
It creates anticipation, foreshadows events, and adds dramatic tension by hinting at what is to come.
Pathos: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Pathos is the use of language to evoke emotions, particularly feelings of pity, sadness, or sympathy in the reader. (Can be used as a rhetorical technique)
Effect:
It makes the reader emotionally invested in the story, encouraging empathy for the characters and their struggles.
Example:
The dog lay beside its owner’s grave, its whimpers the only sound breaking the stillness of the cemetery.
Logos: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A rhetorical technique that appeals to logic and reason by using facts, statistics, or logical arguments to persuade an audience.
Effect:
It makes the argument more convincing by presenting clear, rational evidence. It helps the reader feel that the writer’s argument is well-reasoned and credible.
Ethos: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A rhetorical technique that appeals to credibility and ethics. It establishes the speaker’s authority or trustworthiness to persuade the audience.
Effect on the reader:
It makes the argument more trustworthy by showing that the speaker is knowledgeable, experienced, or morally sound. The reader is more likely to believe and respect the argument.
Hyperbolic Language: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Deliberate exaggeration for effect, often to create emphasis or humor.
Effect:
It adds drama, humor, or intensity to a piece of writing, making descriptions more vivid and engaging.
Example:
“I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!”
Hamartia: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A character’s tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to their downfall, often found in tragedies.
Effect:
It creates tension and allows the audience to sympathize with the character’s mistakes while reinforcing themes of fate and consequence.
Example:
Macbeth’s ambition blinded him to the consequences of his actions, leading to his tragic demise.
Triadic Listing: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A list of three words, phrases, or ideas used to create emphasis. (Triplet)
Effect:
Makes descriptions more memorable, persuasive, or rhythmic.
Example:
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Asyndetic Listing: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A list without conjunctions, using only commas.
Effect:
Speeds up the pace of writing, creates a sense of urgency or intensity.
Example:
She was smart, bold, fearless, unstoppable.
Syndetic Listing: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A list that includes conjunctions.
Effect:
Slows the pace, making each item feel more deliberate and connected.
Example:
He bought apples and oranges and bananas and grapes.
Hypophora: definition, effect and example
Definition:
When a writer asks a question and immediately answers it.
Effect:
Engages the reader, creates a conversational tone, or can be used to guide the audience’s thinking.
Example:
Why do we need change? Because the future depends on it.
Rhetorical Question: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.
Effect:
Makes the reader think, persuades, or emphasizes a point.
Example:
Who wouldn’t want to live in a world without war?
Interrogative Sentence: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A sentence that asks a question. (Pretty much just a question)
Effect:
Engages the audience, invites reflection, or creates tension.
Example:
What are we supposed to do now?
Imperative verb: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A command or instruction.
Effect:
Creates urgency, authority, or persuasion.
Example:
Close the door.
Exclamatory Sentence: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A sentence that expresses strong emotion, ending in an exclamation mark.
Effect:
Shows excitement, fear, anger, or other strong emotions.
Example:
I can’t believe this happened!
Motifs: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A recurring idea, symbol, or theme in a text.
Effect:
Reinforces themes, creates deeper meaning, or connects ideas.
Example:
In Macbeth, the motif of blood symbolizes guilt and violence.
Incongruent: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Something that does not match or is out of place in a given context.
Effect:
Creates contrast, surprise, or humor; can highlight absurdity or irony.
Example:
A clown attending a serious business meeting.
Ambiguity: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A word, phrase, or statement with multiple possible meanings.
Effect:
Adds depth, mystery, or uncertainty; can engage the reader by making them interpret meaning.
Juxtaposition: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Placing two contrasting ideas, characters, or things close together.
Effect:
Highlights differences, enhances contrast, or creates tension.
Example:
A wealthy mansion next to a run-down shack.
Antithesis: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A contrast between two opposite ideas within the same sentence or passage.
Effect:
Creates a powerful impact, emphasizes differences, and strengthens an argument.
Example:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Paradox: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A seemingly contradictory statement (that might reveal a deeper truth).
Effect:
Challenges the reader’s thinking, adds complexity, or creates irony.
Example:
Less is more.
Metonymy: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Replacing the name of something with something closely related to it.
Effect:
Adds variety, symbolism, or sophistication to writing.
Example:
“The White House issued a statement.” (Instead of “The President issued a statement.”)
Synecdoche: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A figure of speech where a part of something represents the whole or vice versa.
Effect:
Can make language more colloquial, creates familiarity.
Example:
“Those are some nice wheels you’ve got!” (Where wheels are used instead of car)
Oxymoron: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A phrase that combines contradictory words.
Effect:
Creates emphasis, irony, or a striking image.
Example:
“Bittersweet memories.”
Foreshadowing: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Hints or clues about future events.
Effect:
Builds suspense and keeps the reader engaged.
Example:
“Little did he know, this would be the last time he saw her.”
Dramatic irony: definition, effect and example
Definition:
When the audience knows something the characters do not.
Effect:
Creates suspense or humor.
Example:
In a horror film, the audience sees the killer hiding, but the character does not.
Direct Address: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Speaking directly to the reader using “you.”
Effect:
Engages the reader and makes them feel involved.
Example:
Have you ever wondered why this happens?
Epistrophe: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The repetition of words at the end of successive clauses. (Opposite of an anaphora)
Effect:
Reinforces a point and makes it more persuasive.
Example:
I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Statistics and Facts: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Using data or proven information.
Effect:
Makes arguments more credible and persuasive.
Example:
“70% of people agree with this statement.”
Ellipsis: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Three dots (…) indicating a pause or unfinished thought.
Effect:
Creates suspense or leaves something open to interpretation.
Example:
“He opened the door and…”
Parenthesis: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Extra information added using brackets, dashes, or commas.
Effect:
Adds extra detail or creates an aside.
Example:
“The trip (which took hours) was exhausting.”
Jargon: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Specialised language used by a particular group.
Effect:
Can make writing more precise but may confuse some readers.
Example:
“The CPU is overheating due to high RAM usage.”
Archetype: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A typical character, situation, or symbol that represents universal patterns of human nature.
Effect:
Helps readers connect with familiar themes and characters by evoking collective experiences.
Example:
The “hero” archetype like Harry Potter.
Caricature: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A character portrayal that exaggerates certain features for comic or critical effect.
Effect:
Used to ridicule, entertain, or criticize societal flaws.
Example:
Mr. Bumble in Oliver Twist is a caricature of the corrupt, pompous official.
Dichotomy: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A contrast between two opposing ideas, often represented together to emphasize their differences.
Effect:
Highlights conflicts and complexities within a narrative.
Example:
Good vs. Evil in Lord of the Rings.
Epithet: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A descriptive word or phrase expressing a quality of a character or thing.
Effect:
Adds vivid imagery and characterization.
Example:
“Swift-footed Achilles” in The Iliad.
Epitome: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Effect:
Reinforces themes by exemplifying ideals or concepts.
Example:
Atticus Finch is the epitome of morality in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Interjection: definition, effect and example
Manifestation: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The physical or visible form of an abstract concept.
Effect:
Symbolises complex ideas through tangible representation.
Example:
The green light in The Great Gatsby as a manifestation of Gatsby’s hopes.
Parody: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing.
Effect:
Critiques or mocks the original work or societal norms.
Example:
Don Quixote parodies the idealized stories of chivalry.
Sarcasm: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they mean, often to mock.
Effect:
Adds humor, criticism, or emotional expression.
Example:
“Oh, great! Another test tomorrow!”
Satire: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human folly or societal issues.
Effect:
Encourages readers to reflect on social problems.
Example:
Animal Farm satirises the Russian Revolution.
Situational Irony: definition, effect and example
Definition:
When the opposite of what is expected occurs.
Effect:
Creates surprise, suspense, or emphasizes themes.
Example:
A fire station burns down.
Chinese Box Narrative: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A story within a story, often using multiple layers of narration.
Effect:
Adds depth, perspective, and complexity.
Example:
Frankenstein uses layered narratives with Walton, Victor, and the Creature.
Chronological structure: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Events presented in the order in which they occur.
Effect:
Provides clarity and realism, helping readers follow the story easily.
Example:
Inspector Goole’s narration of Eva Smith’s story follows a Chronological structure (in ‘An Inspector Calls’).
Cyclical Structure: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A narrative that begins and ends in the same or a similar place or situation.
Effect:
Reinforces themes of inevitability or repetition.
Example:
‘An Inspector Calls’ starts and ends with an inspector calling the Birling family.
Exposition: definition, effect and example
Definition:
The introduction of background information about characters, settings, and events.
Effect:
Provides essential context for the reader to understand the narrative.
Example:
The opening chapter of Romeo and Juliet introduces the Montagues and Capulets.
In Media Res: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Beginning a story in the middle of the action.
Effect:
Grabs attention and creates immediate intrigue.
Example:
The Odyssey starts with Odysseus already on his journey.
Refrain: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A repeated line or phrase, often in poetry or song.
Effect:
Emphasises key themes or emotions.
Example:
“Nevermore” in The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
Tricolon: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A series of three parallel words, phrases, or clauses.
Effect:
Adds rhythm, emphasis, and memorability.
Example:
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Microcosm: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A small-scale representation of a larger world or society.
Effect:
Provides a focused exploration of wider themes.
Example:
The island in Lord of the Flies is a microcosm of human society.
Monologue: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A lengthy speech by one character, often expressing their thoughts.
Effect:
Provides insight into the character’s inner emotions and perspectives.
Example:
Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy.
Mouthpiece: definition, effect and example
Definition:
A character who expresses the author’s own views or opinions.
Effect:
Offers direct commentary on themes and moral issues.
Example:
Inspector in ‘An Inspector Calls’ acts as a mouthpiece for Priestly’s socialist views
Stage Direction: definition, effect and example
Definition:
Instructions in a script that describe actions, movement, or tone.
Effect:
Guides actors and directors to convey the playwright’s vision.
Example:
In A Streetcar Named Desire, stage directions emphasize Blanche’s emotional state.
