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GCSE English Language and Literature > Language Techniques > Flashcards

Language Techniques Flashcards

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1
Q

What does allegory mean?

A

When characters and plot represent ideas that relate to morality, politics, or religion

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2
Q

What is the effect of allegory?

A

Allegory allows authors and creators to explore often overwhelming or controversial ideas in an approachable manner

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3
Q

Give an example of an allegory

A
  • In ‘An Inspector Calls’, the characters represent the rigid class divides in the early 20th century
  • Mrs Birling is an allegory for the way the upper classes saw themselves as socially superior to the lower classes
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4
Q

What does alliteration mean?

A
  • Use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of consecutive words or words in close proximity
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5
Q

What is the effect of alliteration?

A
  • Alliteration draws attention to certain phrases or sentences
  • Not only draws the eye of the reader on the page, but the phrase has more emphasis when read
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6
Q

Give an example of alliteration

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’, the witches chant “Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair”
  • Sets the tone for the whole play
  • Implies what we perceive is good is often bad, and vice versa
  • The phrase has become an iconic quotation for the way it sets the tone of the play so memorably
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7
Q

What does allusion mean?

A

A way of making reference to something else without explicitly stating what it is you’re referring to

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8
Q

What is the effect of allusion?

A

Allusion allows authors to:

  • Infer meaning by creating parallels between their text and whatever it is they’re alluding to
  • Create contrast between the author’s argument and their allusion
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9
Q

Give an example of allusion

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, Shelley uses the phrase “Like Adam” to allude to the first man (from the Bible)
  • Creates a feeling of isolation much like Adam would’ve felt as the first person on earth
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10
Q

What does anaphora mean?

A

When words (or a phrase) repeat at the beginning of consecutive sentences, clauses, or lines in poetry

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11
Q

What is the effect of anaphora?

A
  • Anaphora is used like alliteration to create emphasis and draw the eye of the reader
  • Creates rhythm and injecting emotion into the text
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12
Q

Give an example of anaphora

A
  • In Macbeth, the witches says “Thrice to thine and thrice to mine and thrice again to make up nine.”
  • The use of anaphora here creates a clear rhythm and emphasises the power of the witches
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13
Q

What does archetype mean?

A
  • Stereotype of a character/thing
  • A model around which certain character types are built (ie. a tragic hero)
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14
Q

What is the effect of an archetype?

A
  • Archetypes are used to build a connection between the reader and the characters in the text
  • Prompts a feeling of familiarity which causes readers to become more emotionally invested in a text
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15
Q

Give an example of an archetype

A
  • In ‘A Christmas Carol’, Ebenezer Scrooge fits neatly into the archetype of character transformation; he begins the text a rude and grumpy old man, and ends it a generous and changed man
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16
Q

What does aphorism mean?

A
  • short statement about a widely accepted truth
  • often amusing or witty in nature
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17
Q

What is the effect of an aphorism?

A
  • Builds trust between the reader and the writer; by making use of universal truths
  • Reader comes to understand the writer as trustworthy
  • Increases engagement
  • Helps to persuade the reader of the writer’s argument
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18
Q

Give an example of an aphorism

A
  • ‘Pride and Prejudice’ opens with an aphorism “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
  • This particular aphorism not only establishes the writer as trustworthy, for making a statement about social norms of the time, but it establishes the tone of the entire text, foreshadowing the events to come
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19
Q

What does assonance mean?

A

Repetition of a similar vowel sound in consecutive words or words in close proximity

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20
Q

What is the effect of assonance?

A
  • Like alliteration and anaphora, assonance creates rhythm in a text
  • Allows readers to interpret a sentence the way the author intended by making clear which vowel sound should be stressed
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21
Q

Give an example of assonance

A
  • In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, we can see assonance in a lot of Juliet’s speech, like when she says “Nightly she sings on yon pomegranate tree. / Believe me, love, it was the nightingale.”
  • Repetition of the long E sound creates clear rhythm, and echoes the melody of the nightingale
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22
Q

What does caesura mean?

A
  • A stop in the middle of a metrical line
  • Usually comes in the form of commas, dashes, or colons in the middle of a line of poetry
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23
Q

What is the effect of caesura?

A
  • Caesura gives a choppy and dysfunctional tone to the text, while simultaneously increasing reading pace
  • Increasing pace builds tension, and can help relay feelings of frustration or confusion to a reader
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24
Q

Give an example of caesura

A
  • In ‘Romeo and Juliet’ during the balcony scene, Shakespeare makes use of much caesura in order to accurately portray the overwhelming emotions felt by Romeo and Juliet
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25
Q

What does chiasmus mean?

A

The reversal of phrases or grammatical structures in consecutive phrases or sentences

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26
Q

What is the effect of chiasmus?

A
  • Chiasmus adds emphasis to a portion of the text, drawing the reader’s eye and making sentences stand out more
  • Reversing a phrase just after using it engages the reader’s attention by disrupting the structure of the text
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27
Q

Give an example of chiasmus

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’, the witches use chiasmus for emphasis when they chant “Fair is foul, foul is fair”.
  • As previously mentioned, this sentence sets the tone for the play
  • The use of chiasmus helps foreshadow the events to come
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28
Q

What does connotation mean?

A

When a word, phrase, or other component of a text is intended to carry a certain meaning (ie. the way the colour red is intended to convey anger)

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29
Q

What is the effect of an connotation?

A
  • Writers often use connotations to help convey emotions or feelings
  • allows them to invoke a deeper emotional response in the reader
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30
Q

Give an example of a connotation

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, Shelley repeatedly uses the word “creature” to cast Frankenstein’s monster in a negative light
  • The word “creature” carries negative connotations, implying he is monstrous and bruteish
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31
Q

What does consonance mean?

A

Repetition of a similar consonant sound in consecutive words or words in close proximity

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32
Q

What is the effect of consonance?

A
  • Consonance is remarkably similar to assonance in that it also helps to create rhythm in a text
  • Makes a sentence more pleasing to the ear, thus increasing reader engagement
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33
Q

Give an example of consonance

A

In the prologue (introduction) of ‘Romeo & Juliet’, Shakespeare writes “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes”, repeating the F consonant to emphasise that Romeo & Juliet were destined to fail

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34
Q

What does contrast mean?

A

A rhetorical device in which a writer draws attention to the difference between two characters, things, or events

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35
Q

What is the effect of contrast?

A
  • Through comparing and contrasting, writers can make stronger arguments and create stronger statements, further engaging the reader
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36
Q

Give an example of contrast

A

The contrasting personalities of Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy are used to build tension throughout ‘Pride and Prejudice’, while also emphasising Jane Austen’s disdain for unjust judgement

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37
Q

What does dichotomy mean?

A
  • A division into two opposite groups (ie. peace and war, love and hate)
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38
Q

What is the effect of a dichotomy?

A
  • Dichotomies are often used to create and build tension in a storyline; they allow the reader to clearly understand both groups, increasing emotional engagement
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39
Q

Give an example of a dichotomy

A
  • Throughout ‘Jane Eyre’, Bronte establishes a clear dichotomy of male oppression and female rage in the way Jane interacts with male characters in the text
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40
Q

What does diction mean?

A
  • The words a writer chooses to use to best convey their message
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41
Q

What is the effect of diction?

A
  • Dicton is responsible for the way a reader interprets a text, and can be used in any way a writer pleases
  • It can be used to emphasise character’s emotions, or repression of emotions
  • Can also be used to create a more romantic tone, or an aggressive tone
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42
Q

Give an example of diction

A
  • Shakespeare uses diction to emphasise Macbeth’s attempt to justify his own actions, particularly in the dagger soliloquy
  • He personifies Murder to create a distance between his crimes and his responsibility
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43
Q

What does didacticism mean?

A
  • When the main purpose of a text is to teach the reader a lesson, often a moral one
  • Can also apply to characters in a text
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44
Q

What is the effect of didacticism?

A
  • Didactic tone is often applied throughout an entire text, as in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
  • Prompts deeper thought by the reader
  • Encourages a deeper understanding of the text, which in turn increases the reader’s engagement
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45
Q

Give an example of didacticism

A
  • ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a didactic text filled with moral messages
  • Scrooge’s moral improvement teaches the reader a similar message to the one he learns himself, that, as readers, we are on a journey of moral development with him
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46
Q

What does dissonance mean?

A
  • Use of harsh and interrupting sounds in text
  • particularly with use of words that generally do not work together
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47
Q

What is the effect of dissonance?

A
  • Dissonance creates a tone of tension and unease, building suspense for the reader
  • Relays emotions felt by the characters
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48
Q

Give an example of dissonance

A
  • In tense moments in ‘Macbeth’, Shakespeare uses blank verse and variant vowel sounds to create dissonance
  • Particularly evident when Macbeth says “Off all men else I have avoided thee. // But get thee back. My soul is too much charged // With blood of thine already.”
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49
Q

What does dramatic irony mean?

A
  • When the reader or audience are aware of something the characters are not
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50
Q

What is the effect of dramatic irony?

A
  • Dramatic irony creates suspense, because it is inevitable that the characters will come to understand what the audience/reader already knows
  • Tension builds as readers wait for the truth to come to light
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51
Q

Give an example of dramatic irony

A
  • ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is filled with dramatic irony, because the characters frequently disguise themselves
  • When the characters are in disguise, the audience are aware of what is happening, while the other characters are not
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52
Q

What does an ellipsis mean?

A
  • Often represented as “…” or “-“
  • Used to pause for dramatic effect
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53
Q

What is the effect of an ellipsis?

A
  • When used as a pause, ellipsis builds tension by creating a silence not often found in literature
  • Often used when characters trail off, and it often holds some implied meaning
  • In this case, it encourages deeper engagement by the readers, who must consider the meaning of the ellipses
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54
Q

Give an example of an ellipsis

A
  • In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Sheila says “Oh - Gerald - you’ve got it - is it the one you wanted me to have?”.
  • The ellipsis used here builds tension by implying a degree of discomfort or awkwardness on Sheila’s part
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55
Q

What does enjambment mean?

A
  • When a sentence continues beyond the end of a line without use of punctuation
  • Often seen in poetry and rhymed verse
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56
Q

What is the effect of enjambment?

A
  • Enjambment increases the pace of a section of text by forcing the reader to continue reading without a break
  • Increasing the pace builds tension and suspense
  • Can be used to indicate a character’s state of mind
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57
Q

Give an example of enjambment

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’, Shakespeare uses enjambment in “The raven himself is hoarse // That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under by battlements”.
  • The use of enjambment builds on the tension of the statement, thus further engaging the reader
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58
Q

What does epigraph mean?

A
  • A quote, poem, or phrase set at the beginning of a piece of text
  • This may just be at the beginning of a section
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59
Q

What is the effect of an epigraph?

A
  • Epigraphs are generally not mentioned in the main body of the text, so their sole purpose is to set the tone of the text
  • They establish a certain mood and let readers know what they should expect from the text
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60
Q

Give an example of an epigraph

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, Shelley uses “Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay / To mould me man?” as her epigraph
  • This sets the tone for the novel, establishing a theme of creation & disdain
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61
Q

What does epitome mean?

A
  • A person or item which is a perfect representation of something else
  • particularly a quality or concept
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62
Q

What is the effect of an epitome?

A
  • Epitomes are used to draw attention to the argument the writer is making that a certain person is the perfect example of something else
  • It makes the argument more impactful
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63
Q

Give an example of an epitome

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, Victor Frankenstein is portrayed as the epitome of speciesism, prioritising his own morbid interests over the interests of his monster
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64
Q

What does euphemism mean?

A
  • Language used to imply something unpleasant or impolite
65
Q

What is the effect of a euphemism?

A
  • Euphemisms are used to mask the impoliteness or rudeness of a remark
  • Softens an uncomfortable topic
  • Often used in Shakespeare as a symbol of a character’s superior intellect
66
Q

Give an example of a euphemism

A
  • In ‘Julius Caesar’, Casca says that two men have been “put to silence”.
  • This is a euphemism for death
  • Use of a euphemism makes the murder of the two men seem much less harsh
  • ensures the reader doesn’t linger on the point for too long
67
Q

What does foreshadowing mean?

A
  • A warning of events to come in a text
68
Q

What is the effect of foreshadowing?

A
  • Foreshadowing increases narrative tension by giving readers an implication of what is to come
  • Especially powerful when used to foreshadow a distressing event when used to foreshadow a distressing event while the plot is calm
69
Q

Give an example of foreshadowing

A
  • In ‘Lord of the Files’, Piggy’s death is foreshadowed when he tells Ralph he can’t swim because of his asthma, and Ralph replies “Sucks to your ass-mar.”
  • This lack of concern for Piggy’s health and vulnerability makes his coming death clear
70
Q

What does hyperbole mean?

A
  • Figurative speech used for exaggeration
71
Q

What is the effect of hyperbole?

A
  • Hyperbole often adds an element of comedy and amusement to a text
  • Allows an author to add excitement to a tedious or mundane subject
72
Q

Give an example of hyperbole

A
  • In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Priestley uses hyperbole when he says “millions and millions of John Smiths and Eva Smiths.”
  • His exaggeration is intended to emphasise to both the characters and the reader how common exploitation of the lower classes is
73
Q

What does idiom mean?

A
  • An expression used by native speakers to mean something other than its literal meaning
74
Q

What is the effect of an idiom?

A
  • Idioms are used to increase reader engagement by establishing similarities between the text and normal speech
  • Also used to establish character backgrounds and personality, because idioms vary from region to region
75
Q

Give an example of an idiom

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’, Lady Macbeth says “What’s done is done”, which emphasises that we cannot change the past
  • Adds to the gravity of the situation by implying there is nothing that can be done to fix it
76
Q

What does imagery mean?

A
  • Visually descriptive language used to appeal to the reader’s senses
77
Q

What is the effect of imagery?

A
  • Using imagery increases reader engagement by allowing them to use their imagination to put themselves in the scene
  • If they can visualise the scene, they will become more invested in the storyline
78
Q

Give an example of imagery

A
  • Shelley uses imagery throughout ‘Frankenstein’, both in her description of the monster
  • Using imagery helps convey the horror of the monster, which has an effect on the emotions of the reader
79
Q

What does irony mean?

A
  • Expression of an emotion or thought by using language which typically means the opposite
  • Often amusing, which injects a degree of comedy into a text
80
Q

What is the effect of irony?

A
  • Irony draws attention to a statement by bringing humour to a situation
  • Often also introduces a degree of dread
81
Q

Give an example of irony

A
  • In ‘A Christmas Carol’, Scrooge describes his father as cold, in an obvious bit of irony
  • The entire text revolves around Scrooge’s coldness, so it is ironic that his father’s coldness is something he considered definitive
82
Q

What does juxtaposition mean?

A
  • Two opposing things placed next to each other for contrast
83
Q

What is the effect of juxtaposition?

A
  • Juxtaposition is used to draw attention to the differences between two things
  • Useful for establishing character personalities in the context of each other
84
Q

Give an example of juxtaposition

A
  • Juxtaposition is used consistently throughout ‘Jekyll & Hyde’
  • The entire text is a juxtaposition
  • Jekyll & Hyde are juxtaposed to draw attention to overt differences between the two, and to highlight good & evil
85
Q

What does metaphor mean?

A
  • A figure of speech in which an object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a similarity between them
86
Q

What is the effect of a metaphor?

A
  • Metaphors draw the attention of the reader by engaging their imagination in their interpretation of the metaphor
  • They create more manageable images in the reader’s mind, thus further prompting engagement
87
Q

Give an example of a metaphor

A
  • In ‘Lord of the Flies’, the Scar is a metaphor for the darkness inside the boys on the island
  • It is a repeating metaphor used in a variety of different circumstances to continuously draw attention to this darkness
88
Q

What does microcosm mean?

A
  • A community or situation intended to represent the characteristics of something much larger
89
Q

What is the effect of an microcosm?

A
  • Microcosm are used to force the reader to consider the bigger picture, making them examine the wider picture as they read
90
Q

Give an example of a microcosm

A
  • In ‘An Inspector Calls’, the Birling family’s mistreatment of Eva Smith acts as a microcosm for the upper class’s mistreatment of the lower classes
91
Q

What does monologue mean?

A
  • A long, uninterrupted speech made by a character in a play
92
Q

What is the effect of a monologue?

A
  • Monologues are often used to provide the audience with more detail about a character or plot point
  • Helps to explain and progress the text’s storyline
93
Q

Give an example of a monologue

A
  • ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is filled with monologues
  • In 4.1, Beatrice launches into Benedict, asking him to murder Claudio as proof of his good nature
94
Q

What does motif mean?

A
  • A repeating idea used to dictate tone and emphasise themes
95
Q

What is the effect of a motif?

A
  • Motifs help readers understand characters better and it establishes the mood of the text
  • Is a key way of increasing reader engagement with the text
96
Q

Give an example of a motif

A
  • In ‘Jane Eyre’, the motif of fire and ice repeatedly appear to represent Jane’s fiery resolve and the oppressive forces that would see this extinguished
97
Q

What does onomatopoeia mean?

A
  • Words that sound like the sounds they are describing (ie. clap)
98
Q

What is the effect of onomatopoeia?

A
  • Onomatopoeia is often used in poetry to add depth to the text
  • Using words that sound how they are written engages the reader’s senses, encouraging deeper emotional involvement
99
Q

Give an example of onomatopoeia

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’ use of the word “ripped” is onomatopoeic
  • Instils a degree of horror in the reader
100
Q

What does oxymoron mean?

A
  • A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms are used consecutively
101
Q

What is the effect of an oxymoron?

A
  • Oxymorons are used to draw the reader’s attention; the element of confusion they create causes readers to stop & ponder the meaning of the phrase
102
Q

Give an example of an oxymoron

A
  • In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the phrase “civil brawls” is an oxymoron to describe the relationship between the Montagues and Capulets
  • The two words have opposite meanings, and so prompt deeper thought from the reader
103
Q

What does paradox mean?

A
  • A repeating idea used to dictate tone and emphasise themes
104
Q

What is the effect of a paradox?

A
  • Motifs help readers understand characters better
  • Establishes the mood of the text
  • Key way of increasing reader engagement with the text
105
Q

Give an example of a paradox

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, a key paradox can be found in Victor’s motivations for creating a monster
  • Despite the fact his motivations were partially a result of parental urges, he had no emotional connection to his monster
106
Q

What does pathetic fallacy mean?

A
  • When the weather reflects the mood
107
Q

What is the effect of pathetic fallacy?

A
  • When a character’s emotions are reflected in their environment, it is easier for the reader to understand and empathise with the character
108
Q

Give an example of pathetic fallacy

A
  • Pathetic fallacy is used throughout ‘Jane Eyre’ to emphasise Jane’s mood
  • When Jane is sent away from Gateshead, it is foggy & cold
  • When Rochester proposes to Jane, the sky is clear & the sun is shining
109
Q

What does pathos mean?

A
  • Evoking a certain feeling in the reader/audience
  • Pathos is most often used for feelings of sadness, or pity
110
Q

What is the effect of pathos?

A
  • Pathos appeals to the emotions of the reader, strengthening connections between the reader & the characters, & and this increasing reader engagement
111
Q

Give an example of pathos

A
  • In ‘Animal Farm’, Old Major employs pathos to scare the animals into accepting his ideas
112
Q

What does personification mean?

A
  • Giving human characteristics to non-humans or inanimate objects
113
Q

What is the effect of personification?

A
  • Personification creates depth in a text by giving a voice to otherwise silent, unmoving objects
  • Allows reader to become more fully immersed in the text, maximising engagement
114
Q

Give an example of personification

A
  • In ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth personified Duncan’s virtues, stating “that his virtues // Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against / The deep damnation of his taking-off.”
115
Q

What are plosive sounds?

A
  • Harsh sounds associated with the letters p, t, k, b, d, and g which interrupt airflow by closing the mouth
116
Q

What is the effect of plosive sounds?

A
  • Plosive sounds are harsh, and help convey complex emotions like frustration & anger
  • Allows readers to more deeply understand the emotions at play in a scene
117
Q

Give an example of plosive sounds

A
  • In ‘Jane Eyre’, Mr Brocklehurst’s name begins with a plosive sound
  • Foreshadows his harsh & abrupt personality
118
Q

What is a political diatribe?

A
  • The way a text is written to criticise a political system or belief
119
Q

What is the effect of a political diatribe?

A
  • Political diatribes are used to encourage deeper thought from the reader about the topic at hand
  • Intended to force readers to scrutinise their own understanding of the topic
120
Q

Give an example of a political diatribe

A
  • Priestley uses ‘An Inspector Calls’ as a social and political diatribe to criticise the rigid class divides which are responsible for the exploitation of the lower classes
121
Q

What does repetition mean?

A
  • Repeating something that has already been used
  • Applies to words, phrases, motifs etc
122
Q

What is the effect of repetition?

A
  • Repetition is used to emphasise a point or motif
  • By repeating something over & over, it makes it clear that it is important to the text
  • If the repetition is of words/phrases, it draws the eye of the reader while simultaneously emphasising the importance of the idea
123
Q

Give an example of repetition

A
  • In ‘Pride & Prejudice’, Elizabeth employs repetition in her letter when she says “Dear Madam do not go. I beg you will not go””
  • Her repetition reinforces her message
124
Q

What does rhyme mean?

A
  • When two words have a similar sound, particularly at the end of the word
125
Q

What is the effect of rhyme?

A
  • Rhyming makes a text more interesting & more memorable
  • Adds rhythm to a text
  • Used to invoke deeper emotion
  • Emphasises how trivial an item/idea is
126
Q

Give an example of rhyme

A
  • In ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Hero finishes her monologue with a rhyming couplet to reinforce her message: “If it prove so, then loving goes by haps, / Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps”.
127
Q

What does rhythm mean?

A
  • The way a writer arranges stressed and unstressed vowel sounds to dictate the way a text is read
128
Q

What is the effect of rhythm?

A
  • Like rhyme, rhythm makes a text more semantically and verbally appealing to a reader
  • Placing stressed vowels in specific locations allows a writer to make much powerful arguments
129
Q

Give an example of rhythm

A
  • Shakespeare uses a specific rhythm in most of his plays known as iambic pentameter
  • Consists of 10 syllables to a line
130
Q

What does satire mean?

A
  • Amusement toward a flawed subject as a commentary on its flaws
131
Q

What is the effect of satire?

A
  • Satire is most often used in literature to draw attention to political & social events
132
Q

Give an example of satire

A
  • In ‘A Christmas Carol’, the Ghost of Christmas Present quotes Scrooge’s own words back to him
  • Previously, Scrooge thought the “surplus population” should simply die to solve the issue, though he changes his mind when he meets Tiny Tim
133
Q

What does simile mean?

A
  • A figure of speech in which an object or idea is compared to another to suggest a similarity between them
134
Q

What is the effect of a simile?

A
  • Similes work in much the same way as metaphors, drawing the attention of the reader by engaging their imagination
  • Creates more manageable images in the reader’s mind, thus further prompting engagement
135
Q

Give an example of a simile

A
  • In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Mr Birling says “as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive”
  • This simile makes clear that Mr Birling feels no sense of friendship with the lower classes; he can’t even fathom them being in the same community, like “bees in a hive”
136
Q

What does sibilance mean?

A
  • Repetition of hissing sounds
  • Such as alliteration using the letter S
137
Q

What is the effect of sibilance?

A
  • Like alliteration, sibilance draws attention to certain phrases or sentences
  • Used to create a negative atmosphere
138
Q

Give an example of sibilance

A
  • In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Romeo says “sad hours seem long”
  • The sibilance here emphasises the sadness Romeo feels
139
Q

What is a soliloquy?

A
  • A monologue intended only to be heard by the audience and the character speaking
  • Used to explain the inner thoughts of a character
140
Q

What is the effect of a soliloquy?

A
  • Soliloquy gives us insight into the internal happenings of characters in the play, often explaining things we otherwise wouldn’t have found out
  • Like monologues, soliloquies play a key role in progressing the storyline
141
Q

Give an example of a soliloquy

A
  • In ‘The Tempest’, Prospero delivers a soliloquy in which he gives up magic, stating he will break his staff and destroy his books
  • This soliloquy gives us key insight into Prospero’s mind
  • Helps us more deeply understand his feelings & actions
142
Q

What does symbolism mean?

A
  • Use of symbols to represent an idea or concept
143
Q

What is the effect of symbolism?

A
  • Symbolism is used to convey complex ideas in a relatively simple way
  • Gives the reader a visual to focus on, which becomes synonymous with the symbol; the reader will begin to think of the meaning each time they encounter the symbol
144
Q

Give an example of symbolism

A
  • In ‘Frankenstein’, Shelley frequently uses light and fire as a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, but also of the unknown that comes with enlightenment
145
Q

What does syntax mean?

A
  • The way words are arranged in a sentence
146
Q

What is the effect of syntax?

A
  • Syntax helps writers establish mood & tone
  • Works in combination with diction to express the writer’s thoughts & feelings on a topic
147
Q

Give an example of syntax

A
  • The syntax used in ‘A Christmas Carol’ is incredibly descriptive, which is both a product of the novel’s time, and Dickens’s way of encouraging reader engagement
148
Q

What is tone?

A
  • The literary manifestation of an author’s thoughts & feelings on a certain topic
  • Encompasses diction and use of other devices
149
Q

What is the effect of tone?

A
  • Tone reflects the author’s feelings, and thus it creates a connection between the reader and the author
  • Devices are often used to create a relationship between the reader & characters in the text, but tone gives us more of an insight into the writer
150
Q

Give an example of tone

A
  • The tone of ‘Lord of the Flies’ is slightly detached, which represents the boy’s outlook on the world; they are not yet aware of the severity of their situation
151
Q

What does (blank) verse mean?

A
  • Verse that does not rhyme
  • Composed of lines called ‘iambic pantameters’ which is a rhyme sceme containting an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one
152
Q

What is the effect of (blank) verse?

A
  • Used for scenes of high emotional intensity
  • Shakespeare chooses to use blank verse as it gives them more creative freedom than rhyme. - Blank verse has no fixed number of lines and poets don’t have to follow a rhyme scheme.
  • However, as blank verse almost always makes use of Iambic Pentameter, blank verse poems still benefit from a poetic sound and rhythmic pattern.
  • Often spoken by high status characters, in comparison to prose (distinguishes characters)
153
Q

Give an example of (blank) verse

A
  • In Act 1 Scene 3 of the Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses verse (iambic pentameter) to describe Shylock’s emotions toward Shylock: “If I can catch him once upon the hip // I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him”
154
Q

What does prose mean?

A
  • Ordinary writing not organised with rhymes or fixed line lengths
155
Q

What is the effect of prose?

A
  • Traditionally used by low status or comic characters (distinguishes characters)
  • Clarifies complex plots
  • Conveys unfiltered emotions which juxtaposes a more structured and rhythmic blank verse
156
Q

Give an example of prose

A
  • In the Merchant of Venice, the Duke (comic character, falls for Portia’s disguise) speaks in prose to introduce her as Antonio’s lawyer, to clarify the complex events to come
  • “I beseech you let his [Balthazar] lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation”
157
Q

What does epistrophe mean?

A
  • Opposite of anaphora
  • repetition of the same words at the end of successive sentences or clauses
158
Q

What is the effect of an epistrophe?

A
  • Same as alliteration
  • draws attention to certain phrases or sentences
  • Not only draws the eye of the reader on the page, but the phrase has more emphasis when read
159
Q

Give an example of an epistrophe

A
  • When Shylock becomes suspicious of Antonio, he repeats ‘well’ and ‘bound’

GCSE English Language and Literature (5 decks)

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