Literacy terms Flashcards
the repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds especially in words that are together.
Assonance
repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together.
Alliteration
a figure of speech that makes an explicit comparison between two unlike things, using words such as like, as , than, or resembles.
Simile
a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without the use of such specific words of comparison as like, as, than, or resembles.
Metaphor
a statement that appears self-contradictory, but that reveals a kind of truth.
Paradox
a discrepancy between appearances and reality
Irony
takes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen, or what would be appropriate to happen, and what really does happen.
situational irony
it is often used on stage. A character in the play or story thinks one thing is true, but the audience or reader knows better.
Dramatic irony
occurs when someone says one thing but really means something else.
Verbal Irony
the use of words whose sounds echo their sense. “Pop.” “Zap.”
Onomatopoeia
the author reveals to the reader what the character is like by describing how the character looks and dresses, by letting the reader hear what the character says, by revealing the character’s private thoughts and feelings, by revealing the effect of the character on other people (showing how other characters feel or behave toward the character), or by showing the character in action. Common in modern literature.
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
the author tells us directly what the character is like: sneaky, generous, mean to pets and so on. Romantic style literature relied more heavily on this form.
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
a speaker or writer’s choice of words.
Diction
An atmosphere created by a writer’s diction and the details selected
MOOD
the attitude a writer takes toward the subject of work, the characters in it, or the audience, revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization
TONE
the distinctive way in which a writer uses language: a writer’s distinctive use of diction, tone, and syntax.
Style
the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
Syntax
the insight about human life that is revealed in a literary work
Theme:
story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. EXAMPLE: Animal Farm; Dante’s Inferno; Lord of the Flies
Allegory:
a type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about a change.
Satire
a relatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson about how to lead a good life.
Parable
A character who acts as contrast to another character. Often a funny side kick to the dashing hero, or a villain contrasting the hero.
Foil character
is one who does not change much in the course of a story.
STATIC CHARACTER
is one who changes in some important way as a result of the story’s action.
DYNAMIC CHARACTER
