Literacy Terms Review Flashcards
1
Q
Allegory
A
- A story with two levels of meaning: a literal one and a symbolic one. Often, it conveys a moral, political, or philosophical message.
- Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell, where animals represent figures from the Russian Revolution.
2
Q
Alliteration
A
- The repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words to create rhythm or emphasis.
- Example: “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
3
Q
Allusion
A
- A reference to a well-known person, event, or piece of literature, meant to evoke a connection without lengthy explanation.
- Example: Saying someone “has the patience of Job” alludes to the Biblical figure known for enduring hardships.
4
Q
Archetype
A
- A universal symbol or character that appears across cultures and literature, often representing typical human behaviors or roles.
- Example: The “hero” archetype is found in many stories, like Harry Potter or Luke Skywalker.
5
Q
Assonance
A
- The repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity in a line of poetry or prose, often used to add rhythm or mood.
- Example: “The early bird catches the worm.”
6
Q
Atmosphere
A
- The overall feeling or mood that a writer creates for the reader, often established through setting, imagery, and tone.
- Example: A dark and stormy setting often creates a gloomy or suspenseful atmosphere.
7
Q
Apostrophe
A
- A figure of speech in which the speaker directly addresses someone absent, dead, or a personified concept.
- Example: “O Death, where is thy sting?”
8
Q
Canon
A
- Works considered essential or most representative of a particular period, culture, or genre.
- Example: The works of Shakespeare are considered part of the English literary canon.
9
Q
Connotation
A
- The emotional or cultural association with a word beyond its literal definition.
- Example: “Home” connotes warmth, comfort, and family, beyond just a physical house.
10
Q
Diction
A
- The writer’s choice of words, which affects the tone and style of the text.
- Example: Formal diction may use complex words, while informal diction includes slang or conversational language.
11
Q
Dramatic Irony
A
- When the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or humor.
- Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo does not.
12
Q
Epiphany
A
- A sudden realization or insight that changes a character’s understanding or perspective.
- Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout has an epiphany about the importance of empathy.
13
Q
Euphemism
A
- A milder or less direct word or phrase used to avoid harshness or bluntness.
- Example: Saying “passed away” instead of “died.”
14
Q
Foreshadowing
A
- Clues or hints about what will happen later in the story, often used to build suspense.
- Example: Dark clouds in the sky can foreshadow trouble or sadness.
15
Q
Free Verse
A
- A type of poetry that does not adhere to any specific rhyme or meter.
- Example: Much of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass is written in free verse.
16
Q
Hyperbole
A
- Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
- Example: “I’ve told you a million times!”
17
Q
Juxtaposition
A
- Placing two elements side by side to highlight their contrasts or comparisons.
- Example: Beauty and ugliness juxtaposed to emphasize each quality.
18
Q
Metaphor
A
- A figure of speech comparing two things without using “like” or “as,” saying one thing is another.
- Example: “Time is a thief.”
19
Q
Motif
A
- A recurring element, symbol, or idea in a work of literature that helps develop the theme.
- Example: Darkness as a motif in Macbeth, symbolizing evil and secrecy.
20
Q
Oxymoron
A
- A phrase combining two contradictory terms.
- Example: “Deafening silence.”
21
Q
Pathos
A
- An appeal to the audience’s emotions, aiming to elicit feelings of sympathy, sorrow, or excitement.
- Example: Describing the hardship of a character’s struggle to evoke sympathy from readers.
22
Q
Personification
A
- Giving human characteristics to non-human objects or concepts.
- Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
23
Q
Protagonist
A
- The main character in a story, often facing a central conflict or pursuing a goal.
- Example: Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.
24
Q
Pun
A
- A play on words, often for humorous effect, using multiple meanings or similar sounds.
- Example: “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
25
Q
Simile
A
- A figure of speech comparing two things using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
26
Q
Tone
A
- The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, revealed through word choice, style, and perspective.
- Example: A sarcastic tone in a character’s dialogue could suggest irony or disbelief.
