Literary Devices Flashcards
What is an allegory?
寓言
A narrative that uses characters and events to symbolize deeper moral or political meanings.
Othello’s downfall can be seen as an allegory for the destructive power of jealousy.
What is alliteration?
头韵
The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
Example: ‘Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.’
What is an allusion?
典故
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.
Example: ‘By Janus, I think no.’ refers to the Roman god of beginnings.
What is ambiguity?
模棱两可
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation.
Example: ‘Men should be what they seem; / Or those that be not, would they might seem none!’
What is an analogy?
类比
A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Example: ‘Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.’
What is anaphora?
首语重复
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Example: ‘Put out the light, and then put out the light.’
What is antithesis?
对照
A contrast or opposition between two things.
Example: ‘I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this; / Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.’
What is apostrophe?
隔空喊话bot
A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing.
Example: ‘O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!’
What is an aside?
角色内心独白
A dramatic device where a character speaks to the audience while other characters on stage cannot hear.
Example: ‘He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, whisper…’
What is assonance?
元音重复
The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.
Example: ‘Is he not honest?’
What is cacophony?
刺耳的声音
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example: ‘Zounds, sir, you’re robbed!’
What is a catastrophe in a narrative?
悲剧结局
The final resolution or outcome of a story, often involving the downfall of the protagonist.
Example: The deaths of Othello and Desdemona.
What does connotation mean?
内涵
The associated or secondary meaning of a word, in addition to its explicit meaning.
Example: The word ‘Moor’ carries connotations of Othello’s outsider status.
What is denotation?
字面意思
The literal or primary meaning of a word.
Example: ‘Honest’ denotes truthfulness but is used ironically by Iago.
What is an epiphany in literature?
顿悟
A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Example: Othello’s realization of Desdemona’s innocence.
What is euphony?
悦耳的声音
The quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through a harmonious combination of words.
Example: ‘If it were now to die, / ‘Twere now to be most happy.’
What is exposition?
说明背景
The introduction of background information in a story.
Example: The opening scene where Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello’s marriage.
What is figurative?
比喻的
Language that uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful.
Example: ‘It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.’
What is a foil?
主角的陪衬
A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities.
Example: Cassio serves as a foil to Othello.
What is foreshadowing?
埋伏笔
A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.
Example: The significance of the handkerchief.
What is hyperbole?
夸张
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Example: ‘I’ll tear her all to pieces!’
What is irony?
讽刺
A contrast between expectation and reality.
Types include verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.
What is juxtaposition?
放在一起对比
The act of placing two or more concepts, characters, ideas, or places side by side for comparison.
Example: Othello’s noble nature versus his irrational jealousy.
What is a metaphor?
隐喻 用is
A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other.
Example: ‘O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; / It is the green-eyed monster.’
