Literary Devices

Question 1

What is an allegory?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is alliteration?

Answer 2

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.’

Question 3

What is an allusion?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What is ambiguity?

Answer 4

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!’

Question 5

What is an analogy?

Answer 5

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.’

Question 6

What is anaphora?

Answer 6

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.’

Question 7

What is antithesis?

Answer 7

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.’

Question 8

What is apostrophe?

Answer 8

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!’

Question 9

What is an aside?

Answer 9

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…’

Question 10

What is assonance?

Answer 10

元音重复

The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

Example: ‘Is he not honest?’

Question 11

What is cacophony?

Answer 11

刺耳的声音

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Example: ‘Zounds, sir, you’re robbed!’

Question 12

What is a catastrophe in a narrative?

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

What does connotation mean?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What is denotation?

Answer 14

字面意思

The literal or primary meaning of a word.

Example: ‘Honest’ denotes truthfulness but is used ironically by Iago.

Question 15

What is an epiphany in literature?

Answer 15

顿悟

A moment of sudden revelation or insight.

Example: Othello’s realization of Desdemona’s innocence.

Question 16

What is euphony?

Answer 16

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.’

Question 17

What is exposition?

Answer 17

说明背景

The introduction of background information in a story.

Example: The opening scene where Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello’s marriage.

Question 18

What is figurative?

Answer 18

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.’

Question 19

What is a foil?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

What is foreshadowing?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What is hyperbole?

Answer 21

夸张

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Example: ‘I’ll tear her all to pieces!’

Question 22

What is irony?

Answer 22

讽刺

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Types include verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.

Question 23

What is juxtaposition?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What is a metaphor?

Answer 24

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.’

Question 25

What is metonymy?

Answer 25

转喻 - 使用类似的东西来指代，比如白大褂和医生

A figure of speech in which one thing is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it.

Example: ‘The handkerchief’ as a symbol of fidelity.

Question 26

What is a motif?

Answer 26

主题元素

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

Example: The motif of jealousy.

Question 27

What is an oxymoron?

Answer 27

把相反的东西放在一起

A figure of speech that juxtaposes contradictory terms.

Example: ‘O heavy lightness!’

Question 28

What is a paradox?

Answer 28

悖论，但也可能包含真相

A statement that contradicts itself but may include a latent truth.

Example: ‘I am not what I am.’

Question 29

What is pathos?

Answer 29

情绪感染

A quality that evokes pity or sadness.

Example: Desdemona’s plea for her life.

Question 30

What is personification?

Answer 30

拟人

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Example: ‘But jealous souls will not be answered so…’

Question 31

What role does punctuation play in literature?

Answer 31

标点符号

It helps convey meaning, emotion, and tone in written language.

Example: Exclamation marks in Othello’s speeches.

Question 32

What is repetition in literature?

Answer 32

重复

The deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times for emphasis.

Example: ‘Put out the light, and then put out the light.’

Question 33

What is rhetoric?

Answer 33

有效说服

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.

Example: Iago’s persuasive speech to Othello.

Question 34

What is a simile?

Answer 34

明喻

A figure of speech comparing two different things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Example: ‘She was false as water.’

Question 35

What is a soliloquy?

Answer 35

独白

An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers.

Example: Iago’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 3.

Question 36

What does symbolism refer to?

Answer 36

象征

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Example: The handkerchief symbolizes Othello’s love.

Question 37

What is a theme in literature?

Answer 37

主题

The central topic, subject, or message within a narrative.

Example: The theme of jealousy and its destructive power.

Question 38

What does tone/mood refer to in a literary context?

Answer 38

语气/情绪

The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, or situation.

Example: The ominous tone created by Iago’s manipulations.

Question 39

What is voice in literature?

Answer 39

角色语气

The format or style of expression in a written work.

Example: Othello’s voice changes throughout the play.