Literary Devices

Question 1

The distinctive tone or tenor of an author’s writings. It is not just a writer’s choice of words it can include the mood, attitude, dialect and style of writing. It is usually judged with reference to the prevailing standards of proper writing and speech and is seen as the mark of quality of the writing. It is also understood as the selection of certain words or phrases that become peculiar to a writer.

Answer 1

Diction

Question 2

Refers to the use of the dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word. They built a house. In this sentence, house is meant literally as in a building where a family lives. If the word “home” was used instead in the above sentence in place of “house”, the meaning would not be so literal as there are many emotions associated with the word “home” beyond simply the structure where people live.

Answer 2

Denotation

Question 3

Refers to the actual way in which words and sentences are placed together in the writing. Usually in the English language the syntax should follow a pattern of subject-verb-object agreement but sometimes authors play around with this to achieve a lyrical, rhythmic, rhetoric or questioning effect.

Answer 3

Syntax

Question 4

Satire

Answer 4

Refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of satire is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the satire. In general, even though satire might be humorous and may “make fun”, its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.

Question 5

Archetype

Answer 5

A reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. They are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. Romeo and Juliet are an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story.

Question 6

The author bases the plot on the overall growth of the central character throughout the timeline of the story. As the story progresses, the subject undergoes noticeable mental, physical, social, emotional, moral, and often spiritual advancement and strengthening

Answer 6

Bildungsroman

Question 7

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 7

A type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his or her characters to nonhuman objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose. It was a rimy morning, and very damp. I had seen the damp lying on the outside of my little window, as if some goblin had been crying there all night, and using the window for a pocket-handkerchief.

Question 8

Malapropism

Answer 8

Refers to the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement.

Question 9

Foreshadowing

Answer 9

Refers to the use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. It is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.

Question 10

Tone

Answer 10

The perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development. Tone can portray a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous. Tone helps the reader ascertain the writer’s feelings towards a particular topic and this in turn influences the reader’s understanding of the story.

Question 11

Diction

Answer 11

The distinctive tone or tenor of an author’s writings. It is not just a writer’s choice of words it can include the mood, attitude, dialect and style of writing. It is usually judged with reference to the prevailing standards of proper writing and speech and is seen as the mark of quality of the writing. It is also understood as the selection of certain words or phrases that become peculiar to a writer.

Question 12

Refers to the incidence where an implausible concept or character is brought into the story in order to make the conflict in the story resolve and to bring about a pleasing solution. It is seen to be the mark of a poor plot that the writer needs to resort to random, insupportable and unbelievable twists and turns to reach the end of the story.

Answer 12

Deus ex Machina

Question 13

Circumlocution

Answer 13

A form of writing where the writer uses exaggeratedly long and complex sentences in order to convey a meaning that could have otherwise been conveyed through a shorter, much simpler sentence. It involves stating an idea or a view in an indirect manner that leaves the reader guessing and grasping at the actual meaning.

Question 14

Refers to the practice of not using the formal word for an object or subject and instead referring to it by using another word that is intricately linked to the formal name or word. It is the practice of substituting the main word with a word that is closely linked to it. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Answer 14

Metonymy

Question 15

Euphony

Answer 15

Refers to the use of phrases and words that are noted for possessing an extensive degree of notable loveliness or melody in the sound they create. Predominant in literary prose and poetry, where poetic devices such as alliterations, rhymes and assonace are used to create pleasant sounds.

Question 16

A figure of speech containing two phrases that are parallel but inverted to each other. You can take the patriot out of the country but you cannot take the country out of the patriot.

Answer 16

Chiasmus

Question 17

A figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned. It’s no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care for people everywhere

Answer 17

Allusion

Question 18

A form of writing where the writer uses exaggeratedly long and complex sentences in order to convey a meaning that could have otherwise been conveyed through a shorter, much simpler sentence. It involves stating an idea or a view in an indirect manner that leaves the reader guessing and grasping at the actual meaning.

Answer 18

Circumlocution

Question 19

Cacophony

Answer 19

Refers to the use of words and phrases that imply strong, harsh sounds within the phrase. These words have jarring and dissonant sounds that create a disturbing, objectionable atmosphere. His fingers rapped and pounded the door, and his foot thumped against the yellowing wood.

Question 20

Refers to the use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. It is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.

Answer 20

Foreshadowing

Question 21

Refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. The use of this literary device can be to embellish a sentence, to create a grander effect, to beat around the bush and to draw attention away from the crux of the message being conveyed.

Answer 21

Periphrasis

Question 22

Refers to the use of words and phrases that imply strong, harsh sounds within the phrase. These words have jarring and dissonant sounds that create a disturbing, objectionable atmosphere. His fingers rapped and pounded the door, and his foot thumped against the yellowing wood.

Answer 22

Cacophony

Question 23

A symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, it suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples. Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top.

Answer 23

Allegory

Question 24

Oxymoron

Answer 24

A significant literary device as it allows the author to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner. It is an interesting literary device because it helps to perceive a deeper level of truth and explore different layers of semantics while writing. He possessed a cold fire in his eyes.

Question 25

Foil

Answer 25

Another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes. Albus Dumbledore is constantly shown to believe in the power of true love and is portrayed as a strong, benevolent and positive character while the antagonist Lord Voldemort is constantly shown to mock and disbelieve the sentiment of love and think of it as a foolish indulgence, a trait that is finally his undoing.

Question 26

Synecdoche

Answer 26

A literary devices that uses a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa. It is somewhat rhetorical in nature, where the entire object is represented by way of a fraction of it or a fraction of the object is symbolized by the whole.

Question 27

A literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. It is an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.

Answer 27

Symbol

Question 28

Verisimilitude

Answer 28

Verisimilitude tends to be based around the appearance or proximity to being real, or the truth. It is a way of implying the believability or likelihood of a theory or narrative. However, just because something can be described as having Verisimilitude does not mean that it is true, only that merely appears to or seems to be true.

Question 29

This literary device refers to the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.

Answer 29

Understatement

Question 30

Refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glace, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight. High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king.

Answer 30

Paradox

Question 31

Hubris

Answer 31

Another way of saying overly arrogant. You can tell the difference of hubris and just regular arrogance or pride by the fact that the character has seemed to allow reality slip away from them. The character portraying hubris, also commonly referred to as hybris, may have just gained a huge amount of power and the false belief that they are “untouchable”.

Question 32

Refers to the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement.

Answer 32

Malapropism

Question 33

Symbol

Answer 33

A literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. It is an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.

Question 34

Chiasmus

Answer 34

A figure of speech containing two phrases that are parallel but inverted to each other. You can take the patriot out of the country but you cannot take the country out of the patriot.

Question 35

The associations people make with words that go beyond the literal or dictionary definition. Many words have connotations that create emotions or feelings in the reader. And once again, the autumn leaves were falling. This phrase uses ‘autumn’ to signify something coming to an end.

Answer 35

Connotation

Question 36

A concise statement that is made in a matter of fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal truth. They are often adages, wise sayings and maxims aimed at imparting sense and wisdom. Upon seeing the shoddy work done by the employee the boss told him to “either shape up or ship out”.

Answer 36

Aphorism

Question 37

A reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. They are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. Romeo and Juliet are an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story.

Answer 37

Archetype

Question 38

Ekphrastic

Answer 38

It refers to a form of writing, mostly poetry, wherein the author describes another work of art, usually visual. It is used to convey the deeper symbolism of the corporeal art form by means of a separate medium. It has often been found that ekphrastic writing is rhetorical in nature and symbolic of a greater meaning.

Question 39

Refers to the use of phrases and words that are noted for possessing an extensive degree of notable loveliness or melody in the sound they create. Predominant in literary prose and poetry, where poetic devices such as alliterations, rhymes and assonace are used to create pleasant sounds.

Answer 39

Euphony

Question 40

Conflict

Answer 40

It is a literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims or dreams. The conflict is a discord that can have external aggressors or can even arise from within the self. It can occur when the subject is battling his inner discord, at odds with his surroundings or it may be pitted against others in the story.

Question 41

Refers to a situation of poetic justice wherein the positive characters are rewarded and the negative characters are penalized. The word also sometimes refers to the character or medium by which this justice is brought about as Nemesis was the patron goddess of vengeance according to classical mythology. Harry Potter is the nemesis of the evil Lord Voldemort.

Answer 41

Nemesis

Question 42

Can be understood to be a sort of introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a “sneak peek” into the story. Prologues are typically a narrative ‘spoken’ by one of the characters and not from the part of the author.

Answer 42

Prologue

Question 43

Used to create a stark contrast using two divergent elements that come together to create one uniform whole. It plays on the complementary property of opposites to create one vivid picture. When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon it might have been one small step for a man but it was one giant leap for mankind.

Answer 43

Antithesis

Question 44

A significant literary device as it allows the author to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner. It is an interesting literary device because it helps to perceive a deeper level of truth and explore different layers of semantics while writing. He possessed a cold fire in his eyes.

Answer 44

Oxymoron

Question 45

Allusion

Answer 45

A figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned. It’s no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care for people everywhere

Question 46

Verisimilitude tends to be based around the appearance or proximity to being real, or the truth. It is a way of implying the believability or likelihood of a theory or narrative. However, just because something can be described as having Verisimilitude does not mean that it is true, only that merely appears to or seems to be true.

Answer 46

Verisimilitude

Question 47

Refers to the process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another. Opposed to the usual norm of using them sparsely, only where they are technically needed. The use of polysyndetons is primarily for adding dramatic effect as they have a strong rhetorical presence.

Answer 47

Polysyndeton

Question 48

The perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development. Tone can portray a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous. Tone helps the reader ascertain the writer’s feelings towards a particular topic and this in turn influences the reader’s understanding of the story.

Answer 48

Tone

Question 49

A very popular literary device wherein a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings. This is generally done to the effect of creating humor or irony or wryness. They can also refer to words that suggest meanings of similar-sounding words. The trick is to make the reader have an “ah!” moment and discover 2 or more meanings. Santa’s helpers are known as subordinate Clauses.

Answer 49

Puns

Question 50

Litotes

Answer 50

Figures of rhetoric speech that use an understated statement of an affirmative by using a negative description. Sometimes called an ironical understatement and/or an avoidance of a truth which can be either positive or negative. Common examples: “not the brightest bulb,”or “he's definitely not a rocket scientist.”

Question 51

Synesthesia

Answer 51

It literally refers to a medical condition wherein one or many of the sensory modalities become joined to one another, in literature it refers to the depiction of a strong connection, link or bond between the different senses. Characters in literature are sometimes described to be experiences synesthesia. It is the conflation of the senses.

Question 52

A type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his or her characters to nonhuman objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose. It was a rimy morning, and very damp. I had seen the damp lying on the outside of my little window, as if some goblin had been crying there all night, and using the window for a pocket-handkerchief.

Answer 52

Pathetic Fallacy

Question 53

Metonymy

Answer 53

Refers to the practice of not using the formal word for an object or subject and instead referring to it by using another word that is intricately linked to the formal name or word. It is the practice of substituting the main word with a word that is closely linked to it. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Question 54

It refers to a form of writing, mostly poetry, wherein the author describes another work of art, usually visual. It is used to convey the deeper symbolism of the corporeal art form by means of a separate medium. It has often been found that ekphrastic writing is rhetorical in nature and symbolic of a greater meaning.

Answer 54

Ekphrastic

Question 55

Bildungsroman

Answer 55

The author bases the plot on the overall growth of the central character throughout the timeline of the story. As the story progresses, the subject undergoes noticeable mental, physical, social, emotional, moral, and often spiritual advancement and strengthening

Question 56

Aphorism

Answer 56

A concise statement that is made in a matter of fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal truth. They are often adages, wise sayings and maxims aimed at imparting sense and wisdom. Upon seeing the shoddy work done by the employee the boss told him to “either shape up or ship out”.

Question 57

Denotation

Answer 57

Refers to the use of the dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word. They built a house. In this sentence, house is meant literally as in a building where a family lives. If the word "home" was used instead in the above sentence in place of "house", the meaning would not be so literal as there are many emotions associated with the word "home" beyond simply the structure where people live.

Question 58

Asyndeton

Answer 58

Refers to a practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence, while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase. Use of this literary device helps in creating a strong impact and such sentences have greater recall worth since the idea is presented in a nutshell. Read, Write, Learn.

Question 59

Stream of consciousness

Answer 59

Refers to an uninterrupted and unhindered collection and occurrence of thoughts and ideas in the conscious mind. In literature, the phrase refers to the flow of these thoughts, with reference to a particular character’s thinking process. This literary device is usually used in order to provide a narrative in the form of the character’s thoughts instead of using dialogue or description.

Question 60

Understatement

Answer 60

This literary device refers to the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.

Question 61

The author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader. It establishes a one to one relationship between the writer and the reader where the latter is no longer a secondary player or an indirect audience to the progress of the story but is the main subject of the author’s attention.

Answer 61

Authorial Intrusion

Question 62

Authorial Intrusion

Answer 62

The author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader. It establishes a one to one relationship between the writer and the reader where the latter is no longer a secondary player or an indirect audience to the progress of the story but is the main subject of the author’s attention.

Question 63

Puns

Answer 63

A very popular literary device wherein a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings. This is generally done to the effect of creating humor or irony or wryness. They can also refer to words that suggest meanings of similar-sounding words. The trick is to make the reader have an “ah!” moment and discover 2 or more meanings. Santa’s helpers are known as subordinate Clauses.

Question 64

Refers to words whose very sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict. In other words, it refers to sound words whose pronunciation to the actual sound they represent. “the whispering of the forest trees” or “the hum of a thousand bees” or “the click of the door in the nighttime” create vivid mental images.

Answer 64

Onomatopoeia

Question 65

Syntax

Answer 65

Refers to the actual way in which words and sentences are placed together in the writing. Usually in the English language the syntax should follow a pattern of subject-verb-object agreement but sometimes authors play around with this to achieve a lyrical, rhythmic, rhetoric or questioning effect.

Question 66

Refers to an uninterrupted and unhindered collection and occurrence of thoughts and ideas in the conscious mind. In literature, the phrase refers to the flow of these thoughts, with reference to a particular character’s thinking process. This literary device is usually used in order to provide a narrative in the form of the character’s thoughts instead of using dialogue or description.

Answer 66

Stream of consciousness

Question 67

Epilogues are an inherent part of any story or poem and are essential to the structure of any written form. The epilogue is an important literary tool that acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose of an epilogue is to add a little insight to some interesting developments that happen once the major plot is over.

Answer 67

Epilogue

Question 68

Irony

Answer 68

Refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Often irony is used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.

Question 69

Polysyndeton

Answer 69

Refers to the process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another. Opposed to the usual norm of using them sparsely, only where they are technically needed. The use of polysyndetons is primarily for adding dramatic effect as they have a strong rhetorical presence.

Question 70

Figures of rhetoric speech that use an understated statement of an affirmative by using a negative description. Sometimes called an ironical understatement and/or an avoidance of a truth which can be either positive or negative. Common examples: “not the brightest bulb,”or “he's definitely not a rocket scientist.”

Answer 70

Litotes

Question 71

Connotation

Answer 71

The associations people make with words that go beyond the literal or dictionary definition. Many words have connotations that create emotions or feelings in the reader. And once again, the autumn leaves were falling. This phrase uses ‘autumn’ to signify something coming to an end.

Question 72

It literally refers to a medical condition wherein one or many of the sensory modalities become joined to one another, in literature it refers to the depiction of a strong connection, link or bond between the different senses. Characters in literature are sometimes described to be experiences synesthesia. It is the conflation of the senses.

Answer 72

Synesthesia

Question 73

Any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.

Answer 73

Motif

Question 74

A literary devices that uses a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa. It is somewhat rhetorical in nature, where the entire object is represented by way of a fraction of it or a fraction of the object is symbolized by the whole.

Answer 74

Synecdoche

Question 75

Epithet

Answer 75

Usually used to add to a person or place’s regular name and attribute some special quality to the same. They are remarkable in that they become a part of common parlance over time. These descriptive words and phrases can be used to enhance the persona of real and fictitious places, objects, persons and divinities. Example: “Alexander the Great”

Question 76

Juxtaposition

Answer 76

The author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them.

Question 77

Another way of saying overly arrogant. You can tell the difference of hubris and just regular arrogance or pride by the fact that the character has seemed to allow reality slip away from them. The character portraying hubris, also commonly referred to as hybris, may have just gained a huge amount of power and the false belief that they are “untouchable”.

Answer 77

Hubris

Question 78

Motif

Answer 78

Any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.

Question 79

Usually used to add to a person or place’s regular name and attribute some special quality to the same. They are remarkable in that they become a part of common parlance over time. These descriptive words and phrases can be used to enhance the persona of real and fictitious places, objects, persons and divinities. Example: “Alexander the Great”

Answer 79

Epithet

Question 80

Euphemism

Answer 80

This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes and things "embarrassing". They substitute unpleasant and severe words with more genteel ones in order to mask the harshness.. They are sometimes manipulated to lend a touch of exaggeration or irony in satirical writing.

Question 81

Onomatopoeia

Answer 81

Refers to words whose very sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict. In other words, it refers to sound words whose pronunciation to the actual sound they represent. “the whispering of the forest trees” or “the hum of a thousand bees” or “the click of the door in the nighttime” create vivid mental images.

Question 82

Periphrasis

Answer 82

Refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. The use of this literary device can be to embellish a sentence, to create a grander effect, to beat around the bush and to draw attention away from the crux of the message being conveyed.

Question 83

Prologue

Answer 83

Can be understood to be a sort of introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a “sneak peek” into the story. Prologues are typically a narrative ‘spoken’ by one of the characters and not from the part of the author.

Question 84

Refers to a practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence, while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase. Use of this literary device helps in creating a strong impact and such sentences have greater recall worth since the idea is presented in a nutshell. Read, Write, Learn.

Answer 84

Asyndeton

Question 85

Deus ex Machina

Answer 85

Refers to the incidence where an implausible concept or character is brought into the story in order to make the conflict in the story resolve and to bring about a pleasing solution. It is seen to be the mark of a poor plot that the writer needs to resort to random, insupportable and unbelievable twists and turns to reach the end of the story.

Question 86

Another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes. Albus Dumbledore is constantly shown to believe in the power of true love and is portrayed as a strong, benevolent and positive character while the antagonist Lord Voldemort is constantly shown to mock and disbelieve the sentiment of love and think of it as a foolish indulgence, a trait that is finally his undoing.

Answer 86

Foil

Question 87

Allegory

Answer 87

A symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, it suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples. Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top.

Question 88

The author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them.

Answer 88

Juxtaposition

Question 89

Portmanteau

Answer 89

In literature, this device refers to the practice of joining together two or more words in order to create an entirely new word. This is often done in order to create a name or word for something by combining the individual characteristics of 2 or more other words. The word “smog” is a portmanteau that was built combining “fog” and “smoke” and “smog” has the properties of both fog and smoke.

Question 90

Antithesis

Answer 90

Used to create a stark contrast using two divergent elements that come together to create one uniform whole. It plays on the complementary property of opposites to create one vivid picture. When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon it might have been one small step for a man but it was one giant leap for mankind.

Question 91

This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes and things "embarrassing". They substitute unpleasant and severe words with more genteel ones in order to mask the harshness.. They are sometimes manipulated to lend a touch of exaggeration or irony in satirical writing.

Answer 91

Euphemism

Question 92

Refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of satire is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the satire. In general, even though satire might be humorous and may “make fun”, its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.

Answer 92

Satire

Question 93

Epilogue

Answer 93

Epilogues are an inherent part of any story or poem and are essential to the structure of any written form. The epilogue is an important literary tool that acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose of an epilogue is to add a little insight to some interesting developments that happen once the major plot is over.

Question 94

Paradox

Answer 94

Refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glace, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight. High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king.

Question 95

It is a literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims or dreams. The conflict is a discord that can have external aggressors or can even arise from within the self. It can occur when the subject is battling his inner discord, at odds with his surroundings or it may be pitted against others in the story.

Answer 95

Conflict

Question 96

In literature, this device refers to the practice of joining together two or more words in order to create an entirely new word. This is often done in order to create a name or word for something by combining the individual characteristics of 2 or more other words. The word “smog” is a portmanteau that was built combining “fog” and “smoke” and “smog” has the properties of both fog and smoke.

Answer 96

Portmanteau

Question 97

Doppelganger

Answer 97

The term is derived from the German language and literally translates into ‘double walker’. It refers to a character in the story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character. Doppelgangers of the main characters usually bear the ability to impersonate the original but have vastly different spirits and intentions. The doppelganger usually has a different appearance but an earthly soul and supernatural hoodwinking abilities that allow it to fool other unsuspecting characters.

Question 98

The term is derived from the German language and literally translates into ‘double walker’. It refers to a character in the story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character. Doppelgangers of the main characters usually bear the ability to impersonate the original but have vastly different spirits and intentions. The doppelganger usually has a different appearance but an earthly soul and supernatural hoodwinking abilities that allow it to fool other unsuspecting characters.

Answer 98

Doppelganger

Question 99

Refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Often irony is used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.

Answer 99

Irony

Question 100

Nemesis

Answer 100

Refers to a situation of poetic justice wherein the positive characters are rewarded and the negative characters are penalized. The word also sometimes refers to the character or medium by which this justice is brought about as Nemesis was the patron goddess of vengeance according to classical mythology. Harry Potter is the nemesis of the evil Lord Voldemort.