Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

English > Literary Forms > Flashcards

Literary Forms Flashcards

1
Q

Novel

A

A long prose narrative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Novella

A

A shorter novel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Short Story

A

A short prose narrative with a contained theme and plot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Legend

A

A story perhaps based on a truth which becomes exaggerated and fantastical over years of retelling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Myth

A

A traditional story, usually involving supernatural beings and/or events

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Fable

A

A brief moral story, often with animals as the main characters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Allegory

A

A complete narrative of characters, places, and events that stand for an abstract concept

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Anecdote

A

A short and amusing retelling of an event

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Tall Tale

A

An anecdote with unbelievable and exaggerated elements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Character Sketch

A

A detailed description and study of a person or character

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Epic Poem

A

A lengthy narrative poem, often following a hero’s journey

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Ballad

A

A poem or song passed down generations; tells a story in a series of short stanzas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Lyric

A

A poem that expresses personal emotions, usually set to music

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Sonnet

A

A poem of 14 lines; romantic love is a common topic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Ode

A

A poetic tribute to a specific subject (person, place, thing)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Elegy

A

A lamenting poem that reflects on a dead person’s legacy

17
Q

Comedy

A

A play with a comical or satirical tone; usually ends with a dance or a marriage

18
Q

Tragedy

A

A serious, emotional play with a realistic or unhappy ending

19
Q

Informative/Explanatory Essay

A

An essay that provides information on or explains a particular subject

20
Q

Analytical Essay

A

An essay that breaks down and gives an opinion on a particular subject

21
Q

Editorial

A

A short opinion piece published in a magazine or newspaper

22
Q

Speech

A

A formal address written for delivery in front of an audience

23
Q

Journal/Diary Entry

A

A personal, private record of an event

24
Q

Letter

A

A written communication between people

25
Q

Biography

A

An account of a person’s life

26
Q

Autobiography

A

An account of a person’s life that is written by that same person

27
Q

Memoir

A

An account of a small part of a person’s life that is written by that same person

28
Q

Personal Essay

A

An essay which centers on the author’s personal experience and/or opinion

English (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions