Literary Key Terms

Question 1

Synopsis

Answer 1

(n.) a brief summary of the major points of a thesis, theory, story, or literary work; an abstract; a précis`

Question 2

Simile

Answer 2

(n.) a figure of speech, often introduced by ‘like’ or ‘as’, which compares two unlike things

Question 3

Metaphore

Answer 3

(n.) a figure of speech in which a comparison is made between two unrelated objects

Question 4

Personification

Answer 4

(n.) a figure of speech in which an inanimate object is given human qualities or abilities

Question 5

Irony

Answer 5

(n.) a form of speech in which what we say or write conveys the opposite of its literal meaning

Question 6

Satire

Answer 6

(n.) a work that ridicules human vices and follies; comic criticism

Question 7

Lampoon

Answer 7

(n. ) a work that ridicules human vices and follies; comic criticism
(v. ) to publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule or sarcase

Question 8

Parody

Answer 8

(n.) an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect

Question 9

Hyperbole

Answer 9

(n.) a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; extreme exaggeration

Question 10

Caricature

Answer 10

(n.) a representation in which the subject’s distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated for comic effect

Question 11

Epic

Answer 11

(n.) a long narrative poem written in a grand style to celebrate the feats of a legendary hero

Question 12

Saga

Answer 12

(n.) a long narrative story; a heroic tale

Question 13

Euphony

Answer 13

(n.) soothing or pleasant sounds; harmonious

Question 14

Cacophony

Answer 14

(n.) harsh clashing sounds; jarring; grating

Question 15

Foreshadow

Answer 15

(v.) to suggest or indicate that something will happen in a story; presage

Question 16

Subplot

Answer 16

(n.) a secondary plot in fiction or drama

Question 17

Memoir

Answer 17

(n.) an autobiography; personal journal

Question 18

Anecdote

Answer 18

(n.) a short account of an interesting or humorous incident

Question 19

Eulogy

Answer 19

(n.) a laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died

Question 20

Allusion

Answer 20

(n.) an indirect or brief reference to a person, event, place, phrase, piece of art, or literary work that assumes a common knowledge with the reader or listener