Literary Techniques Flashcards
Allegory
A story or narrative has two meanings. one of them is obvious to the reader, and the other being a hidden meaning
Alliteration
The repetition of consonants before words to create a rhythm
Allusion
The subtle reference to a specific person, place, event etc. This is intended to be noticed by the readers
Ambiguity
When something is left to the reader’s imagination. This involves the author not stating the full situation
Analogy
Use two similar concepts to create a relationship or draw comparisons between the two
Archetype
An immediately recognisable character, concept or object that makes it easier for the audience to categorise them
Assonance
The repetition of vowels before a word. Common in poetry
Cliche
Over used expression
Connotations
Certain words that have specific emotions associated with the word
Contrast
2 seperate ideas placed together to highlight the differences between the two
Context
The time, social setting and place within which a text is created, including the values of the time, world events and key figures.
3 kinds:
1. literary - what was happening in the literary world
2. historical - major world events tat the time and what year it was
3. personal -who the author is, their experience and value
Dramatic irony
Where the audience is privy to knowledge that the characters don’t know. This builds tension
Emotive Language
Linked to connotations, as it involves specific words being used to create a certain emotion/impression toward the reader
Euphemism
An expression used to replace one that may be harsh, blunt and to avoid trouble
Foil
A character in the story that specifically contrasts the main character, for the purpose of emphasizing the main characters values/opinions
Foreshadowing
The act of hinting at something, such as a event, character or theme that will be significant in the narrative later, rather then right then and there
Form
The construction and structure of a text based on the text type, the context and the author’s stylistic choices
Figurative Language
Language, words and/or expressions that have a deeper meaning behind their literal interpretation. Used to express links to character, ideas and concepts or subtly tie to key themes.
Fractured Sentences
Incomplete sentences to replicate regular speech patterns and build suspense. Common in poetry
Hyperbole
Purposeful exaggeration of statements to create a more intense effect
Imagery
Words used to create an image in the reader’s head. This is achieved through descriptive language
Intertextuality
How one text makes reference to another text , either obviously or in a subtle way
Irony
A disconnect from what’s said to what is meant. Usually, what’s said is insulting and/or humorous.
Juxtaposition
Two things are placed next to each other to compare and contrast the two
Metaphor
Comparing two things by saying one thing “is” the other to draw stronger comparisons
Extended Metaphor
Reoccuring metaphors in a text
Simile
Comparing two objects or object and a person. Using “like” or “as” to draw comparisons between them
Metony
The act of not referring to something by its actual name
Modality
The strength of words
Motif
Recurring themes in a text
Omission
Things that are purposely left out of a text
Onomatopoeia
Words that represent the ‘sound’
Oxymoron
Two contradictory words are together to create a strange idea that makes sense.
Parallels
Setting up two characters parallel to another other to highlight their differences
Pathetic Fallacy
Giving non-human objects or nature human feelings. A specific type of personification
Personification
Giving non-human objects human characteristics, making them appear to have life/emotions
Symbolism
What an object, word, person, expression represents
