Literary Terms Flashcards
SYNOPSIS
A brief summary of the major points of a thesis, theory, story or literary work; an abstract; a PRÉCIS
SIMILE
a figure of speech, often introduced by ‘like’ or ‘as’, which compares two unlike things
METAPHOR
a figure of speech in which a comparison is made between two unrelated objects
PERSONIFICATION
a figure of speech in which an inanimate object is given human qualities or abilities
IRONY
a form of speech in which what we say or write conveys the opposite of its literal meaning
SATIRE, LAMPOON, PARODY
a work that ridicules human vices and follies; comic criticism. Note that LAMPOON and PARODY are often used as verbs meaning to ridicule
HYPERBOLE
a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; extreme exaggeration
CARICATURE
a representation in which the subject’s distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated for comic effect
EPIC
a long narrative poem written in a grand style to celebrate the feats of a legendary hero
SAGA
a long narrative story; a heroic tale
EUPHONY
soothing or pleasant sounds; harmonious
CACOPHONY
harsh clashing sounds; jarring; grating
FORESHADOW
to suggest or indicate that something will happen in a story; PRESAGE
SUBPLOT
a secondary plot in fiction or drama
MEMOIR
an autobiography; personal journal
