Literary Terms

Question 0

Definition of anadiplosis

Answer 0

Repeating the last word of a clause at the beginning of the next clause.

Question 1

Definition of alliteration

Answer 1

Repeating a consonant sound in close proximity to others.

Question 2

Definition of analogy

Answer 2

A comparison of two things made to explain something unfamiliar through its similarities to something familiar

Question 3

Definition of an analytical essay

Answer 3

A type of essay where you analyze and interpret things, such as an event, poem, play, or other work of art

Question 4

Definition of anaphora

Answer 4

The repetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, clauses, or sentences

Question 5

Definition of apologue

Answer 5

A moral fable, usually featuring personified animals or inanimate objects which act like people to allow the author to comment on the human condition, often highlighting the irrationality of mankind

Question 6

Definition of an argumentative essay

Answer 6

A type of essay where you prove that your opinion, theory, or hypothesis about an issue is correct or more truthful than others; you are arguing for your opinion as opposed to others

Question 7

Definition of an aside

Answer 7

A short speech made by a character in a play–it is heard only by the audience, the rest of the characters cannot hear it. It is often used by playwrights to voice their characters thoughts and inner feelings

Question 8

Definition of assonance

Answer 8

The repetition of vowel sounds within non rhyming words

Question 9

Definition of cacophony

Answer 9

The use of unanimous or dissonant speech sounds in language

Question 10

Definition of comedy

Answer 10

One of two major types of drama with the aim to amuse, typically ending happily. It assumes many forms, such as farce or burlesque, and uses a variety of techniques, from parody to satire.

Question 11

Definition of conceit

Answer 11

A far-fetched simile or metaphor occurring when the speaker compares to highly different things

Question 12

Definition of consonance

Answer 12

The repetition of consonant sounds within and at the end of the word

Question 13

Definition of diction

Answer 13

The author’s choice of words

Question 14

Definition of double-entendre

Answer 14

A word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usually risqué.

Question 15

Definition of euphemism

Answer 15

A mild word or phrase which substitutes for another which would be undesirable because it’s too direct, unpleasant, or offensive.

Question 16

Definition of euphony

Answer 16

Agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words

Question 17

Definition of hyperbole

Answer 17

A deliberate exaggeration used to achieve an effect that is not expected to be believed or taken literally.

Question 18

Definition of idiom

Answer 18

A word construction or verbal expression closely associated with a given language

Question 19

Definition of parallelism

Answer 19

The use of similar grammatical constructions to express the ideas that are related or equal in importance

Question 20

Definition of parataxis

Answer 20

The uses of clauses (one right after the other) without conjunctions

Question 21

Definition of persuasive essays

Answer 21

A type of essay where you try to convince the reader to adopt your position on an issue or point of view

Question 22

Definition of point of view

Answer 22

The narrative perspective from which a literary work is presented to the reader. There are four traditional points of view: third person omniscient, third person limited, first person, and second person.

Question 23

Definition of satire

Answer 23

A piece of literature designed to ridicule the subject of the work, aiming to arouse contempt.

Question 24

Definition of symbolism

Answer 24

A device in literature where an object represents an idea.