Literary Terms

Question 0

Hyperbole

Answer 0

Intended exaggeration

Question 1

Hubris

Answer 1

Pride

Question 2

Paradox

Answer 2

A contradicting statement

Question 3

Thesis

Answer 3

Theory/point your trying to prove

Question 4

Tragic flaw

Answer 4

Characteristic in someone that results in their downfall (ex: pride)

Question 5

Protagonist

Answer 5

Main character

• not always good, human, or literate
• can be symbolic

Question 6

Antagonist

Answer 6

Bad character

Question 7

Setting

Answer 7

Time/place
Sets mood
Symbolism
Protagonist/antagonist

Question 8

Theme

Answer 8

Meaning/idea of subjects

Question 9

Subject

Answer 9

Sub-themes (lots of them in stories, ex:love)

Question 10

Tone

Answer 10

The authors attitude towards the subject in the story

Question 11

Genre

Answer 11

Category

Question 12

Points of view

Answer 12

The way the author wants you to see the story

• 1st person
• 3rd limited & omniscient

Question 13

3rd limited

Answer 13

You only get to know one character; in his or her head

Question 14

3rd omniscient

Answer 14

All-knowing; know any character and any time

Question 15

1sr person

Answer 15

“I” & “me”

Question 16

Exposition

Answer 16

The backstory

Question 17

Prose

Answer 17

Regular writing (anything that’s not poetry)

Question 18

Allegory

Answer 18

Short story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning 
Symbolic story (everything on a symbolic level)

Question 19

Allusion

Answer 19

Referring to something (reference)

Question 20

Plot

Answer 20

Te events that make up a story

Question 21

Rising climax

Answer 21

Events that build up towards the climax

Question 22

Climax

Answer 22

Most exciting part of the story where the conflict you the plot is resolved

Question 23

Denouement

Answer 23

The final state of a story where matters are resolved

Question 24

Direct character

Answer 24

The author tells the reader about the character by describing him or her (adjectives) Ex) Matt was tall Not arguable

Question 25

Indirect character

Answer 25

Character revealed through speech or actions | -Arguable

Question 26

Irony

Answer 26

Reversal of universal expectations

Question 27

Dramatic irony

Answer 27

Audience knows something the reader doesn't (greek tragedy)

Question 28

Verbal irony

Answer 28

Say one thing, mean the opposite

Question 29

Sarcasm

Answer 29

Insincere tone

Question 30

Pun

Answer 30

A play on words

Question 31

Foreshadowing

Answer 31

Hint at what's about to come

Question 32

Didactic

Answer 32

You know the authors agenda

Question 33

Epiphany

Answer 33

A dramatic event that changed your life

Question 34

Symbol

Answer 34

Somehow standing for something else

Question 35

Situational irony

Answer 35

Ex) a firefighters house burning down | An ambulance running someone over

Question 36

Flat character

Answer 36

Few descriptive words, don't really get to know the character

Question 37

Round character

Answer 37

LOTS about the character, get to know him

Question 38

Static character

Answer 38

No significant change

Question 39

Dynamic character

Answer 39

Ha rafter undergoes a significant change | -epiphany

Question 40

Alliteration

Answer 40

Series of words that start with the same letter Ex) Fred’s friends fried Fritos for Friday’s food

Question 41

Assonance

Answer 41

two or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds. Ex) The engineer held the steering to steer the vehicle.

Question 42

Cliche

Answer 42

An overused expression lacking original thought

Question 43

Conceit

Answer 43

An elaborate metaphor

Question 44

Enjambment

Answer 44

Reading through the line in poetry

Question 45

Verisimilitude

Answer 45

Truth or being true

Question 46

Vignette

Answer 46

A brief description, account, or episode

Question 47

Rhythm

Answer 47

of faces Long and short sentences Loud and soft Alternating Stressed and unstressed syllables

Question 48

Similies

Answer 48

Explicit comparisons using like or as

Question 49

Metaphors

Answer 49

Implied Comparison to an object without using like or as

Question 50

Implied metaphor

Answer 50

Ex) Justin's smile radiated throughout the room (smile compared to sun) An unstated comparison of two unlike things

Question 51

Imagery

Answer 51

Vivid descriptive language

Question 52

Half rhyme

Answer 52

Words that sound similar but don't exactly rhyme Ex) Sand & man

Question 53

Open form of poetry that doesn't use rhymes or rhythms

Answer 53

Free verse

Question 54

A character in contrast to another to make the other stand out

Answer 54

Foil