Literary Terms 4 Flashcards
Define FOIL
Another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes
Define FORESHADOWING
The use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense
Define HUBRIS
Overly arrogant - a tragic flaw saved for the protagonist.
Define HYPERBATON
The author plays with the regular meaning of words and phrases and creates a differently structured sentence to convey the same meaning. Adds more depth and interest to the sentence structure.
Define HYPERBOLE
When the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasise the basic crux of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. To overly stress a specific point.
Define IMAGERY
When the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Usage of metaphors, allusions, descriptive words and similes in order to awaken the readers sensory perceptions.
Define INTERNAL RHYME
A practice of forming a rhyme in only one line line of verse. Also known as middle rhyme as it is constructed in the middle of a line to rhyme with the bit at the end of the same metrical line.
Define INVERSION
The practice of changing the conventional placement of words.
Define IRONY
Playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence of word is actually different from the literal meaning. Suggests the stark contrast of the literal meaning.
Define JUXTAPOSITION
Where the author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. Purpose is to highlight the contrast between the two direct or indirectly related entities and compare them.
Define KENNINGS
Characteristically related to works in Old English poetry where the author would use a twist of words, figure of speech or magic poetic phrase or a newly created compound sentence or phrase to refer to a person, object, place, action or idea.
Define LITOTES
Figures of rhetoric speech that use an understated statement of an affirmative by using a negative description. A discreet way of saying something unpleasant without directly using negativity.
