Literary Terms Flashcards
Conceit
Comparison of two unlike things that is drawn out with in a piece of literature, in particular an extended metaphor within a poem
Epigram
A succinct, witty statement, often in verse
Extended metaphor
A series of comparisons within a piece of writing. If there consistently one concept, this is also known as a conceit
Hyperbole
Exaggeration for effect
Litotes
A statement which affirms the positive by negating the negative
Metaphor
And implied comparison of two unlike things
Metonymy
A figure of speech that substitutes something closely related for the thing actually meant
Oxymoron
Two or three word term that appears to be contradictory but is, nevertheless true
Paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement which is nevertheless it’s true
Periphrasis
And elaborate and roundabout manner of speech that uses more words than necessary
Personification
Attributing human qualities to nonhuman or nonliving things
Simile
I stated comparison of two unlike things using like or as
Synecdoche
The use of a part to represent a whole or vice versa
Synesthesia
The description of one kind of sense impression by using words that normally describe another
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds
Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds
Cacophony
A series of inharmonious sounds for emotional emphasis (The blood came gargling from the froth corrupted from the lungs)
Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds preceded by different vowel sounds. (I meT a caT with feeT of whiTe)
Euphony
A series of compatible harmonious sounds for emphasis
I knew a woman lovely in her bones; when small birds sighed, she would sigh back
Onomatopoeia
Use of words to sound imitate the natural sounds of an object or activity (Bang, buzz, clank)
Repetition
Repeating a word, phrase, sound
Rhyme
The identity of sound between syllables or paired groups of syllables, usually at the end of verse lines
Apostrophe
The direct address of a person, object, or quality as if present
