Literary Terms Flashcards
Bildungsroman
A form of storytelling where the author bases the plot on the overall growth of a central character throughout the timeline of a story. (Coming of Age)
Romanticism
A movement in literature and the fine arts, beginning in the early nineteenth century, that stressed personal emotion, free play of the imagination, and freedom from rules of form
Dark Romanticism
a darkly emotional aspect, similar to what has been called the “transcendentalist” literary movement.
Gothicism
is a genre or mode of literature and film that combines fiction and horror, death, and at times romance.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something the characters do not.
Irony
figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated.
Satire
refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw.
Climax
the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something
Protagonist
The central character or leading figure in poetry, narrative, novel or any other story. Sometimes called a “hero” by the audience or readers.
Foils
another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes.
Tone
the perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development.
Mood
definitive stance the author adopts in shaping a specific emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work. It refers to the mental and emotional disposition of the author towards the subject, which in turn lends a particular character or atmosphere to the work.
Imagery
When the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author’s writings.
Bildungsroman*
- In Jane Eyre the story shows Jane’s life and takes your through every stage of her life. The book shows her growth over a period of time.
- In the Curious Incident it shows Christopher’s growing up and how he overcomes his fears to go see him Mom in London, and to learn to speak up for himself. His world also gets turned upside down when he finds out that his dad lied to him and his mother abandoned him.
Irony*
- In Curious Incident it is ironic that Christopher can’t usually go to school alone or a supermarket but can go to London alone with minimal assistance
- In Jane Eyre it is ironic that she is plain and simple and in the lower class but she is educated and sophisticated to be in a higher class
- It is ironic that Mr Rochester doesn’t like Women but he loves Jane who is in a lower class.