Literary terms + Etymology Flashcards
To learn 30 specific literary Terms for a test
Alliteration
The repetition at close intervals of initial consonant sounds. Or, vowel sounds in successive words or syllables that
repeat.
Allusion
An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text) with which the reader is expected to be familiar.
Allusions are usually literary, Historical, Biblical, or mythological.
Ambiguity
An event or situation that may may be interpreted in more than one way. Also the manner of expression of such an
event or situation may be ambiguous. Artful language may be ambiguous. Unintentional ambiguity is usually vagueness.
Annotation
Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographic data (by the author or student).
Characterization
The Method an author uses to develop characters in a work. In direct characterization, the author straightforwardly states the character’s traits. With indirect characterization, those traits are implied through what the characters says, does, how the character dresses, interacts with other characters, ect.
Concrete language
Language that describes specific, observable things, people or places, rather than ideas or qualities.
Connotation
Rather than the dictionary definition, the association associated by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning or or denotation.
Diction
Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on the meaning. An essay written an academic diction, for example, would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise, than street slang.
Euphemism
The use of a word or phrase that is less direct, but is also considered less distasteful or less offensive than another. E.g. “He is at rest” instead of “He is dead.” Also consider “Technicolor yawn” for “Vomiting’
Figurative language
A word or words that are inaccurate literally, But describe by calling to mind sensation or responses that the thing described evokes. Figurative language may be in the form of metaphors or similes.
Genre
French, a literary form of type: classification, Eg. tragedy, comedy, novel, essay, poetry.
Hubris
Overwhelming pride or insolence that results in the misfortune of the protagonist of a tragedy. It is the particular form of the tragic flaw that results from excessive pride, ambition, or overconfidence. The excessive pride of Macbeth is a standard example of hubris in English drama. Also spelled Hybris.
Hyperbole
Conscious exaggeration used to heighten effect. Not intended literally, hyperbole is often humerus. Example: “And fired the shot heard round the world.”
Imagery
The use of images, especially in a pattern of related images, often figurative, to create a strong unified sensory impression.
Metaphor
A comparison of two things, often unrelated. A figurative verbal equation results where both “parts” illuminate one another. Metaphors may occur. In a single sentence - - - “Talent is a cistern, genius is a fountain,” as a controlling image of an entire work.”
