Literary Terms Exam Flashcards
Allegory
Character, events, and settings represent abstract ideas and concepts often with a moral or political message. Ex) “animal farm” is an allegory where the farm animals represent different social classes
Alliteration
Consecutive words in a sentence or phrase begin with the same sound or letter. Ex) Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
Allusion
A figure of speech that makes a brief and indirect reference to a person place or thing with the purpose of making a comparison. Ex) when someone says “Trojan horse” it alludes to Trojan war in Greek mythology
Ambiguity
Situation where word phrase sentence or piece of information has more than 1 meaning.
Analogy
Figure of speech that demonstrates similarity or correspondence between 2 different things or concepts to explain or clarify. Often consists of a comparison between 2 things that share similar attributes
Antagonist
The villain or one causing the conflict in the story. Opposite of protagonist
Archetype
A universal symbol that represents a fundamental concept. Example is an old wise man, who embodies wisdom, guidance, and moral authority. Ex) dumbledore in Harry Potter
Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds occurs within a series of words that are close to eachother in a line of text. Ex) “need for speed” rhymes need and speed.
Ballad
Form of traditional narrative poetry that typically tells a story through song or verse
Blank verse
Does not rhyme but has a regular meter, specifically iambic pentameter
Catharsis
Refers to the emotional purging or cleansing of the audiences negative emotions
Character
Person, creature, or entity that is represented in a narrative. Comes in forms of protagonist, antagonist, major, and minor characters
Climax
Turning point or most intense moment in narrative. Highest point of tension, leading to resolution or denouement
Conflict
Central element that drives the plot and creates tension and suspense. Examples are man v man, man v self, man v society, man v nature, etc
Connotation
Refers to emotional or associative meanings and implications associated with a word beyond the literal or primary definition
Consonance
Characterized by repetition of same consonant sound in a series of words or syllables
Couplet
A pair of consecutive lines of verse that usually rhyme or written in same meter
Denotation
Refers to the literal definition of a word
Denouement
Resolution or outcome of a narrative. All loose ends are tied and all aspects are conclusively addressed
Determinism
Philosophical concept that states every event is inevitable and a necessary consequence of preceding events
Dramatic monologue
A single character delivers a speech or soliloquy to a silent audience, providing insight into their thoughts, emotions, or motivations.
Dynamic character
Character who undergoes significant changes and growth throughout the story
Elegy
Poetic form written to mourn the loss of a person or thing, following a formal structure
Epic
A lengthy narrative poem that typically recounts the exploits and adventures of a hero
Epigraph
A short quote often from a literary or historical text placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section
Epiphany
A sudden, often profound, insight, or realization that leads to understanding or enlightenment. In literature often serves as pivotal moments in character development
Exposition
Introductory section of literary work
Falling action
Takes place after climax and cases the story towards its conclusion
Figure of speech
Uses words or phrases to convey a more imaginative or expressive meaning than the original interpretation. Ex) simile, metaphor, hyperbole, etc
Flashback
Literary device used to depict events that occurred in the past
Flat character
Character who lacks complexity and is often one dimensional and relatively unchanging
Foil
Character that serves to highlight or emphasize the characteristics of another character
