Midterm Vocabulary

Question 1

Helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas

Answer 1

Analogy

Question 2

When so unlike things are explicitly compared; drawing comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things

Answer 2

Simile

Question 3

A recurring subject, theme, or idea

Answer 3

Motif

Question 4

Contains several layers of meaning and is representative of several other aspects and concepts that are visible in the literal translation alone

Answer 4

Symbol

Question 5

When a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance

Answer 5

Metaphor

Question 6

The use of concepts and ideas that are contradictory to one another yet, when placed togethers they hold significant value of several levels

Answer 6

Paradox

Question 7

Mood or emotions conveyed by the setting; emotional tone

Answer 7

Atmosphere

Question 8

An amusing scene, incident, or speech introduced into serious or tragic elements, in order to provide temporary relief from tension

Answer 8

Comic Relief

Question 9

I the base topic or focus that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece

Answer 9

Theme

Question 10

A series of unfortunate events by one or more of the literary characters in the story undergoes several misfortune

Answer 10

Tragedy

Question 11

A division of a play or of an act

Answer 11

Scene

Question 12

Literary device where the author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a contrast to another character by drawing attention to the others traits and characteristics

Answer 12

Foil

Question 13

Something that us understood by he audience but not grasped by the characters in the play

Answer 13

Dramatic Irony

Question 14

When a person says or writes one things and means another or uses words to convey a meaning that is opposite of the literal meaning

Answer 14

Verbal Irony

Question 15

Tragic flaw

Answer 15

Hamartia

Question 16

Excessive pride or self confidence

Answer 16

Hubris

Question 17

The use of indicative words 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

Answer 17

Foreshadowing

Question 18

Portrayal; description: a character is brought to notice and then detailed upon in front of the reader

Answer 18

Characterization

Question 19

A figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference

Answer 19

Allusion

Question 20

The use of specific words and phrases that exaggerate or overemphasize in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect; a deliberate exaggeration used for effect

Answer 20

Hyperbole

Question 21

The purging of emotions or relieving of emotional tensions

Answer 21

Catharsis

Question 22

One of the main divisions of a play

Answer 22

Act

Question 23

A decisive moment that is of maximum intensity or is a major turning point in a plot

Answer 23

Climax

Question 24

A composition in prose or verse presenting a story involving conflict or contrast of character; a situation or sequence of events that is highly emotional, tragic, or turbulent

Answer 24

Drama

Question 25

The leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or other literary work

Answer 25

Protagonist

Question 26

An utterance or disclosure by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregard full of or oblivious to any hearers present; the act of talking while or as if alone

Answer 26

Soliloquy

Question 27

A part of an actors lines supposedly not heard by others on stage and intended only for the audience

Answer 27

Aside

Question 28

A stanza consisting of two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter

Answer 28

Heroic Couplet

Question 29

Author uses words and phrases to create mental images for the reader

Answer 29

Imagery

Question 30

When a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings

Answer 30

Pun

Question 31

Something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time

Answer 31

Anachronism