P2: Literary Conventions; Language

Question 1

Define: ambiguity

Answer 1

multiple meanings

Question 2

Define: aphorism

Answer 2

Pithy and pointed statement of a serious maxim/ general truth

Question 3

Define: characterisation

Answer 3

creating and describing characters - physical attributes and personality

Question 4

Define: colloquialism

Answer 4

informal/everyday language in literature - often geographical and therefore belong to a dialect

Question 5

Define: description

Answer 5

detailed account

Question 6

Define: dialect/eye dialect

Answer 6

simulates speech as it actually sounds

Question 7

Define: diction

Answer 7

word choice, mood, attitude, dialect and style of writing (formal/informal, etc.)

Question 8

Define: figurative language/ imagery

Answer 8

figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words use

Question 9

Define: idiom

Answer 9

fixed expression in a culture that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning

Question 10

Define: irony

Answer 10

incongruity between expectations for a situation and reality - used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth

Question 11

Define: juxtaposition

Answer 11

person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another - so that the reader will compare and contrast them

Question 12

Define: motif

Answer 12

element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature.

• Motif is concrete e.g. flowers
• Them is abstract e.g. loss

Question 13

Define: mythic language

Answer 13

language taken from myths

Question 14

Define: self-reflexivity

Answer 14

writing that draws attention to its manner of composition - concerns the writer’s feelings and personal experience

Question 15

Define: symbol

Answer 15

imbue objects with a certain meaning that is different from their original meaning or function - objects often tied together through symbol to create a more universal theme