Short Story Terms Flashcards
What is the definition of ‘Audience’ in writing?
The people that are meant to hear/read the work.
Determines much about how the author writes.
Define ‘Bias’.
A predisposition or prejudice towards a particular point of view, perspective or belief.
Can affect the objectivity of writing.
What does ‘Connotation’ refer to?
The feelings and associations suggested by a word or phrase.
Can be positive or negative and may change over time.
What is ‘Chronological Order’?
When things are listed by date, from earliest to latest or latest to earliest.
What does ‘Colloquial’ mean?
Language that is ordinary, not formal or literary.
What is the ‘Denotation’ of a word?
The dictionary definition of a word.
What is ‘Description’ in writing?
Writing that gives vivid details about something.
What is ‘Exposition’ or ‘Expository Writing’?
Writing that explains something.
What is ‘Irony’?
A difference between the words that are spoken/written and what is true.
Techniques include overstatement, understatement, contradiction.
What are the three types of Irony?
- Dramatic
- Verbal
- Situational
Define ‘Dramatic Irony’.
When the viewer or reader knows something a character does not that changes the meaning of words or an event.
What is ‘Verbal Irony’?
When what is said is the opposite of what is meant; sarcasm.
What is ‘Situational Irony’?
A difference between what you would expect to happen and what does happen; a difference between appearance and reality.
What does ‘Narrative’ refer to?
A story.
What is ‘Persuasion’ or ‘Persuasive Writing’?
Writing that attempts to prove a point or convince someone of something.
Define ‘Sarcasm’.
A type of verbal irony; a cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
What is ‘Satire’?
The use of irony to ridicule an idea, person, or thing, often to provoke change.
Can be meant to be funny, often encourages critical thinking.
What is ‘Slang’?
Low, vulgar, unauthorized language; a popular but unauthorized word, phrase, or mode of expression.
Allusion
A reference to a well known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art. Common allusions include the Bible, Greek and Roman Myth, Shakespeare, history.
Contrast
When opposing scenarios, characters, character traits, settings etc. are included in writing to emphasize the difference between the two.
Figurative language
Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. Figurative language in comparison, uses exaggerations or alterations to make a particular linguistic point. Ex. Metaphor, analogy, allegory, symbol, simile.
Extended metaphor
A longer metaphor carried through a part of or a whole poem or work.
Oxymoron
When contradictory words are combined. Ex. Jumbo shrimp
Paradox
A statement or idea that seems to be self-contradictory or absurd, yet turns out to make sense. Ex. Success is rooted in failure
Mood
The way the story makes the reader feel.
Style
The manner in which the author writes, including word choice, tone, or figurative language, etc.
Symbolism
An object, person, situation, or action which has literal meaning in the story, but suggests other meanings. Ex. Heart representing love.
Tone
The attitude a writer takes towards their subject matter. Ex. Serious, angry, etc.
Atmosphere
The way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of characters to create emotion and mood for the reader.
Types of characters
Flat: predictable
Round: interesting
Static: still
Dynamic: changing
Internal conflict
Conflict with an inner struggle of a character.
External conflict
Conflict between main character and any external force, like a villain or government.
Drama
A form of performance that involves conflicts, emotions, and the portrayal of human experiences through dialogue and action.
Third person objective POV
Tells the perspective of a total outsider, making the reader judge the characters by action and dialogue alone.
Third person limited omniscient
Readers can only look into the thoughts and feelings of the main character, not secondary characters.
Third person omniscient
“All knowing.” Can see into the minds of all characters.
Tragedy
Based on human suffering and terrible events, usually having a bad ending.
Incidental symbols
Those objects or ideas that are related to or found only in the writer or works from which they are taken.
Archetypal symbols
Those objects or ideas that have been used for countless ages of history. Ex. Water represents life.
