Short Story Terms

Question 1

What is the definition of ‘Audience’ in writing?

Answer 1

The people that are meant to hear/read the work.

Determines much about how the author writes.

Question 2

Define ‘Bias’.

Answer 2

A predisposition or prejudice towards a particular point of view, perspective or belief.

Can affect the objectivity of writing.

Question 3

What does ‘Connotation’ refer to?

Answer 3

The feelings and associations suggested by a word or phrase.

Can be positive or negative and may change over time.

Question 4

What is ‘Chronological Order’?

Answer 4

When things are listed by date, from earliest to latest or latest to earliest.

Question 5

What does ‘Colloquial’ mean?

Answer 5

Language that is ordinary, not formal or literary.

Question 6

What is the ‘Denotation’ of a word?

Answer 6

The dictionary definition of a word.

Question 7

What is ‘Description’ in writing?

Answer 7

Writing that gives vivid details about something.

Question 8

What is ‘Exposition’ or ‘Expository Writing’?

Answer 8

Writing that explains something.

Question 9

What is ‘Irony’?

Answer 9

A difference between the words that are spoken/written and what is true.

Techniques include overstatement, understatement, contradiction.

Question 10

What are the three types of Irony?

Answer 10

• Dramatic
• Verbal
• Situational

Question 11

Define ‘Dramatic Irony’.

Answer 11

When the viewer or reader knows something a character does not that changes the meaning of words or an event.

Question 12

What is ‘Verbal Irony’?

Answer 12

When what is said is the opposite of what is meant; sarcasm.

Question 13

What is ‘Situational Irony’?

Answer 13

A difference between what you would expect to happen and what does happen; a difference between appearance and reality.

Question 14

What does ‘Narrative’ refer to?

Answer 14

A story.

Question 15

What is ‘Persuasion’ or ‘Persuasive Writing’?

Answer 15

Writing that attempts to prove a point or convince someone of something.

Question 16

Define ‘Sarcasm’.

Answer 16

A type of verbal irony; a cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.

Question 17

What is ‘Satire’?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

What is ‘Slang’?

Answer 18

Low, vulgar, unauthorized language; a popular but unauthorized word, phrase, or mode of expression.

Question 19

Allusion

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Contrast

Answer 20

When opposing scenarios, characters, character traits, settings etc. are included in writing to emphasize the difference between the two.

Question 21

Figurative language

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Extended metaphor

Answer 22

A longer metaphor carried through a part of or a whole poem or work.

Question 23

Oxymoron

Answer 23

When contradictory words are combined. Ex. Jumbo shrimp

Question 24

Paradox

Answer 24

A statement or idea that seems to be self-contradictory or absurd, yet turns out to make sense. Ex. Success is rooted in failure

Question 25

Mood

Answer 25

The way the story makes the reader feel.

Question 26

Style

Answer 26

The manner in which the author writes, including word choice, tone, or figurative language, etc.

Question 27

Symbolism

Answer 27

An object, person, situation, or action which has literal meaning in the story, but suggests other meanings. Ex. Heart representing love.

Question 28

Tone

Answer 28

The attitude a writer takes towards their subject matter. Ex. Serious, angry, etc.

Question 29

Atmosphere

Answer 29

The way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of characters to create emotion and mood for the reader.

Question 30

Types of characters

Answer 30

Flat: predictable
Round: interesting
Static: still
Dynamic: changing

Question 31

Internal conflict

Answer 31

Conflict with an inner struggle of a character.

Question 32

External conflict

Answer 32

Conflict between main character and any external force, like a villain or government.

Question 33

Drama

Answer 33

A form of performance that involves conflicts, emotions, and the portrayal of human experiences through dialogue and action.

Question 34

Third person objective POV

Answer 34

Tells the perspective of a total outsider, making the reader judge the characters by action and dialogue alone.

Question 35

Third person limited omniscient

Answer 35

Readers can only look into the thoughts and feelings of the main character, not secondary characters.

Question 36

Third person omniscient

Answer 36

“All knowing.” Can see into the minds of all characters.

Question 37

Tragedy

Answer 37

Based on human suffering and terrible events, usually having a bad ending.

Question 38

Incidental symbols

Answer 38

Those objects or ideas that are related to or found only in the writer or works from which they are taken.

Question 39

Archetypal symbols

Answer 39

Those objects or ideas that have been used for countless ages of history. Ex. Water represents life.