Terms for Talking About Literature Flashcards
ambiguous
having two or more possible meanings or interpretations
analogy
a comparison of one thing to another, based on their similarities in certain respects
antithesis
the contrast of two ideas, often done by placing the two opposing parts side by side or against one another
apostrophe
to address or speak directly to a personified thing or idea; to directly address someone or something not present
cliche
an expression that seems dull, trite, and unimaginative because of long overuse
colloquial
an expression proper for everyday conversation but not for standard or formal writing
figurative
expressing ideas indirectly, such as by a comparison, metaphor, or other figure of speech
figure of speech
any expression use of language, such as metaphor, simile, irony, and so on that consists of words used in other than literal sense
hyperbole
obvious exaggeration that is intended for effect; an extravagant statement not meant to be taken literally
imagery
the use of language that directs its appeal to the five senses, asking readers to see or mentally picture the scene
imply
to put or weave in an underlying meaning that is intended to be understood but is not openly expressed
infer
to take out or to draw a conclusion based on that which is implied, but not openly stated
irony
a figure of speech that always contains the element of being the opposite of what someone would normally except
literal
meant to be taken as given; to be accepted at face value or primary meaning, not in a figurative sense
metaphor
a figure of speech that compares one object to another that is not obviously similar
personification
to give human qualities to a thing or creature that is not human
satire
humor that makes fun of a serious situation
simile
a type of comparison or metaphor using like or as
