Test 1 Flashcards
Alliteration
the repetition of the same consonant sounds in a sequence of words, usually at the beginning of a word or stressed syllable: “descending dew drops”
Allusion
A brief reference to a person, place, thing, even, or idea in history or literature. Allusions imply reading and cultural experiences
Cacophony
is language that is discordant and difficult to pronounce “never my numb plunker fumbles.”
Caesura
A pause within a line of poetry that contributes to the rhythm of the line. A caesura can occur anywhere within a line and need not be indicated by punctuation. In scanning a line, we indicate caesuras by double vertical line (||).
Colloquial
Refers to a type of informal diction that reflects casual, conversational language and often includes slang expressions.
Connotation
Associations and implications that go beyond a word’s literalmeaning and deriving from how the word has been commonly used the associations people make with it. For example, the word eagle connotes ideas of liberty and freedom
Consonance
A common type of near rhyme that consists of identical consonant sounds preceded by different vowel sounds: home, same; worth, breath.
Convention
characteristic of a literary genre (often unrealistic) that is understood and accepted by readers because it has come, through usage and time, to be recognized as a familiar technique. For use of meter and rhyme are poetic conventions.
Denotation
The dictionary meaning of a word
Dialect
type of informal diction. Dialects are spoken by definable groups ofpeople from particular geographic region, economic group, or social class
Cliche
phrase that has been used so often that it appears trite
Diction
the choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to create meaning.
Formal diction
consists of a dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax exactly and is often characterized by complex words and lofty tone.
Middle diction
maintains correct language usage but is less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way most educated people speak.
Informal diction
represents the plain language of everyday use and often includes idiomatic expressions, slang, contractions, and many simple, common words.
Poetic diction
refers to the way poets sometimes use an elevated diction that deviates significantly from the common speech and writing of their time, choosing words for their supposedly inherent poetic qualities.
Didactic poetry
Poetry designed to teach an ethical, moral, or religious lesson.
Figures of speech
Ways of using language that deviate from the literal, denotative meanings of words in order to suggest additional meanings or effects.
Form
The overall structure or shape of work, which frequently follows an established design. Forms may refer to a literary type , or to patterns of meter, lines, andrhymes.
Free verse
free verse refers to poems characterized by the nonconformity to established patterns of meter, rhyme, and stanza
Genre
A French word meaning kind or type. The major genres in literature are poetry, fiction, drama, and essays. Genre can also refer to more specific types of literature.
Hyperbole
boldly exaggerated statement that adds emphasis without intending to be literally true, as in the statement
Image
word, phrase, or figure of speech (especially a simile or metaphor) that addresses the senses, suggesting mental pictures of sights, sounds, smells,tastes, feelings or actions.
Irony
literary device that uses contradictory statements or situations to reveala reality different from what appears to be true.
