unseen - AO2 techniques Flashcards
Ekphrastic
A valid description of a scene or more commonly, a work of art.
Epithet
An adjective or phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristics of the person or thing mentioned.
Euphony
The quality of being pleasing to the ear.
Diction
The choice/use of words/phrases in speech or writing
Hyperbaton
Inversion of normal order of word e.g. “This I must see”
Hyperbole
Exaggerated sentence/statements e.g. “I could eat a whole pizza”
Mood
The emotion that the author is setting/strive to evoke
Metonym
A figure of speech that one word substitutes for another
Internal rhyme
Rhyme involving a word in the middle of a line + at the end of a line or middle of a text
Litotes
Ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by a negative/contrary (E.g. Not bad but good)
Kennings
Two word phrase - nouns + verb or 2 nouns
Metapropism
Incorrect words used in correct phrases
Polysydenton
A rhetorical device that involves the repeated use of, conjunctions in a sentence to create emphasis, rhythm, urgency
Negative capability
Being emotionally detached and disregarding rational explanations
Nemesis
Rivalry
Paradox
Contradictory statement
Periphrasis
The use of longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form of expression.
Periodic structure
Complex sentence in which the main point occurs at the end of a sentence instead of the beginning
Synecdoche
Simultaneous meaning from the Greek word “synekdoche” E.g. The word “heels” meaning “high heeled shoes”
Synesthesia
The production of a sense impression relating to one sense or part of the body by simulation of another sense or part of the body. E.g. you might hear the name Alex and seen green
Syntax
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences
Portmanteau
A word made by blending at least two word, (e.g. Spork - spoon/fork)
Prologue
A separate introductory section of a literary work that comes before a main narrative
Puns
A joke exploiting the different possible meaning of words - or words that sound alike w/different meanings
Rhyme scheme
Ordered pattern of rhymes at the end of the lines of a poem/verse
Satire
Use of humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule, to expose/criticize people’s stupidity/vices
Rhythm and Rhyme
Rhythm - the pattern of stressed/unstressed syllables in a line/verse which can create musical effect
Rhyme -Repetition of sounds at the end of words which can create a pleasing/memorable effect
Spoonerism
Verbal error that a speaker accidentally transposes the initial sounds or two more words, often w/ humourous effect
Stream of conciousness
A character’s thoughts feelings and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow erupted by objective description/conventional dialogue
Allusion
Indirect/direct reference to something familiar E.g. Garden of Eden.
Anthropomorphism
Gives human characteristics to non-human things give animals/objects - e.g. Lion King
Antithesis
Places opposite words, ideas or qualities parallel to each other
Anphorism
A short, memorable statement that expresses a general truth of principle about life e.g. actions speak louder than words
Anastrophe
Normal word order changed for emphasis “I am filled with joy” vs “filled with joy I am”
Authorial Intrusion
Direct address to reader
Cacophany
Harsh mix of sounds
Chiasmus
Phrases/concepts are repeated in reverse
Bildungsman
Deals with formative years/spiritual ed - coming of age
Bibliomancy
Sacred books/divine imagery
Circumlocution
Writing something using more words than necessary (vivid imagery)
Conflict
Characterized by two opposing forces
Consonance
Repeats the same constant sounds in adjacent/nearby words
Deus ex machina
An expected power or event saving seemingly hopeless situation especially as a contrived plot device in a play.
Tragedy
An event causing great suffering, destruction and distress such as a serious accident/crime/natural catastrophe
Verisimilitude
The appearance of being true or real. E.g a kind character says, “I’m so sorry” when doing something wrong
