Vocabulary Flashcards
for a pop quiz that is intentional but isn't so its basically not a pop quiz but it is in a way
Define Epic
a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.
Define Invocation of the muse
An appeal made by a poet to a muse or deity for help in composing the poem.
This is a traditional opening in epic poetry where the poet calls upon a Muse (a goddess of inspiration) to provide divine assistance in crafting the narrative. It emphasizes the importance of creativity and inspiration.
IN MEDIAS RES
a story that begins partway through its plot, with the missing events filled in later through dialogue, flashbacks, or other techniques.
DEUS EX MACHINA
an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel.
EPIC SIMILE
A detailed, often complex poetic comparison (see simile) that unfolds over the course of several lines
EXTENDED METAPHOR:
literary term referring to when a writer compares unrelated objects or ideas with figurative language for more than a sentence.
EPITHET
phrase that characterizes a place, a thing, or a person that helps make the characteristics of this thing more prominent
TRAGIC HERO
a character in a dramatic tragedy who has virtuous and sympathetic traits but ultimately meets with suffering or defeat.
HUBRIS
Excessive pride or self-confidence.
DRAMATIC IRONY
a literary device by which the audience’s or reader’s understanding of events or individuals in a work surpasses that of its characters.
CATHARSIS
the act or process of relieving a strong emotion (as pity or fear) especially by expressing it in art form.
MOIRAI
personifications of destiny.
DIDACTIC
intended to teach, especially in a way that is too determined or eager, and often fixed and unwilling to change
TERZA RIMA
Italian verse form consisting of stanzas of three lines (tercets); the first and third lines rhyming with one another and the second rhyming with the first and third of the following tercet.
TERCET
set or group of three lines of verse rhyming together or connected by rhyme with an adjacent tercet.
CONTRAPASSO
he punishment of souls “by a process either resembling or contrasting with the sin itself.”
ALLEGORY
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
SATIRE
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
IRONY
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
