Week 1 Terms Flashcards
Abstract
Refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images
Ad Hominem
Fallacy of argument in which a writer’s claim is answered by irrelevant attacks on his or her character
Ad Populem
Fallacy occurring when evidence boils down to “everybody’s doing it, so it must be a good thing to do”
Allegory
- Device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning
- Allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence
Alliteration
Repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in “she sells sea shells”)
Allusion
- Direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art
- Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical
Ambiguity
Multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage
Analogy
- Similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them
- Analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar
- Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging
Anaphora
Figure of speech involving repetition, particularly of the same word at the beginning of several clauses
Anecdote
Brief story used to illustrate a point or claim
Antagonist
Person or force which opposes the protagonist
Antecedent
Word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun
Anti Hero
Notable figure in a story who lacks in heroic qualities (courage, physical prowess and fortitude), generally feel helpless in a world over which they have no control
Antimetabole
Repetition of words in reverse order
Antithesis
Opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite. Ex: “It was the best of time, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” (Dickens)
