world lit midterm vocab Flashcards
denotation
a direct, specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
connotation
the suggesting of a meaning by a word separate from the thing it specifically names or describes (making associations to the meaning of the word)
metaphor
an implied analogy (comparison) in which one thing is unimaginatively compared to another, unlike things
simile
used like, as, or as if to compare two different objects, actions, or attributes that share some similar aspect
personification
a description of a non-human force or object in terms of a person or living thing
allusion
a reference to historical or fictional characters, places or events or to other works of literature that the writer assumes the reader will recognize
alliteration
repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or within words
hyperbole
obvious exaggeration or overstatement, not meant to be taken literally, but used figuratively to create humor or emphasis
onomatopoeia
words whose sound imitates the sound of the thing being named (hum, buzz, boom, hiss)
figurative language
the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity or evocative comparison
imagery
using figurative language to appeal to the senses
metonymy
when something is used to represent something related to it (message from the white house- president/people working in it)
synecdoche
when a part of something is used to refer to the whole (wheels-whole car)
theme
the message the author is trying to convey
symbolism
the use of symbols to represent ideas, people, or qualities
