Literary Terms and Devices
Literary Terms for my English AP midterm.
Terms
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- assonance
- repetition of similar vowel sounds in a groups of words
- metaphor
- direct comparison of two unlike things to suggest a similarity
- thesis
- statement of the purpose
- symbolism
- use of a representative figure to suggest an idea or attribute significance
- annotation
- comment or note added to a text
- cosmic irony
- irony interpreted to be a result of the intervention of a greater external force (fate)
- situational irony
- what happens is the opposite of what is expected
- anaphora
- the repretition of a word, or set of words at the beginning of successive phrases
- oxymoron
- combination of two contradictory words or phrases for dramatic effect
- antithesis
- placement of words in parallel structure to form a balanced contrast of ideas eg) give me liberty or give me death
- straw man
- opponent's position is restated so that it is easier to attack, then the restated position is attributed to the opponent
- syllepsis
- use of a word in association with two or more other words that creates an incongruity in meaning eg) he lit the candle and my heart on fire.
- conceit
- an elaborate, clever metaphor
- prose
- ordinary language (as opposed to poetry)
- pun
- play on words suggesting different meanings
- consonance
- repetition of similar consonant sounds in a group of words
- allegory
- moral story with symbolic representation of ideas through fictional characters
- red herring
- something that diverts attention from a central issue
- invective
- abusive expression; insulting language
- semantics
- linguistic study of words, interpretation of the meaning of words
- dramatic irony
- used to heighten dramatic intensity by contrasting character's limited understanding to the audience (often used in Shakespeare, audience knows something character doesn't)
- simile
- comparison of two unlike things to suggest similarity using "like" or "as"
- eponym
- word or phrase derived from the name of a person
- pathetic fallacy
- assignment of human characteristics to inanimate objects or nature in an indirect and implicit manner
- hyperbole
- an extravagant exaggeration
- irony
- language, actions, or situations contrary to what is intended or expected
- aphorism
- saying that describes common observation or belief
- moral
- lesson expressed in a story
- alliteration
- repitition of the same sounds at the beginning of words in a group
- transition
- word, phrase, or sentence that links ideas
- sarcasm
- use of verbal irony in a harsh or mocking manner for negative purposes
- synecdoche
- metaphor in which the part is used to represent the whole or the whole is used to represent the part eg) wheels for car
- apostrophe
- form of personification that adresses to a personified abstract idea eg) Death, be not proud
- purple prose
- features exaggerated sentiment or extravagant and flowery language
- logical fallacy
- method of reasoning that does not have a sound basis in reason
- anecdote
- short account of an interesting event
- paradox
- statement that seems to be contradictory or unbelievable but that may actually be true
- begging the question
- point being argued is assumed to be true without any logical support
- onomatopoeia
- use of a word or phrase that imitates a sound
- metonymy
- use of the name of one thing or idea to describe another related thing or idea; actual part for the whole or the actual whole for the part eg) Washington refers to the government of USA
- wit
- amusing language
- personification
- assignment of human characteristics to inanimate objects or nature in a direct and explicit manner
- parody
- humorous imitation of a serious work
- epigraph
- quotation or motto at the beginning of a piece of writing, usually to establish a theme
- ad hominem argument
- argument attacks a person instead of the argument or stance
- meiosis
- understatement used to minimize the emphasis of the claim
- allusion
- direct or indirect reference; casual mention
- euphemism
- less offensive substitution for an unpleasant word or phrase
- chaismus
- inverted relationship between elements of parallel phrases eg) it's not the men in my life, it's the life in my men
- antonomasia
- substitution of a common word or phrase for a proper name eg) "a Benedict Arnold" for a traitor
- either/ or reasoning
- argument maintains that only two alternatives exist when in fact there are more options eg) You're either with us or against us
- homily
- moralizing lecture
- rhetorical question
- question posed without the expectation of an answer and used to emphasize an idea or encourage reflection
- verbal irony
- language that expresses a meaning that is the opposite of the intended meaning eg) sarcasm
- satire
- use of irony, ridicule, or wit to expose and/or mock negative qualities
- litotes
- understatement expressing a thought by denying its opposite; used to either amplify or minimize the emphasis of the claim
- qualifier
- a limit of some kind
- narrative
- story or an account of an event
- parable
- short story that teaches a truth, principle, or moral lesson through comparison