Literary TermsLiterary Terms

ProloguePrologue

An introduction most frequently An introduction most frequently associated with drama. Prologues associated with drama. Prologues were frequently written by the author were frequently written by the author of a play and delivered by one of the of a play and delivered by one of the chief actorschief actors

ChorusChorus

Often recited by a single actorOften recited by a single actorForeshadows & comments on Foreshadows & comments on

future/past eventsfuture/past eventsBackground informationBackground information

PunPun Word play that suggests two or more meanings for the Word play that suggests two or more meanings for the

same wordsame word Homonyms/homophones are commonly used as punsHomonyms/homophones are commonly used as punsOrOr A figure of speech demonstrating a deliberate confusion of A figure of speech demonstrating a deliberate confusion of

similar words or phrases for rhetorical effectsimilar words or phrases for rhetorical effect

Examples: There was once a cross-eyed teacher who couldn’t Examples: There was once a cross-eyed teacher who couldn’t control his pupils.control his pupils.

Police were called to a day-care where a three-year-old was Police were called to a day-care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.resisting a rest.

I couldn’t quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but I couldn’t quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but eventually it came back to me.eventually it came back to me.

When the boss sold the carnival, he said it was a fair deal.When the boss sold the carnival, he said it was a fair deal.““A trade sire, which is… indeed… a mender of bad soles.”A trade sire, which is… indeed… a mender of bad soles.”

Stage DirectionsStage Directions

Material that an author adds to a text Material that an author adds to a text to indicate movement, attitude, to indicate movement, attitude, manner, style, or quality of speech, manner, style, or quality of speech, character, or actioncharacter, or action

GenreGenre

type/category of literary works based type/category of literary works based on form, technique or subject matter.on form, technique or subject matter.

DramaDrama

the realistic portrayal of serious the realistic portrayal of serious events; a story told in action by events; a story told in action by actors who impersonate the actors who impersonate the characters. (play)characters. (play)

ComedyComedy

a lighter, with humor, form of drama a lighter, with humor, form of drama that aims primarily to amuse (tells that aims primarily to amuse (tells anecdotes/stories), and usually is anecdotes/stories), and usually is marked by a happy ending. marked by a happy ending. (marriages)(marriages)

TragedyTragedy

a type of play that ends/results in an a type of play that ends/results in an unfavorable and unhappy unfavorable and unhappy ending/catastrophe and is treated ending/catastrophe and is treated with seriousness and dignitywith seriousness and dignity

A play about a character’s downfallA play about a character’s downfallMain character(s) may end up dead Main character(s) may end up dead

or defeatedor defeatedCatastrophe/suffering awaits many of Catastrophe/suffering awaits many of

the characters, especially the herothe characters, especially the hero

Connotation vs. DenotationConnotation vs. Denotation

Connotation: the emotional Connotation: the emotional association of a word (negative or association of a word (negative or positive) positive)

Denotation: the definition/meaning of Denotation: the definition/meaning of the word, without emotional the word, without emotional associationsassociations

FigurativeFigurative

not literal (i.e. metaphors) not literal (i.e. metaphors)

ToneTone

attitude of the speaker/author attitude of the speaker/author towards the subject, characters, or towards the subject, characters, or audienceaudience

MoodMood

the emotion a text evokes in the the emotion a text evokes in the reader reader

ConflictConflict interplay between two opposing forces.interplay between two opposing forces. Two types:Two types: 1) 1) internalinternal- a struggle between two elements - a struggle between two elements

within one characterwithin one character Ex. Ex. man vs selfman vs self

(mental/emotional/psychological/spiritual)(mental/emotional/psychological/spiritual) 2) 2) externalexternal- a struggle between a character and - a struggle between a character and

an outside forcean outside forceEx.Ex. man vs manman vs man

man vs natureman vs natureman vs societyman vs societyman vs. Fateman vs. Fate

SoliloquySoliloquy

An extended speech delivered while An extended speech delivered while the speaker is alone, in order to the speaker is alone, in order to inform the audience of what is inform the audience of what is passing in the character’s mind passing in the character’s mind (his/her inner thoughts or what the (his/her inner thoughts or what the speaker is thinking inwardly, with the speaker is thinking inwardly, with the audience as listeners)audience as listeners)

MonologueMonologue

An extended speech delivered by a An extended speech delivered by a single speaker to listeners (another single speaker to listeners (another character or crowd) onstage, but the character or crowd) onstage, but the listeners do not speak listeners do not speak

DialogueDialogue

A conversation between two or more A conversation between two or more characterscharacters

Often serves to advance the action, Often serves to advance the action, give the impression of naturalness, give the impression of naturalness, present the interplay of ideas and present the interplay of ideas and personalities among those personalities among those conversing, and/or give relief from conversing, and/or give relief from descriptive/expository passagesdescriptive/expository passages

AsideAside

when an actor directly addresses the when an actor directly addresses the audience, or another character, but audience, or another character, but is not supposed to be heard by other is not supposed to be heard by other actors onstage (usually shorter than actors onstage (usually shorter than a monologue/soliloquy)a monologue/soliloquy)

Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony

the words or acts of a character carry the words or acts of a character carry meaning unperceived by the meaning unperceived by the character or other characters but are character or other characters but are understood by the audience (the understood by the audience (the audience/reader knows something audience/reader knows something that some of the characters are blind that some of the characters are blind to)to)

IronyIrony Portrays the difference between Portrays the difference between

appearance & reality, expectation & result, appearance & reality, expectation & result, or meaning & intentionor meaning & intention

Verbal irony: words are used to convey the Verbal irony: words are used to convey the opposite of what is meantopposite of what is meant

Situational irony: an action or event directly Situational irony: an action or event directly contradicts the expectations of the contradicts the expectations of the characters, the reader, or the audiencecharacters, the reader, or the audience

Dramatic irony: a contradiction between Dramatic irony: a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the what a character thinks and what the reader/audience knows to be true (when reader/audience knows to be true (when the reader/audience knows something that the reader/audience knows something that the character does not)the character does not)

OxymoronOxymoron

a self-contradictory combination/pair a self-contradictory combination/pair of wordsof words

Ex. Ex. jumbojumbo shrimp shrimp

MetaphorMetaphor

A comparison without the use of the A comparison without the use of the words “like” or “as”words “like” or “as”

Example: She is a rose.Example: She is a rose.

SimileSimile

A comparison using the word “like” A comparison using the word “like” or “as”or “as”

Example: She is as beautiful as a Example: She is as beautiful as a rose.rose.

PersonificationPersonification

An object/animal is given human An object/animal is given human qualities, such as human thoughts, qualities, such as human thoughts, feelings, attitudes, & feelings, attitudes, & characteristics/personalitiescharacteristics/personalities

From the Latin root “per” = throughFrom the Latin root “per” = throughExample: The sun smiled down on us.Example: The sun smiled down on us.

HyperboleHyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for effect (not Extreme exaggeration for effect (not to be taken literally)to be taken literally)

Example: I am so hungry, I could eat Example: I am so hungry, I could eat a cow!a cow!

ApostropheApostrophe

Someone (absent, dead, nonexistent/ Someone (absent, dead, nonexistent/ imaginary, or unspecified), some imaginary, or unspecified), some abstract quality/idea, or some abstract quality/idea, or some personified thing is addressed personified thing is addressed (spoken to) as though actually (spoken to) as though actually presentpresent

Examples: “O, pardon me, thou Examples: “O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,” “Oh bleeding piece of earth,” “Oh Sinner!”Sinner!”

AllusionAllusion

A reference to a historical or literary figure, A reference to a historical or literary figure, text, event, object, work of art, etc. outside text, event, object, work of art, etc. outside of the literary workof the literary work

Often well known (something the author Often well known (something the author assumes the reader is likely to be familiar assumes the reader is likely to be familiar with)with)

It is up to the reader to make the connectionIt is up to the reader to make the connection Common allusions are to the Bible, Common allusions are to the Bible,

Shakespeare, mythology, politics, or current Shakespeare, mythology, politics, or current eventsevents

ElisionElision

Omitting a syllable or sound in a word to make it Omitting a syllable or sound in a word to make it easier to say or pronounce or to ensure easier to say or pronounce or to ensure rhythm/maintain meter in poetry/create pleasant rhythm/maintain meter in poetry/create pleasant soundssounds

From the Latin “elidere” = to strike outFrom the Latin “elidere” = to strike out Usually runs two words together by the omission Usually runs two words together by the omission

of the final or initial soundsof the final or initial sounds Common uses: laboratory, temperature, Common uses: laboratory, temperature,

vegetablevegetable Shortened syllable count for poetry: ‘tis (instead Shortened syllable count for poetry: ‘tis (instead

of it is) ‘twas (instead of it was)of it is) ‘twas (instead of it was) Slang: gonna, dunnoSlang: gonna, dunno

SyncopeSyncope

Omitting letters within a word (the Omitting letters within a word (the interior of a word) to omit interior of a word) to omit sounds/syllablessounds/syllables

Examples: o’er=over, n’er=neverExamples: o’er=over, n’er=never

ApocopeApocope

Omitting the end of a word to make Omitting the end of a word to make it easier to sayit easier to say

Examples: abs=abdominal muscles, Examples: abs=abdominal muscles, ad=advertisement, bio=biology, ad=advertisement, bio=biology, decaf=decaffeinated, decaf=decaffeinated, demo=demonstrated, demo=demonstrated, limo=limousinelimo=limousine

ProseProse

From the Greek “prosa,” meaning From the Greek “prosa,” meaning straightforwardstraightforward

Ordinary speech (not poetic)Ordinary speech (not poetic)Paragraph formParagraph formNo formal meter/rhymeNo formal meter/rhyme

VerseVerse

PoeticPoeticMeter & rhymeMeter & rhyme

ScansionScansion

A close, critical reading of a poem, A close, critical reading of a poem, examining the work for its meter & examining the work for its meter & the relevance of its meterthe relevance of its meter

MeterMeter

Natural rhythm of a poemNatural rhythm of a poemSyllabic pattern (arrangement of Syllabic pattern (arrangement of

syllables in repeated patterns)syllables in repeated patterns)Basic unit in the description of the Basic unit in the description of the

underlying rhythm of a poemunderlying rhythm of a poem unit=metrical foot (measured by unit=metrical foot (measured by

syllables, not words; a foot can syllables, not words; a foot can consist of multiple words, & a word consist of multiple words, & a word can consist of multiple feet)can consist of multiple feet)

Blank VerseBlank Verse

Shakespeare’s poetry in unrhymed Shakespeare’s poetry in unrhymed iambic pentameteriambic pentameter

Same letters/end rhymeSame letters/end rhymeplaysplays

Iambic PentameterIambic Pentameter

A line of poetry that has 10 syllables A line of poetry that has 10 syllables (5 metric feet)(5 metric feet)

2 syllables = 1 foot2 syllables = 1 foot Iamb = a metric foot with two Iamb = a metric foot with two

syllables, first unstressed & second syllables, first unstressed & second stressed (most natural form of stressed (most natural form of rhythm in the English language, rhythm in the English language, usually producing a subtle but stable usually producing a subtle but stable verse)verse)

ParalepsisParalepsis

Emphasizing a point by seeming to Emphasizing a point by seeming to skip over it, which brings what’s skip over it, which brings what’s being omitted to the forefront of being omitted to the forefront of people’s consciousnesspeople’s consciousness

Example: “Have patience, gentle Example: “Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it. / It is not friends, I must not read it. / It is not meet you know how Caesar loved meet you know how Caesar loved you.”you.”

EulogyEulogy

A dignified, formal speech or writing A dignified, formal speech or writing that praises a person/thing that is that praises a person/thing that is typically deceasedtypically deceased

MetonymyMetonymy

Substitution of the name of an object Substitution of the name of an object closely associated with a word for the closely associated with a word for the word itselfword itself

Example: crown = monarchyExample: crown = monarchyExample: suits = FBI/CIA agentsExample: suits = FBI/CIA agentsExample: force = policeExample: force = police

SynecdocheSynecdoche

Using a part to represent the wholeUsing a part to represent the whole Examples: a new set of wheels, “lend me Examples: a new set of wheels, “lend me

your ears,” mouths to feed, give me a handyour ears,” mouths to feed, give me a hand A specific kind used to refer to a more A specific kind used to refer to a more

general kindgeneral kind Examples: Kleenex, CokeExamples: Kleenex, Coke A material used to refer to an object A material used to refer to an object

composed of that materialcomposed of that material Examples: plastic, pigskin, threadsExamples: plastic, pigskin, threads

ThemeTheme

The main idea/central The main idea/central concept/topic/message of a literary concept/topic/message of a literary workwork

Usually requires a subject & a Usually requires a subject & a predicatepredicate

Example: “the vanity of human Example: “the vanity of human wishes” instead of “human wishes”wishes” instead of “human wishes”

SymbolSymbol

Something that is itself & also Something that is itself & also represents something else (suggests represents something else (suggests another level of meaning)another level of meaning)

CharacterizationCharacterization

The process by which an author reveals The process by which an author reveals information about a character; methods the author information about a character; methods the author uses to develop the personality of a character; uses to develop the personality of a character; - what the narrator/other characters say/think - what the narrator/other characters say/think about (or respond to) the characterabout (or respond to) the character- what the character says/thinks- what the character says/thinks- what the character does- what the character does- what the character looks like- what the character looks like

Direct: often a sign of poor writing, telling (not Direct: often a sign of poor writing, telling (not showing, e.g. He was a dimwitted man.)showing, e.g. He was a dimwitted man.)

Indirect: showing (not telling) often inferred Indirect: showing (not telling) often inferred through actionthrough action

Types of CharactersTypes of Characters Round=complex (not always the good guy), fully developed Round=complex (not always the good guy), fully developed

both physically & emotionally, usually the main character both physically & emotionally, usually the main character that develops over the course of the storythat develops over the course of the story

Flat=one-dimensional, undeveloped, often unrealistic, lack Flat=one-dimensional, undeveloped, often unrealistic, lack complexity (not necessarily a sign of poor writing)complexity (not necessarily a sign of poor writing)

Dynamic=round, continuously change & evolve, often Dynamic=round, continuously change & evolve, often grows significantly & learns to be a better person (but can grows significantly & learns to be a better person (but can go the other way)go the other way)

Static=can be round or flat, does not change, essentially Static=can be round or flat, does not change, essentially remains the same over the course of the storyremains the same over the course of the story

Protagonist=the main character/hero, the character the Protagonist=the main character/hero, the character the reader is supposed to root for, can be more than one reader is supposed to root for, can be more than one charactercharacter

Antagonist=character that is in opposition to & works Antagonist=character that is in opposition to & works against the protagonist, doesn’t have to be a person (e.g. against the protagonist, doesn’t have to be a person (e.g. setting or situation)setting or situation)

ArchetypeArchetype An image, descriptive detail, plot pattern, situation, symbol, An image, descriptive detail, plot pattern, situation, symbol,

or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion, folklore, etc.religion, folklore, etc.

Examples: the hero, the quest, the journey, the task, the fall, Examples: the hero, the quest, the journey, the task, the fall, the flood, death & rebirth, the devil figure, he unfaithful wife, the flood, death & rebirth, the devil figure, he unfaithful wife, the scapegoat (death in public ceremony expiates the scapegoat (death in public ceremony expiates community’s sin), the outcast (banished from social group for community’s sin), the outcast (banished from social group for some crime), the temptress (sensuous & beautiful, attracts some crime), the temptress (sensuous & beautiful, attracts protagonist & brings about his downfall), the earth mother protagonist & brings about his downfall), the earth mother (symbol of fruition/abundance/fertility, offering (symbol of fruition/abundance/fertility, offering spiritual/emotional nourishment), the Platonic ideal (spiritual spiritual/emotional nourishment), the Platonic ideal (spiritual ideal, source of inspiration, idealized by protagonist who has ideal, source of inspiration, idealized by protagonist who has intellectual attachment to her), the sorrowing mother (loses intellectual attachment to her), the sorrowing mother (loses children, intense grief), light-darkness children, intense grief), light-darkness (light=hope/renewal/spiritual illumination, (light=hope/renewal/spiritual illumination, darkness=unknown/ignorance/despair), water-desert darkness=unknown/ignorance/despair), water-desert (water=birth/rebirth/regeneration, desert=spiritual sterility), (water=birth/rebirth/regeneration, desert=spiritual sterility), heaven-hell (skies & mountains=gods, bowels of heaven-hell (skies & mountains=gods, bowels of earth=diabolical forces)earth=diabolical forces)

SettingSetting

The location, time, social The location, time, social circumstances in which story takes circumstances in which story takes placeplace

Often contributes to the mood of the Often contributes to the mood of the storystory

General setting: overall location & General setting: overall location & time periodtime period

Immediate setting: particular time & Immediate setting: particular time & place within a story (similar to scene)place within a story (similar to scene)

ForeshadowingForeshadowing

The presentation of material in a text The presentation of material in a text in such a way that later events are in such a way that later events are prepared for (prepares the reader for prepared for (prepares the reader for future action)future action)

Establishment of mood/atmosphereEstablishment of mood/atmosphereAppearance of objects/facts as cluesAppearance of objects/facts as cluesThe revelation of a fundamental The revelation of a fundamental

charactercharacter

OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia

The use of a word that suggests its The use of a word that suggests its meaning (sounds like what it means)meaning (sounds like what it means)

Examples: buzz, clangExamples: buzz, clang

MotifMotif

A recurring image, word, object, A recurring image, word, object, phrase, or action that unifies the textphrase, or action that unifies the text

BildungsromanBildungsroman

Coming of age storyComing of age storyAbout growing upAbout growing up

Literal LanguageLiteral Language

Exact in meaningExact in meaningNot exaggeratedNot exaggerated

Figurative LanguageFigurative Language

Language that is not exact in meaningLanguage that is not exact in meaning Not to be taken literallyNot to be taken literally Means more than what it says on the Means more than what it says on the

surfacesurface Gives a feeling about a subjectGives a feeling about a subject Makes meaning fresh/clearer Makes meaning fresh/clearer Expresses complexityExpresses complexity Extends meaningExtends meaning Captures physical or sensory effectCaptures physical or sensory effect

Concrete LanguageConcrete Language

Sensory wordsSensory wordsObjects/events available to the five Objects/events available to the five

sensessenses

Abstract LanguageAbstract Language

IdeasIdeasConceptsConceptsNot physicalNot physicalCan’t be perceived via 5 sensesCan’t be perceived via 5 sensesExamples: war, love, freedom, Examples: war, love, freedom,

successsuccess

DetailDetail

Part of an effective descriptionPart of an effective descriptionBreaks down elements of description Breaks down elements of description

to elaborate on each partto elaborate on each part

JuxtapositionJuxtaposition

The placing of two things close The placing of two things close together or side by side for the sake together or side by side for the sake of comparison/contrastof comparison/contrast

Point of ViewPoint of View The related experience of the narrator (not the author!)The related experience of the narrator (not the author!) Texts often encourage the reader to identify with the narrator, not the Texts often encourage the reader to identify with the narrator, not the

authorauthor Can occur in 1Can occur in 1stst, 2, 2ndnd, or 3, or 3rdrd person person 11stst person: narrator is a character that is part of the story, & narrative is person: narrator is a character that is part of the story, & narrative is

limited by what the narrator knows/experiences/infers/discovers, used limited by what the narrator knows/experiences/infers/discovers, used frequently, sacrifices omniscience for greater intimacy with one character, frequently, sacrifices omniscience for greater intimacy with one character, uses “I”/”We,” narrator can be the protagonist or someone close to the uses “I”/”We,” narrator can be the protagonist or someone close to the protagonist who is privy to the protagonist’s thoughts/actions or an protagonist who is privy to the protagonist’s thoughts/actions or an ancillary character who has little to do with the action of the stpryancillary character who has little to do with the action of the stpry

22ndnd person: main character is referred to with 2 person: main character is referred to with 2ndnd person personal pronouns person personal pronouns (such as “you”), rare, difficult to take seriously, usually paired with present (such as “you”), rare, difficult to take seriously, usually paired with present tensetense

33rdrd person: narrator is outside the action person: narrator is outside the action Omniscient: narrator is all-knowing, knows everything that needs to be Omniscient: narrator is all-knowing, knows everything that needs to be

known including all characters’ thoughts/feelings/motivesknown including all characters’ thoughts/feelings/motives Limited: narrator stays within the confines of what one knows/sees (only a Limited: narrator stays within the confines of what one knows/sees (only a

part of the whole story), reader only gets the narrator’s biased perspectivepart of the whole story), reader only gets the narrator’s biased perspective 33rdrd person omniscient: most common prior to 20 person omniscient: most common prior to 20thth century century 33rdrd person limited: most common during 20 person limited: most common during 20thth & 21 & 21stst centuries centuries

ParadoxParadox

A statement/idea that appears A statement/idea that appears false/contradictory/absurd but false/contradictory/absurd but actually is trueactually is true

ImageryImagery Descriptive language that evokes a sensory experience Descriptive language that evokes a sensory experience

(sight, smell, taste, touch, sound); visual is most common(sight, smell, taste, touch, sound); visual is most common Visual imagery = sight is most common (Example: The Visual imagery = sight is most common (Example: The

crimson liquid spilled from the container and onto the white crimson liquid spilled from the container and onto the white page.)page.)

Auditory imagery = sound (Example: The bells chimed.)Auditory imagery = sound (Example: The bells chimed.) Olfactory imagery = smell (Example: His socks, still soaked Olfactory imagery = smell (Example: His socks, still soaked

with sweat from Tuesday’s P.E. class, filled the classroom with sweat from Tuesday’s P.E. class, filled the classroom with an aroma akin to salty, rotting fish.)with an aroma akin to salty, rotting fish.)

Gustatory imagery = taste (Example: When I was swimming Gustatory imagery = taste (Example: When I was swimming in the ocean, I accidentally took a gulp of briny, bitter liquid, in the ocean, I accidentally took a gulp of briny, bitter liquid, causing me to cough and gag.)causing me to cough and gag.)

Tactile imagery = touch (Example: The soft play-dough Tactile imagery = touch (Example: The soft play-dough oozed between Connor’s fingers.)oozed between Connor’s fingers.)

CatharsisCatharsis

Emotional relief/purification/purging Emotional relief/purification/purging /clarification that an audience was /clarification that an audience was supposed to experience upon viewing a supposed to experience upon viewing a Greek tragedyGreek tragedy

In drama, refers to a sudden emotional In drama, refers to a sudden emotional climax that evokes overwhelming sorrow, climax that evokes overwhelming sorrow, pity, laughter, or any other extreme pity, laughter, or any other extreme change in emotion, resulting in change in emotion, resulting in restoration, renewal, and revitalization in restoration, renewal, and revitalization in audience membersaudience members

CacophonyCacophony

A combination of harsh & unpleasant A combination of harsh & unpleasant soundssounds

Often caused by consonanceOften caused by consonanceUsed in both poetry & prose to Used in both poetry & prose to

convey angry/discordant tone/feelingconvey angry/discordant tone/feeling

EuphonyEuphony

A combination of pleasant soundsA combination of pleasant soundsOften created through assonanceOften created through assonanceUsed in both poetry & proseUsed in both poetry & proseCommon in love poems or pieces Common in love poems or pieces

that want to convey soft & pleasant that want to convey soft & pleasant feelingsfeelings

AlliterationAlliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds Repetition of initial consonant sounds or any vowel sounds in successive or or any vowel sounds in successive or closely associated syllablesclosely associated syllables

Example: “fiery flood of fierceness”Example: “fiery flood of fierceness”Example: Peter Piper picked a peck Example: Peter Piper picked a peck

of pickled peppersof pickled peppersExample: killer catExample: killer cat

AssonanceAssonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within Repetition of vowel sounds within successive or closely associated wordssuccessive or closely associated words

Does not need to happen at the Does not need to happen at the beginning of wordsbeginning of words

Can create a soft fluency in sound and Can create a soft fluency in sound and internal rhymeinternal rhyme

Example: “on a proud round cloud in a Example: “on a proud round cloud in a white high night”white high night”

ConsonanceConsonance

Repetition of consonant sounds Repetition of consonant sounds within words, rather than at the within words, rather than at the beginningbeginning

Example: All mammals named Pam Example: All mammals named Pam are clammy.are clammy.

AnaphoraAnaphora

Repetition of words/phrases/clauses Repetition of words/phrases/clauses at the beginning of successive or at the beginning of successive or closely associated lines/sentencesclosely associated lines/sentences

Common in speechesCommon in speechesUsed for emphasisUsed for emphasis

Epistrophe/AntistropheEpistrophe/Antistrophe

Repetition of words/phrases/clauses Repetition of words/phrases/clauses at the end of successive or closely at the end of successive or closely associated lines/sentencesassociated lines/sentences

ParallelismParallelism

When several elements of equal When several elements of equal importance are expressed in a importance are expressed in a sentencesentence

The same pattern of words show two The same pattern of words show two or more clauses/ideas have the same or more clauses/ideas have the same level of importance; the repetition of level of importance; the repetition of words/grammatical words/grammatical structures/phrases, etc.structures/phrases, etc.

Parallel sentence constructionsParallel sentence constructions

Inversion/AnastropheInversion/Anastrophe

Words placed out of normal English Words placed out of normal English order, often to accommodate the order, often to accommodate the metrical pattern & maintain the metrical pattern & maintain the regular meter/rhythm/rhyme; the regular meter/rhythm/rhyme; the placing of sentence elements out of placing of sentence elements out of their normal positions their normal positions

Think Yoda!Think Yoda!Example: “Worried, I am. Afraid, is Example: “Worried, I am. Afraid, is

he.”he.”

Rhetorical QuestionRhetorical Question

A question asked for effectA question asked for effectDoes not require a replyDoes not require a replyFrom the root “retro” = backwardsFrom the root “retro” = backwards

End RhymeEnd Rhyme

Rhyming words at the end of linesRhyming words at the end of linesExample: been & sinExample: been & sin

Internal RhymeInternal Rhyme

Rhyme occurs at some place before Rhyme occurs at some place before the last syllable in a linethe last syllable in a line

Example: Here I am, an old man in a Example: Here I am, an old man in a dry…dry…

Slant/Half RhymeSlant/Half Rhyme

Near rhymeNear rhymePartial rhymePartial rhyme Imperfect rhymeImperfect rhymeExamples: Dry & died, devil & evil, Examples: Dry & died, devil & evil,

grown & moongrown & moon

Plot: sequence of events in a Plot: sequence of events in a texttext

ExpositionExposition

Part of the work that introduces the Part of the work that introduces the characters, setting, events, basic characters, setting, events, basic situation, background information, situation, background information, etc.etc.

The “set up”The “set up”Provides clarity for future plotProvides clarity for future plotUsually best when done indirectlyUsually best when done indirectly

Inciting ActionInciting Action

The introduction of the central The introduction of the central conflictconflict

Lets readers know what the Lets readers know what the protagonist is up againstprotagonist is up against

Hints at circumstances of climaxHints at circumstances of climax

Development/Rising ActionDevelopment/Rising Action

Development: conflict increasesDevelopment: conflict increasesRising action: events that lead up to Rising action: events that lead up to

the climax, complication of the the climax, complication of the action, begins with exciting force action, begins with exciting force (which starts the conflict), gains (which starts the conflict), gains interest & power as oppositions come interest & power as oppositions come into conflict, proceeds to climaxinto conflict, proceeds to climax

Events that push the story forwardEvents that push the story forwardAdds tension to the plotAdds tension to the plot

ClimaxClimax

The height of suspense/interestThe height of suspense/interestTurning pointTurning pointPoint at which conflict reaches its Point at which conflict reaches its

highest pointhighest pointThe “big battle” (can be external or The “big battle” (can be external or

internal)internal)

Falling ActionFalling Action

Events after the climax that lead to Events after the climax that lead to the resolutionthe resolution

Not always necessary/apparentNot always necessary/apparent

ResolutionResolution

The end of the central The end of the central conflict/tensionconflict/tension

May tie up loose endsMay tie up loose endsNot always happyNot always happy

DenouementDenouement

Any events that occur after the Any events that occur after the resolutionresolution

May tie up loose endsMay tie up loose endsNot always happyNot always happy

DictionDiction

Word choiceWord choice Formal diction: elevated & dignified, often Formal diction: elevated & dignified, often

complex & impersonal, follows grammar complex & impersonal, follows grammar rulesrules

Middle diction: maintains correct language Middle diction: maintains correct language but less elevated, reflects how most but less elevated, reflects how most educated people speakeducated people speak

Informal Diction: plain language of Informal Diction: plain language of everyday use, includes slang, idioms, & everyday use, includes slang, idioms, & common wordscommon words

SyntaxSyntax

Sentence structure; arrangement of Sentence structure; arrangement of wordswords

Even with formal diction, a lack of Even with formal diction, a lack of variety or overly simplistic syntax variety or overly simplistic syntax can lower the level of language in an can lower the level of language in an essay (compound, complex essay (compound, complex sentences vs. short, choppy sentences vs. short, choppy sentences)sentences)

StoicismStoicism Philosophical belief began 3rd century B.C. by

founder Zeno & lasted for 500 years Belief in self-control, little expression of emotion,

& a denial of passion From Greek for "painted portico" in Athens where

the group met and talked Zeno: one's duty was to behave in a rational &

calm manner and not let emotion cloud thinking Acceptance of what happened as part of the law

of nature. Seems bleak & rigid today but popular in Greece During the Roman Empire, emphasis on social

duty, the importance of the law, & equal rights for all

Brutus

EpicureanismEpicureanism

Epicurus=Greek philosopher who lived from 341 B.C. to 270 B.C.; believed life best understood by awareness of sensory perceptions

Belief that the most important goal was to seek pleasure & avoid pain.

Did not believe in fearing gods because there was no life after death

Epicurus didn’t acknowledge power of supernatural - omens, dreams, & other portents so would not have assigned much importance to Calpurnia's dream

Influenced modern hedonism (some same tenets)

EcphonesisEcphonesis

Emotional, exclamatory phrase; call Emotional, exclamatory phrase; call out/express sudden emotionout/express sudden emotion

In drama, poetry, songIn drama, poetry, song Rhetorical device in ancient literatureRhetorical device in ancient literature Greek in originGreek in origin ““O” often used but not necessary O” often used but not necessary

- To Renaissance audience, “O” literally - To Renaissance audience, “O” literally meant one’s heart was bleeding meant one’s heart was bleeding - “O” sounds = distraught emotional state - “O” sounds = distraught emotional state & serious health concern& serious health concern

Examples: “O, the times!” Examples: “O, the times!”

AnadiplosisAnadiplosis

““Doubling back”Doubling back”Repetition of last word of a preceding Repetition of last word of a preceding

clauseclauseWord used at end of sentence & used Word used at end of sentence & used

again at beginning of next sentenceagain at beginning of next sentenceExample: “Fear leads to anger. Anger Example: “Fear leads to anger. Anger

leads to hate. Hate leads to leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”suffering.”

AsyndetonAsyndeton

From the Greek “unconnected”From the Greek “unconnected”Deliberate omission of conjunctions Deliberate omission of conjunctions

from a series of related clauses from a series of related clauses Speeds up the rhythm to make more Speeds up the rhythm to make more

memorablememorableExamples: “I came, I saw, I Examples: “I came, I saw, I

conquered.” “government of the conquered.” “government of the people, by the people, for the people” people, by the people, for the people” “Friends, Romans, Countrymen”“Friends, Romans, Countrymen”

ChiasmusChiasmus

““to shape like the letter x”to shape like the letter x” Two or more clauses are related to each other Two or more clauses are related to each other

through a reversal of structures in order to make through a reversal of structures in order to make a larger pointa larger point

Criss-cross structureCriss-cross structure Inverted parallelismInverted parallelism Popular in Greek & Roman textsPopular in Greek & Roman texts Example: “He knowingly led, and we followed Example: “He knowingly led, and we followed

blindly.” blindly.” AA BB A A B B

subject, adverb, verb, conjunction (cross) subject, subject, adverb, verb, conjunction (cross) subject, verb, adverbverb, adverb

AntithesisAntithesis

From Greek for “setting opposition”From Greek for “setting opposition” A counter propositionA counter proposition Denotes a direct contrast to the original propositionDenotes a direct contrast to the original proposition Setting the opposite brings out a contrast in Setting the opposite brings out a contrast in

meaning by obvious contrast in expressionmeaning by obvious contrast in expression Examples: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”Examples: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

““Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.”Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.”““Man proposes, God disposes.”Man proposes, God disposes.”

In literary fiction, can describe a character who In literary fiction, can describe a character who presents the exact opposite (personality type/moral presents the exact opposite (personality type/moral outlook) to another character, e.g. Voldemort & outlook) to another character, e.g. Voldemort & DumbledoreDumbledore