Literary Terms Literary termsLiterary terms refers to refers to the words themselves with the words themselves with which we identify and which we identify and describe literary elements describe literary elements and techniques. They are and techniques. They are not not found in literature and found in literature and they are they are notnot “used” by “used” by authors. authors.

LITERARY DEVICESLITERARY DEVICES•Literary devices Literary devices refers to refers to

any specific aspect of any specific aspect of literature, or a particular work, literature, or a particular work, which we can recognize, which we can recognize, identify, interpret and/or identify, interpret and/or analyze. Both literary analyze. Both literary elements elements and and literary literary techniques can rightly be techniques can rightly be called literary devices.called literary devices.

Literary elementsLiterary elements

• ……refers to aspects or characteristics of a refers to aspects or characteristics of a whole text. They are not “used,” per se, by whole text. They are not “used,” per se, by authors; authors; wewe derive what they are from derive what they are from reading the text. Most literary elements can reading the text. Most literary elements can be derived from any and all texts; for be derived from any and all texts; for example, every story has a example, every story has a themetheme, every , every story has a story has a settingsetting, every story has a , every story has a conflict,conflict, every story is written from a every story is written from a particular particular point-of-viewpoint-of-view, etc. In order to be , etc. In order to be discussed legitimately, literary elements discussed legitimately, literary elements must be must be specifically identifiedspecifically identified for that text. for that text.

Literary techniquesLiterary techniques

• ……refers to any specific, deliberate refers to any specific, deliberate constructions of language which an constructions of language which an author uses to convey meaning. An author uses to convey meaning. An author’s use of a literary technique author’s use of a literary technique usually occurs with a single word or usually occurs with a single word or phrase, or a particular group of words phrase, or a particular group of words or phrases, at one single point in a text. or phrases, at one single point in a text. Unlike literary elements, literary Unlike literary elements, literary techniques are techniques are notnot necessarily present necessarily present in in everyevery text. text.

Allegory Allegory

• A story illustrating an idea or a moral A story illustrating an idea or a moral principle in which objects take on principle in which objects take on symbolic meanings. In Dante Alighieri's symbolic meanings. In Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy," Dante, symbolizing "Divine Comedy," Dante, symbolizing mankind, is taken by Virgil the poet on a mankind, is taken by Virgil the poet on a journey through Hell, Purgatory and journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise in order to teach him the nature Paradise in order to teach him the nature of sin and its punishments, and the way of sin and its punishments, and the way to salvation. to salvation.

Alliteration:Alliteration:

• The repetition of The repetition of consonant sounds consonant sounds within close within close proximity, usually proximity, usually in consecutive in consecutive words within the words within the same sentence or same sentence or line. line.

Used for poetic effect, a repetition of the initial sounds of several words in a group. The following line from Robert Frost's poem Acquainted with the Night provides us with an example of alliteration “I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet." The repetition of the s sound creates a sense of quiet, reinforcing the meaning of the line.

AllusionAllusion

A reference in one literary work to a character or A reference in one literary work to a character or theme found in another literary work. T. S. Eliot, in theme found in another literary work. T. S. Eliot, in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" alludes (refers) "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" alludes (refers) to the biblical figure John the Baptist in the line to the biblical figure John the Baptist in the line Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald) Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald) brought in upon a platter, . . .brought in upon a platter, . . . In the New Testament, In the New Testament, John the Baptist's head was presented to King Herod John the Baptist's head was presented to King Herod on a platter.on a platter.

Repetition of a word or words at the Repetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, beginning of two or more successive verses, clauses, or sentences. clauses, or sentences. By building toward a By building toward a climax, anaphora can create a strong emotional climax, anaphora can create a strong emotional

effecteffect. .

AnaphoraAnaphora

""Of allOf all the gin joints the gin joints in allin all the towns the towns in allin all the the world, she walks into mine."world, she walks into mine."(Rick Blaine in (Rick Blaine in CasablancaCasablanca))

Words, phrases ideas strongly contrasted Words, phrases ideas strongly contrasted (often by means of repetition of grammatical (often by means of repetition of grammatical

structure).structure).

AntithesisAntithesis

An example of antithesis is the following line by the English An example of antithesis is the following line by the English poet Alexander Pope: "To err is human, to forgive divine.“poet Alexander Pope: "To err is human, to forgive divine.“

An example of antithesis is found in the following portion of An example of antithesis is found in the following portion of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address"; notice the Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address"; notice the opposition between the verbs "remember" and "forget" and opposition between the verbs "remember" and "forget" and the phrases "what we say" and "what they did": "The world the phrases "what we say" and "what they did": "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."can never forget what they did here."

ApostropheApostrophe

• A figure of speech wherein the speaker A figure of speech wherein the speaker speaks directly to something nonhuman. speaks directly to something nonhuman. In these lines from John Donne's poem In these lines from John Donne's poem "The Sun Rising" the poet scolds the sun "The Sun Rising" the poet scolds the sun for interrupting his nighttime activities: for interrupting his nighttime activities:

Busy old fool, unruly sun, Busy old fool, unruly sun,

Why dost thou thus, Why dost thou thus,

Through windows, and through Through windows, and through curtains call curtains call on us?on us?

ArchetypeArchetype

• The original model or The original model or pattern from which copies pattern from which copies are made or from which are made or from which Something develops. It is Something develops. It is also a symbol, theme, also a symbol, theme, setting, or character that is setting, or character that is thought to have some thought to have some universal meaninguniversal meaning and and recurs in different times recurs in different times and places in myth, and places in myth, literature, folklore, dreams, literature, folklore, dreams, and rituals.and rituals.

AssonanceAssonance

The repetition of vowel sounds in a literary The repetition of vowel sounds in a literary work, especially in a poem. Edgar Allen work, especially in a poem. Edgar Allen Poe's "The Bells" contains numerous Poe's "The Bells" contains numerous examples. Consider these from stanza 2: examples. Consider these from stanza 2:

Hear the mellow wedding bells-Hear the mellow wedding bells-and and From the molten-golden notes,From the molten-golden notes,The repetition of the short e and long o sounds The repetition of the short e and long o sounds

denotes adenotes aheavier, more serious bell than the bell heavier, more serious bell than the bell

encountered in theencountered in thefirst stanza where the assonance included the i first stanza where the assonance included the i

sound insound inexamples such as examples such as tinkle, sprinkle,tinkle, sprinkle, and and twinkle.twinkle.

ColloquialismColloquialism

A word or phrase used in an easy, informal A word or phrase used in an easy, informal style of writing or speaking. It is usually style of writing or speaking. It is usually more appropriate in speech than formal more appropriate in speech than formal writing. Colloquialisms appear often in writing. Colloquialisms appear often in literature since they provide a sense of literature since they provide a sense of actual conversation and use the actual conversation and use the pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary of everyday speech. everyday speech.

Connotation and DenotationConnotation and Denotation

The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition. The word wall, therefore, denotes an upright structure which encloses something or serves as a boundary. The connotation of a word is its emotional content. In this sense, the word wall can also mean an attitude or actions which prevent becoming emotionally close to a person. In Robert Frosts "Mending Wall," two neighbors walk a property line each on his own side of a wall of loose stones. As they walk, they pick up and replace stones that have fallen. Frost thinks it's unnecessary to replace the stones since they have no cows to damage each other's property. The neighbor only says "Good fences make good neighbors." The wall, in this case, is both a boundary (denotation) and a barrier that prevents Frost and his neighbor from getting to know each other, a force prohibiting involvement (connotation).

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds with differing vowel sounds in words near each other in a line or lines of poetry. Consider the following example from Theodore Roethke's "Night Journey:" We rush into a rain That rattles double glass.We rush into a rain That rattles double glass.

The repetition of the r sound in rush, rain, and rattles, occurring so close to each other in these two lines, would be considered consonance. Since a poem is generally much shorter than a short story or novel, the poet must be economical in his/her use of words and devices. Nothing can be wasted; nothing in a well-crafted poem is there by accident. Therefore, since devices such as consonance and alliteration, rhyme and meter have been used by the poet for effect, the reader must stop and consider what effect the inclusion of these devices has on the poem.

DictionDiction• An author's choice of words. Since words have An author's choice of words. Since words have

specific meanings, and since one's choice of words specific meanings, and since one's choice of words can affect feelings, a writer's choice of words can can affect feelings, a writer's choice of words can have great impact in a literary work. The writer, have great impact in a literary work. The writer, therefore, must choose his words carefully. therefore, must choose his words carefully. Discussing his novel "A Farewell to Arms" during an Discussing his novel "A Farewell to Arms" during an interview, Ernest Hemingway stated that he had to interview, Ernest Hemingway stated that he had to rewrite the ending thirty-nine times. When asked rewrite the ending thirty-nine times. When asked what the most difficult thing about finishing the what the most difficult thing about finishing the novel was, Hemingway answered, "Getting the novel was, Hemingway answered, "Getting the words right." DICTION usually implies a high level of words right." DICTION usually implies a high level of usage; it refers chiefly to the choice of words, their usage; it refers chiefly to the choice of words, their arrangement, and the force, accuracy, and arrangement, and the force, accuracy, and distinction with which they are used:distinction with which they are used:Example: “It was Example: “It was easyeasy to use that laptop” or “It was to use that laptop” or “It was effortlesseffortless using that laptop.” using that laptop.”

FlashbackFlashback A reference to an event which took place prior to A reference to an event which took place prior to

the beginning of a story or play. In Ernest the beginning of a story or play. In Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," the Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," the protagonist, Harry Street, has been injured on a protagonist, Harry Street, has been injured on a hunt in Africa. Dying, his mind becomes hunt in Africa. Dying, his mind becomes preoccupied with incidents in his past. In a preoccupied with incidents in his past. In a flashback Street remembers one of his wartime flashback Street remembers one of his wartime comrades dying painfully on barbed wire on a comrades dying painfully on barbed wire on a battlefield in Spain.battlefield in Spain.

ForeshadowingForeshadowing In drama, a method used to build suspense by In drama, a method used to build suspense by

providing hints of what is to come. In Shakespeare's providing hints of what is to come. In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo's expression of fear in Act 1, "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo's expression of fear in Act 1, scene 4 foreshadows the catastrophe to come: scene 4 foreshadows the catastrophe to come:

I fear too early; for my mind misgives I fear too early; for my mind misgives

Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin his fearful date Shall bitterly begin his fearful date

With this night's revels and expire the term With this night's revels and expire the term Of a despised life closed in my breast Of a despised life closed in my breast

By some vile forfeit of untimely death. By some vile forfeit of untimely death.

But He that hath the steerage of my course, But He that hath the steerage of my course,

Direct my sail! On, lusty gentlemen.Direct my sail! On, lusty gentlemen.

HyperboleHyperbole A figure of speech in which an overstatement or A figure of speech in which an overstatement or

exaggeration occurs as in the following lines from Act 2, exaggeration occurs as in the following lines from Act 2, scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." In this scene, scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." In this scene, Macbeth has murdered King Duncan. Horrified at the Macbeth has murdered King Duncan. Horrified at the blood on his hands, he asks: blood on his hands, he asks:

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood

Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather

The multitudinous seas incarnadine,The multitudinous seas incarnadine,

Making the green one red.Making the green one red.

Literally, it does not require an ocean to wash blood Literally, it does not require an ocean to wash blood from one's hand. Nor can the blood on one's hand turn from one's hand. Nor can the blood on one's hand turn the green ocean red. The hyperbole works to illustrate the green ocean red. The hyperbole works to illustrate the guilt Macbeth feels at the brutal murder of his king the guilt Macbeth feels at the brutal murder of his king and kinsman.and kinsman.SeeSee Understatement to study the opposite of hyperbole. to study the opposite of hyperbole.

IdiomIdiom The language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to The language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to

a people or the constructions or expressions ofa people or the constructions or expressions of

one language whose structure is not matched in one language whose structure is not matched in another language. Idioms often possess a meaning another language. Idioms often possess a meaning other thanother than

their grammatical or logical ones and cannot be their grammatical or logical ones and cannot be directly translated into another language. It also is directly translated into another language. It also is used to describe something peculiar to an individual.used to describe something peculiar to an individual.

ImageryImagery AA word or group of words in a literary work which word or group of words in a literary work which

appeal to one or more of the senses: sight, taste, appeal to one or more of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell. The use of images touch, hearing, and smell. The use of images serves to intensify the impact of the work. The serves to intensify the impact of the work. The following example of imagery in T. S. Eliot's "The following example of imagery in T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,"

When the evening is spread out against the sky When the evening is spread out against the sky

Like a patient etherized upon a table Like a patient etherized upon a table

uses images of pain and sickness to describe the uses images of pain and sickness to describe the evening, which as an image itself represents evening, which as an image itself represents

society and the psychology of Prufrock, himselfsociety and the psychology of Prufrock, himself..

GenreGenre

A literary type or form. Drama is a A literary type or form. Drama is a genre of literature. Within drama, genre of literature. Within drama, genre include tragedy, comedy and genre include tragedy, comedy and other forms. Some types of genre other forms. Some types of genre are: FICTION, NON-FICTION, MEDIA, are: FICTION, NON-FICTION, MEDIA, DRAMA, POETRYDRAMA, POETRY

IronyIrony• Irony takes many forms. In Irony takes many forms. In situational ironysituational irony, the , the

result of an action is the reverse of what the actor result of an action is the reverse of what the actor expected. Macbeth murders his king hoping that in expected. Macbeth murders his king hoping that in becoming king he will achieve great happiness. becoming king he will achieve great happiness. Actually, Macbeth never knows another moment of Actually, Macbeth never knows another moment of peace, and finally is beheaded for his murderous peace, and finally is beheaded for his murderous act. In act. In dramatic ironydramatic irony, the audience knows , the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not. something that the characters in the drama do not. For example, the identity of the murderer in a crime For example, the identity of the murderer in a crime thriller may be known to the audience long before thriller may be known to the audience long before the mystery is solved. In the mystery is solved. In verbal ironyverbal irony, the contrast , the contrast is between the literal meaning of what is said and is between the literal meaning of what is said and what is meant. A character may refer to a plan as what is meant. A character may refer to a plan as brilliant, while actually meaning that (s)he thinks brilliant, while actually meaning that (s)he thinks the plan is foolishthe plan is foolish. Sarcasm. Sarcasm is a form of verbal is a form of verbal irony. irony.

• The general term for literary techniques that portray The general term for literary techniques that portray differences between appearance and reality, differences between appearance and reality, expectation and result, or meaning and intention.expectation and result, or meaning and intention.

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MalapropismMalapropism

The act or habit of The act or habit of misusing words to misusing words to comic effect. This comic effect. This usually results from usually results from ignorance or from ignorance or from confusion of words confusion of words similar in sound but similar in sound but different in meaning, different in meaning, mainly polysyllabic mainly polysyllabic words. words. Ex: a lady has Ex: a lady has “very close” veins “very close” veins rather than rather than “varicose” veins; “varicose” veins; may I have your may I have your “detention” rather “detention” rather than “attention.”than “attention.”

http://etext.virginia.edu/railton/huckfinn/huckpix/huckpix.htmlhttp://etext.virginia.edu/railton/huckfinn/huckpix/huckpix.html

MetaphorMetaphor• A figure of speech wherein a A figure of speech wherein a

comparison is made between two comparison is made between two unlike quantities without the use of unlike quantities without the use of the words "like" or "as." Jonathan the words "like" or "as." Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon "Sinners in Edwards, in his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," has this the Hands of an Angry God," has this to say about the moral condition of to say about the moral condition of his parishioners: his parishioners:

There are the black clouds of God's There are the black clouds of God's wrath now hanging directly over your wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadful storm and heads, full of the dreadful storm and big with thunder;big with thunder;

The comparison here is between The comparison here is between God's anger and a storm. Note that God's anger and a storm. Note that there is no use of "like" or "as" as there is no use of "like" or "as" as would be the case in a similewould be the case in a simileSee Simile for more information.See Simile for more information. http://stormgasm.com/photo%20gallery/clouds/clouds.htm

MetonymyMetonymy

A figure of speech A figure of speech in which a word in which a word represents represents something else something else which it suggests. which it suggests.

Ex. 'He is a man of cloth', Ex. 'He is a man of cloth', which means he belongs to a which means he belongs to a religious order. religious order. Ex. 'He writes with a fine Ex. 'He writes with a fine hand', means he has a good hand', means he has a good handwriting. handwriting. Ex. 'We have always Ex. 'We have always remained loyal to the crown', remained loyal to the crown', that means the people are that means the people are loyal to the king or the ruler loyal to the king or the ruler of their country. of their country. Ex. 'The pen is mightier than Ex. 'The pen is mightier than the sword' refers that the the sword' refers that the power of literary works is power of literary works is greater than military force. greater than military force. Ex. 'The House was called to Ex. 'The House was called to order', refers to the members order', refers to the members of the House.of the House.

MoodMood The atmosphere or The atmosphere or

feeling created by a feeling created by a literary work, partly literary work, partly by a description of by a description of the objects or by the the objects or by the style of the style of the descriptions. A work descriptions. A work may contain a mood may contain a mood of horror, mystery, of horror, mystery, holiness, or childlike holiness, or childlike simplicity, to name a simplicity, to name a few, depending on few, depending on the author's the author's treatment of the treatment of the work. work.

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MotifMotif

A recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., A recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.musical work.

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OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia

A literary device wherein the sound of a A literary device wherein the sound of a word echoes the sound it represents. The word echoes the sound it represents. The words "splash." "knock," and "roar" are words "splash." "knock," and "roar" are examples. The following lines end Dylan examples. The following lines end Dylan Thomas' "Fern Hill:"Thomas' "Fern Hill:"

Out of the whinnying green stable Out of the whinnying green stable

On to the fields of praiseOn to the fields of praise. . The word "whinnying" is onomatopoetic. "Whinny" is the The word "whinnying" is onomatopoetic. "Whinny" is the

sound usually selected to represent that made by a sound usually selected to represent that made by a horse.horse.

Paradox Paradox A situation or a statement that A situation or a statement that

seems to contradict itself, but on seems to contradict itself, but on closer inspectioncloser inspection, does not. This , does not. This line from John Donne's "Holy line from John Donne's "Holy Sonnet 14" provides an example:Sonnet 14" provides an example:

That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me,me,

The poet paradoxically asks God to The poet paradoxically asks God to knock him down so that he may knock him down so that he may stand. What he means by this is for stand. What he means by this is for God to destroy his present self and God to destroy his present self and remake him as a holier person.remake him as a holier person.

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Oxymoron Oxymoron A combination of contradictory terms, such as A combination of contradictory terms, such as

used by Romeo in Act 1, scene 1 of Shakespeare's used by Romeo in Act 1, scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet:" "Romeo and Juliet:"

Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate!

O heavy lightness, serious vanity; O heavy lightness, serious vanity;

Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms!

Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!health!

These pictures, or images, are created by details ofThese pictures, or images, are created by details of

sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, or movementsight, sound, taste, touch, smell, or movement..

Parallel Structure Parallel Structure

A repetition of sentences A repetition of sentences using the same structure. using the same structure. This line from Abraham This line from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Lincoln's Gettysburg Address provides an example: provides an example:

The world will little not nor The world will little not nor long remember long remember what we say what we say here, here, but it can never forget but it can never forget what they did herewhat they did here..

Personification Personification

A figure of speech in which something nonhuman is given A figure of speech in which something nonhuman is given human characteristics. Consider the following lines from Carl human characteristics. Consider the following lines from Carl Sandburg's "Chicago:" Sandburg's "Chicago:"

Stormy, husky, brawling, City of the big shoulders: Stormy, husky, brawling, City of the big shoulders:

Carl Sandburg description of Chicago includes shoulders. Carl Sandburg description of Chicago includes shoulders. Cities do not have shoulders, people do. Sandburg personifies Cities do not have shoulders, people do. Sandburg personifies the city by ascribing to it something human, shoulders. the city by ascribing to it something human, shoulders. "Justice is blind." is another example."Justice is blind." is another example.

PlotPlot• The sequence of events The sequence of events

in a literary work.in a literary work. In In most novels, dramas, most novels, dramas, short stories, and short stories, and narrative poems, the narrative poems, the plot involves both plot involves both characters and a characters and a central conflict. It central conflict. It usually begins with a:usually begins with a:– exposition, followed by a exposition, followed by a

inciting incident, rising inciting incident, rising action (development), action (development), climax, falling action, climax, falling action, and ending with a and ending with a resolution (denouement).resolution (denouement).

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Point of View Point of View

A piece of literature contains a speaker who is speaking A piece of literature contains a speaker who is speaking either in either in the first person, the first person, telling things from his or her telling things from his or her own perspective, or in the own perspective, or in the third personthird person, telling things , telling things from the perspective of an onlooker. The perspective from the perspective of an onlooker. The perspective used is called the Point of View, and is referred to either used is called the Point of View, and is referred to either as first person or third person. If the speaker knows as first person or third person. If the speaker knows everything including the actions, motives, and thoughts everything including the actions, motives, and thoughts of all the characters, the speaker is referred to as of all the characters, the speaker is referred to as omniscient omniscient ((all-knowing). If the speaker is unable to all-knowing). If the speaker is unable to know what is in any character's mind but his or her know what is in any character's mind but his or her own, this is called own, this is called limited omniscient.limited omniscient.

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PunPunA play on words wherein a word is used to A play on words wherein a word is used to

convey two meanings at the same time. convey two meanings at the same time. The line below, spoken by Mercutio in The line below, spoken by Mercutio in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is an Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is an example of a pun. Mercutio has just been example of a pun. Mercutio has just been stabbed, knows he is dying and says: stabbed, knows he is dying and says:

Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man. grave man.

Mercutio's use of the word "grave' renders itMercutio's use of the word "grave' renders it

capable of two meanings: a serious person capable of two meanings: a serious person or a corpse in his grave. or a corpse in his grave.

RhetoricRhetoricThe theory and principles concerned with the effective use The theory and principles concerned with the effective use

of language or the theory and practice ofof language or the theory and practice of

eloquence, both written and oral. It consists of the ruleseloquence, both written and oral. It consists of the rules

that govern all prose composition or speech designedthat govern all prose composition or speech designed

to influence the judgment or feelings of people, but is only to influence the judgment or feelings of people, but is only

loosely connected with specific details ofloosely connected with specific details of

mechanics, grammar, etc.; it is concerned with a mechanics, grammar, etc.; it is concerned with a

consideration of the fundamental principles according toconsideration of the fundamental principles according to

which oratorical discourses are composed: invention, which oratorical discourses are composed: invention,

arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. arrangement, style, memory, and delivery.

LOGOS, ETHOS, PATHOSLOGOS, ETHOS, PATHOS

RhymeRhymeIn poetry, a pattern of repeated sounds. InIn poetry, a pattern of repeated sounds. In

end rhymeend rhyme, the rhyme is at the end of the , the rhyme is at the end of the

line, as in these lines from "Ars Poetica" by line, as in these lines from "Ars Poetica" by

Archibald MacLeish: Archibald MacLeish: A poem should be palpable and A poem should be palpable and mutemute

As a globed As a globed fruitfruit

Dumb Dumb

As old medallions to theAs old medallions to the thumb thumb

When one of the rhyming words occurs in a When one of the rhyming words occurs in a

place in the line other than at the end, it is place in the line other than at the end, it is

called called Internal rhymeInternal rhyme. . "I was sad because my dad, Made me eat every

beet."

Satire Satire A piece of literatureA piece of literaturedesigned to ridicule the designed to ridicule the

subjectsubjectof the work. While satire can of the work. While satire can

bebefunny, its aim is not to funny, its aim is not to

amuse,amuse,but to arouse contempt. but to arouse contempt. Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver'sJonathan Swift's "Gulliver'sTravels" satirizes the English Travels" satirizes the English people, making them seem people, making them seem dwarfish in their abilitydwarfish in their abilityto deal with large thoughts,to deal with large thoughts,issues, or deeds.issues, or deeds.

ShiftShift

Shift or turn refers to a change or Shift or turn refers to a change or movement in a piece resulting from movement in a piece resulting from an epiphany, realization, or insight an epiphany, realization, or insight gained by the speaker, a character, gained by the speaker, a character, or the reader.or the reader.

SimileSimile A figure of speech which takes the form of a comparison A figure of speech which takes the form of a comparison

between two unlike quantities for which a basis for between two unlike quantities for which a basis for comparison can be found, and which uses the words comparison can be found, and which uses the words "like" or "as" in the comparison, as in this line from Ezra "like" or "as" in the comparison, as in this line from Ezra Pound's "Fan-Piece, for Her Imperial Lord": Pound's "Fan-Piece, for Her Imperial Lord": clear as frost clear as frost on the grass-blade, on the grass-blade, In this line, a fan of white silk is In this line, a fan of white silk is being compared to frost on a blade of grass. Note the being compared to frost on a blade of grass. Note the use of the word "as" in the comparison.use of the word "as" in the comparison.

Sonnet Sonnet • A lyric poem of fourteen lines whose rhyme scheme A lyric poem of fourteen lines whose rhyme scheme

is fixed. The rhyme scheme in the Italian form as is fixed. The rhyme scheme in the Italian form as typified in the sonnets of Petrarch is abbaabba typified in the sonnets of Petrarch is abbaabba cdecde. The Petrarchian sonnet has two divisions: cdecde. The Petrarchian sonnet has two divisions: the first is of eight lines (the octave), and the second the first is of eight lines (the octave), and the second is of six lines (the sestet). is of six lines (the sestet).

• The rhyme scheme of the English, or Shakespearean The rhyme scheme of the English, or Shakespearean sonnet is abab cdcd efef gg. . sonnet is abab cdcd efef gg. .

• The change of rhyme in the English sonnet is The change of rhyme in the English sonnet is coincidental with a change of theme in the poem. coincidental with a change of theme in the poem. See Theme .The meter is iambic pentameter. See Theme .The meter is iambic pentameter.

SymbolismSymbolism A device in literature where an object represents A device in literature where an object represents

an idea. In William Blake's "The Lamb," the an idea. In William Blake's "The Lamb," the speaker tells the lamb that the force that made speaker tells the lamb that the force that made him or her is also called a lamb: him or her is also called a lamb:

Little lamb, who made thee? Little lamb, who made thee?

Little lamb, who made thee? Little lamb, who made thee?

Little lamb, I'll tell thee, Little lamb, I'll tell thee,

Little lamb, I'll tell thee! Little lamb, I'll tell thee!

He is called by thy name, He is called by thy name,

For he calls himself a lamb; For he calls himself a lamb;

The symbol of the lamb in the above lines The symbol of the lamb in the above lines corresponds to the symbolism of the lamb in corresponds to the symbolism of the lamb in Christianity wherein Christ is referred to as The Christianity wherein Christ is referred to as The Lamb of God.Lamb of God.

Synecdoche Synecdoche

• A figure of speech wherein a part of something A figure of speech wherein a part of something represents the whole thing. In this figure, the represents the whole thing. In this figure, the head of a cow might substitute for the whole cow. head of a cow might substitute for the whole cow. Therefore, a herd of fifty cows might be referred Therefore, a herd of fifty cows might be referred to as "fifty head of cattle." In Alfred Lord to as "fifty head of cattle." In Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses" Ulysses refers to his former Tennyson's "Ulysses" Ulysses refers to his former companions as companions as free hearts, free foreheads-free hearts, free foreheads--Example: “All hands on deck.”-Example: “All hands on deck.”

SyntaxSyntax• The way in which linguistic elements (as The way in which linguistic elements (as

words) are put together to form words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses)constituents (as phrases or clauses)

-- Example: “I saw that she a cookie ate” is an Example: “I saw that she a cookie ate” is an example of incorrect example of incorrect syntaxsyntax..

An ingredient of a literary work which gives the An ingredient of a literary work which gives the work unity. The theme provides an answer to the work unity. The theme provides an answer to the question question What is the work about? What is the work about? There are too There are too many possible themes to recite them all in this many possible themes to recite them all in this document. Each literary work carries its own document. Each literary work carries its own theme(s). The theme of Robert Frost's "Acquainted theme(s). The theme of Robert Frost's "Acquainted with the Night" is loneliness. Shakespeare's "King with the Night" is loneliness. Shakespeare's "King Lear" contains many themes, among which are Lear" contains many themes, among which are blindness and madness. Unlike plot which deals blindness and madness. Unlike plot which deals with the action of a work, theme concerns itself with the action of a work, theme concerns itself with a work's message or contains the general with a work's message or contains the general idea of a work. idea of a work.

ThemeTheme

Tone expresses the Tone expresses the author's attitudeauthor's attitude toward his or toward his or her subject. Since there are as many tones in literature her subject. Since there are as many tones in literature as there are tones of voice in real relationships, the as there are tones of voice in real relationships, the tone of a literary work may be one of anger or tone of a literary work may be one of anger or approval, pride or piety-the entire gamut of attitudes approval, pride or piety-the entire gamut of attitudes toward life's phenomena. Here is one literary example: toward life's phenomena. Here is one literary example: The tone of John Steinbeck's short novel "Cannery Row" The tone of John Steinbeck's short novel "Cannery Row" is is nonjudgmentalnonjudgmental. Mr. Steinbeck never expresses . Mr. Steinbeck never expresses disapproval of the antics of Mack and his band of bums. disapproval of the antics of Mack and his band of bums. Rather, he treats them with unflagging kindness. Rather, he treats them with unflagging kindness.

ToneTone

Understatement Understatement A statement which lessens or minimizes the A statement which lessens or minimizes the

importance of what is meant. For example, if one importance of what is meant. For example, if one were in a desert where the temperature was 125 were in a desert where the temperature was 125 degrees, and if one were to describe thermal degrees, and if one were to describe thermal conditions saying "It's a little warm today." that conditions saying "It's a little warm today." that would be an understatement. In Shakespeare's would be an understatement. In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Macbeth, having murdered his friend "Macbeth," Macbeth, having murdered his friend Banquo, understates the number of people who Banquo, understates the number of people who have been murdered since the beginning of time have been murdered since the beginning of time by saying "Blood hath been shed ere now."by saying "Blood hath been shed ere now."The opposite is hyperbole. See Hyperbole for more The opposite is hyperbole. See Hyperbole for more information.information.

"It's just a flesh wound." (The Black Knight, "It's just a flesh wound." (The Black Knight, after having both arms cut off, in after having both arms cut off, in Monty Monty Python and the Python and the HolyHoly Grail Grail))