Allegory
A work that functions on a symbolic level
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds, such as "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
Allusion
A reference contained in a work
Antagonist
The force or character that opposes the main character, the protagonist
Aside
Words spoken by an actor intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage
Catharsis
according to aristotle, the release of emotion that the audience of a tragedy experiences
character
one who carries out the action of the plot in literature. major, minor, static and dynamic are all types of characters
climax
the turning point of action or character in a literary work, usually the highest moment of tension
comic relief
the inclusion of a humorous character or scene to contrast with tragic elements of a work, thereby intensifying the next tragic event
conflict
a clash between opposing forces in a literary work, such as man vs. man; man vs. nature; man vs. God; man vs. self
connotation
the interpretive level of a word based on its associated images rather than its literal meaning
convention
a traditional aspect of a literary work, such as a soliloquy in a shakespearean play or a tragic hero in a greek tragedy
denotation
the literal or dictionary meaning of a word
deus ex machina
a greek invention, literally "the god from the machine" who appears at the last moment and resolves the loose ends of a play. Today, the term refers to anyone, usually of some stature, who untangles, resolves, or reveals the key to the plot of a work. see
diction
the author's choice of words
epic
a lengthy, elevated poem that celebrates the exploits of a hero. beowulf is a prime example
exposition
background information presented in a literary work
fable
a simple, symbolic story, usually employing animals as characters. aesop and la fontaine are authors who excel at this form
figurative language
the body of devices that enables the writer to operate on levels other than the literal one. it includes metaphor, simile, symbol, motif, hyperbole, and others discussed in chapter 8.
flashback
a device that enables a writer to refer to past thoughts, events, episodes
foreshadowing
hints of future events in a literary work
hyperbole
extreme exaggeration. in
image
a verbal approximation of a sensory impression, concept or emotion
imagery
the total effect of related sensory images in a work of literature
impressionism
writing that reflects a personal image of a character, event or concept. the secret share is a fine example
irony
an unexpected twist or contrast between what happens and what was intended or expected to happen. it involves dialogue and situation and it can be intentional or unplanned. dramatic irony centers around the ignorance of those involved while the audience i
magical realism
a type of literature that explores narratives by and about characters who inhabit and experience their reality differently from what we term the objective world. writers who are frequently placed in this category include gabriel garcia marquez, gunter gra
metaphor
a direct comparison between dissimilar things. "your eyes are stars" is an example
metonymy
a figure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea. (the pen is mightier than the sword")
monologue
a speech given by one character (hamlet's "to be or not to be . . . ")
motif
the repetition or variations of an image or idea in a work which is used to develop theme or characters
narrator
the speaker of a literary work
onomatopoeia
words that sound like the sound they represent (hiss, gurgle, bang)
oxymoron
an image of contradictory terms (bittersweet, pretty ugly, giant economy size)
parable
a story that operates on more than one level and usually teaches a moral lesson
paradox
a set of seemingly contradictory elements which nevertheless reflects an underlying truth
parallel plot
a secondary story line that mimics and reinforces the main plot
parody
a comic imitation of a work that ridicules the original
pathos
the aspects of a literary work that elicit pity from the audience
personification
the assigning of human qualities to inanimate objects or concepts.
plot
a sequence of events in a literary work
point of view
the method of narration in a work
protagonist
the hero or main character of a literary work, the character the audience sympathizes with
resolution
the denouncement of a literary work
rhetorical question
a question that does not expect and explicit answer. it is used to pose an idea to be considered by the speaker or audience.
satire
a mode of writing based on ridicule, which criticizes the foibles and follies of society without necessarily offering a solution
setting
the time and place of a literary work
simile
an indirect comparison that uses the word, "like" or "as" to link the differing items in the comparison
soliloquy
a speech in a play which is used to reveal the character's inner thoughts to the audience
stage directions
the specific instructions a playwright includes concerning sets, characterization, delivery, etc.
structure
the organization and form of a work
style
the unique way an author presents his ideas. diction, syntax, imagery, structure and content all contribute to a particular style
subplot
a secondary plot that explores ideas different from the main storyline
subtext
implied meaning of a word or section of a work
symbol
something in a literary work that stands for something else
synechdoche
a figure of speech that utilizes a part as representative of the whole
theme
the underlying ideas that the author illustrates through characterization, motifs, language, plots, etc.
tone
the author's attitude toward his subject
tragic hero
according to aristotle, a basically good person of noble birth or exalted position who has a fatal flaw or commits an error in judgment which leads to his downfall. the tragic hero must have a moment of realization and live and suffer
understatment
the opposite of exaggeration. it is a technique for developing irony and/or humor where one writers or says less than intended