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Literary Strategies intheBible
Literary Terms
21
Literature
Not Applicable
03/05/2009

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Term
Hyperbole
Definition
In essence a hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration.
Term
Metaphor
Definition
A metaphor occurs when a word or phrase is taken out of its normal context and placed within the parameters of another context.
Term
Symbolism
Definition
This literary strategy is similar to a metaphor. When a concrete object is taken and used as something different.  For example, a flag is a symbol of the United States
Term
Allegory
Definition
When a metaphor or symbol is broken down into its component parts for you, an allegory is formed.
Term
Personification
Definition
When an inanimate object takes on the qualities and characteristics of a human being, personification is the result.
Term
Anthropomorphic
Definition
(adj) Ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, especially to a deity.
Term

Chthonic

(pronounced "thon'-ic")

Definition
Pertaining to the deities, spirits, and other beings dwelling under the earth. (also chthonian) [Greek, khthonios, under the earth, khthon, the earth.]
Term
Eponymous
Definition

(adj) Giving one's name to a tribe, place, etc. (For example, Romulus, the eponymous founder of Rome)

Term

Etiology (aetiology)

Definition
The study of causes, causation, or reasons for being. In mythology, an etiological myth explains a natural occurring phenomena in supernatural terms. (For example, Manu's descent is the result of Manu lowering his boat along the mountainside).
Term
Monotheism
Definition
The belief in one god
Term
Henotheism
Definition
The belief in one god without denying the existence of other gods
Term
Atheism
Definition

The belief in no god.

Term
Polytheism
Definition
The belief in multiple gods
Term
Myth
Definition
A working definition by Professor Vandiver at the University of Maryland will work for this class: "traditional stories a society tells itself that encode or represent the world-view, beliefs, principles, and often fears of that society."
Term
Syncretism
Definition
A blending of religions to create a new religion.
Term
Theophany
Definition
The appearance of a god to man (usually in a non-anthropomorphic form). For example, Yahweh appears to His people as a storm cloud, a burning bush, a pillar of dust, etc...
Term
Irony
Definition
  Dramatic irony: This is a type of irony to which the audience (you the reader) is privy. Dramatic irony occurs in Genesis when Jacob sneaks away from Laban and Rachel steals her father's teraphim. When Laban catches up with Jacob and accuses him of stealing from him, Jacob is indignant because he does not know that Rachel took them. As audience, however, you are aware of who has the idols.
Term
Wordplay
Definition
Although a tremendous amount is lost in the translation to English, the Bible is still loaded with puns, assonance, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and the like. Look for these as you read. Unless you also know Aramaic or Hebrew and you are concurrently reading that Bible, much of this will escape you.
Term
Poetry
Definition
Hebrew poetry is different from modern poetry. Until 1753 poetry in the Old Testament was largely overlooked. Modern translations, however, (including the one you have) do break the lines of text so you know you are lookings at poetry.
Term
Devotional Poetry
Definition
Sung at temple services
Term
Erotic Poetry
Definition
Song of Solomon is representative of this type of poetry
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