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Literary Terms
Terms used for analyzing Shakespearean writing
51
Literature
9th Grade
01/18/2012

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Term
Allusion
Definition
Reference to something very well known
Term
Analogy
Definition
Comparison for the purpose of making the topic more understandable
Term
Anaphora
Definition
Repetition of the beginning of a sentence plus similar grammatical structure
Term
Asyndeton
Definition
Leaving out of conjunctions
Term
Polysyndeton
Definition
Including conjunctions
Term
Diction
Definition
Style of speaking/writing as dependent upon choice of words
Term
Extended Metaphor
Definition
A metaphor introduced, then further developed throughout the argument
Term
Metaphor
Definition
A figure of speech in which a term/phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest resembelance
Term
Oxymoron
Definition
A figure of speech by which a locution produces a self contradictory effect
Term
Paradox
Definition
A statement that seems self contradictory but in reality expresses a possible truth
Term
Synecdoche
Definition
Referring to something by its parts rather than the whole
Term
Repetition
Definition
To repeat something using the same words
Term
Restatement
Definition
To repeat something using different words
Term
Simile
Definition
Comparison using "like" or "as"
Term
Antagonist
Definition
"Bad person" in a story; doesn't want the protagonist to succeed
Term
Aside
Definition
When a character speaks to the audience only; other characters are unable to hear
Term
Assonance
Definition
A rhyme when the same vowel is used with different consonants
Term
Blank Verse
Definition
Unrhymed verse in iambic pentameter
Term
Alliteration
Definition
Two or more words of a word group with the same grammatical construction
Term
Catharsis
Definition
When the audience has an emotional connection to the events taking place
Term
Characterization
Definition
The portrayal of a character through their own actions, speech, and thoughts, as well as what other characters think about them
Term
Comic Relief
Definition
Lightens the mood after something drataic or tragic occurs
Term
Consonance
Definition
Correspondance of consonants
Term
Couplet
Definition
Two successive lines of verse; usually rhyming
Term
Dramatic Irony
Definition
When the audience knows something the characters don't
Term
Epithet
Definition
A word or phrase that comes before a person's name that describes them
Term
Foil
Definition
Two characters that are the same except for one or more key differences
Term
Foreshadowing
Definition
A clue as to what will happen in the future
Term
Heroic Couplet
Definition
Two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter; 10 syllables per line
Term
Hyperbole
Definition
Eggageration
Term
Iambic pentameter
Definition
A line of verse that consists of five iambs (one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed-example: before)
Term
Imagery
Definition
A description thats purpose is to form images
Term
Irony
Definition
Indicated something opposite of what was previously stated
Term
Monologue
Definition
Prolonged talk or speech by a single character
Term
Mood
Definition
What frame of mind the story is in
Term
Onomatopoeia
Definition
Words that imitate sounds
Term
Personification
Definition
Giving an inanamate object lifelike qualities or traits
Term
Prose Poetry
Definition
Style of writing
Term
Protagonist
Definition
"Good person" in a story; usually overcomes the antagonist
Term
Pun
Definition
Play on words
Term
Rhyme
Definition
Words with endings that sound the same
Term
Situational Irony
Definition
The outcome is contrary to what was expected
Term
Soliloquy
Definition
When a character talks while or as if they are alone
Term
Sonnet
Definition
A 14 line poem in iambic pentameter
ABABCDCDEFEFGG
Term
Suspense
Definition
When the audience wants to know what will happen next
Term
Symbolism
Definition
When something stands for or symbolizes something else
Term
Tone
Definition
Feeling of the story
Term
Tragedy
Definition
A dramatic composition dealing with a somber theme
Term
Verbal Irony
Definition
When a person says one thing and means another
Term
Verse
Definition
A line or lines in a poem
Term
Vignette
Definition
Short literary essay
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