Literary Terms-1
It occurs when a statement or situation means something different from (or even the opposite of) what is expected.
What is irony?
End of story where loose ends are tied up
What is a resolution?
Example: Jumbo shrimp
What is an oxymoron?
The highest point of intensity in a short story.
What is the climax?
Example: Don't judge a book by its cover.
What is a metaphor?
A difference between what is said and what is meant.
What is verbal irony? Example: "Yay! It's time to do my homework tonight."
The word sounds like what it describes.
What is onomatopoeia?
A humorous word or phrase that depends on a double meaning, either from a second meaning of the same word, or from the meaning of another word with a similar sound.
What is a pun or double entendre?
A technique used in which a writer will plant clues or subtle indications about events that will happen later in the narrative.
What is foreshadowing?
Something that stands for something more than itself.
What is a symbol?
The implied attitude of the writer toward the subject or the audience.
What is the tone?
Example: I'm going to die if I don't get to see G Herbo in concert this year.
What is hyperbole?
A central or recurring image or action
What is a motif?
The insight about life that is revealed in a literary work.
What is theme?
A difference between what actually happens and what would be expected to happen.
What is situational irony? Example: A student studies for days for an English test, but sleeps in the morning of the test, shows up late for class, and fails the test.
A statement that is self-contradictory but still speaks the truth.
What is a paradox?
A comparison of seemingly unlike things using "like" or "as"
What is a simile?
A disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events.
What is an anti-climax?
A sudden perception, interpretation, or enlightenment experienced by a character in literature.
What is an epiphany?
Example: He was no Michael Jordan, but he could shoot a basketball.
What is an allusion?
Use of TALES or STEAL or TESLA
What is indirect characterization?
When the audience knows something that the characters do not know
What is dramatic irony?
Example: Freedom weeps, justice sleeps
What is personification?
Use of literal or figurative language to enable the reader to imagine the literature
What is imagery?
Example: Oprah does okay.
What is an understatement?