The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
What is AMBIGUITY
100
The struggle between opposing forces or characters in a story; may be described as "internal" or "external".
What is CONFLICT
100
The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true; can be "verbal," "situational," or "dramatic."
What is IRONY
100
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. "My love is a red, red rose."
What is METAPHOR
100
A major subdivision in a poem (like the poem's paragraphs).
What is STANZA
200
A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. These can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical.
What is ALLUSION
200
The turning point in the plot of a story that creates the greatest intensity, suspense or interest
What is CLIMAX
200
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.
What is HYPERBOLE
200
In literature, the perspective from which a story is told, usually first-person or third-person, and can be limited or omniscient.
What is POINT OF VIEW
200
The conclusion of a story, when all or most of the conflicts have been settled.
What is RESOLUTION
300
The opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.
What is ANTITHESIS
300
The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.(e.g. "The patient boy and quiet girl were both well-mannered and did not disobey their mother.") May be described as "direct" or "indirect"
What is CHARACTERIZATION
300
The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, *** uses terms related to the five senses: visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory.
What is IMAGERY
300
A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include “jumbo shrimp” and “cruel kindness.”
What is OXYMORON
300
Generally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else; could be "natural," "conventional," or "literary."
What is SYMBOL
400
A primordial image, character, or pattern of circumstances that recur throughout literature and consistently enough to be considered universal.
What is ARCHETYPE
400
Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid. Examples include metaphor, simile, hyperbole, etc.
What is FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
400
A character who acts as a contrast to another character. (e.g. In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Hamlet and Laertes are ***)
What is FOIL
400
A play on words that are identical or similar in sound but have sharply diverse meanings. (e.g., in "Romeo and Juliet," Mercutio after having just been stabbed, knows he is dying and says - "Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.")
What is PUN
400
The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.
What is SYNTAX
500
The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. "Animal Farm" is an example of this term.
What is ALLEGORY
500
A moment of sudden insight or revelation that a character experiences.
What is EPIPHANY
500
Occurs when two images that are otherwise not commonly brought together appear side by side or are placed structurally close together; forces the reader to reconsider the meaning of the text through the contrasting images, ideas, or motifs. (e.g. Shakespeare's "Hamlet", "I must be cruel only to be kind")
What is JUXTAPOSITION
500
A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.
What is ONOMATOPOEIA
500
A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.