Figures of Speech
figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect
Oxymoron
word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Synonym
means a “little song” or small lyric
Sonnet
main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work
Theme
Play being read
Macbeth
words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words
Irony
two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins
Homonym
dramatic picture
Tableau
literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions
Mood
series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a narrative
Rising Action
use figurative language to represent objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses
Imagery
same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words
Alliteration
a long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program
Monologue
mode of fictional representation through dialogue and performance; type of a play written for theater, television, radio, and film
Drama
a description of the distinctive nature or features of someone or something
Characterization
figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal – is given human attributes
Personification
play on words that produces a humorous effect by using a word that suggests two or more meanings, or by exploiting similar sounding words that have different meanings
Pun
popular literary device often used in drama to reveal the innermost thoughts of a character
Soliloquy
type of drama that presents a serious subject matter about human suffering and corresponding terrible events in a dignified manner
Tragedy
writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story
Foreshadowing
figure of speech that makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics
Metaphor
call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference
Allusion
a voice or an assumed role of a character, which represents the thoughts of a writer, or a specific person the writer wants to present as his mouthpiece
Persona
way of looking at a particular work of literature by focusing on style choices, plot devices, and character interactions and how they show a certain theme
Lens
a short introductory section that gives background information or sets the stage for the story to come
Prologue