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Expos terms test #1
asdf
42
English
12th Grade
09/07/2013

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Term
Allegory
Definition
The device of using characters and story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existance.
Term
Alliteration
Definition
The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, and/or supply a musical sound
Term
Allusion
Definition
A direct or indirect reference to something, which is presumable commonly known, such as an event, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be literary (like referring to Kurtz in Heart of Darkness), religious (like referring to Noah and the flood), or mythical (like referring to Atlas or Pandora). There are, of course, more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.
Term
Ambiguity
Definition
The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, or a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
Term
Anagram
Definition
Words or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another
Term
Analogy
Definition
A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative or intellectually engaging
Term
Anaphora
Definition
repetition of words at the beginning of consecutive phrases or sentences. Ex: We must fight. We must win
Term
Antagonist
Definition
the character or force that opposes the protagonist in the conflict
Term
Aphorism
Definition
a terse statement of known authorship that expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown then statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point. Ex: That which does not destroy us makes us stronger. -Friedrich Nietzsche
Term
Apostrophe
Definition
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstratction, such as liberty or love. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. William Wordsworth addresses John Milton as he writes, " Milton, though shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee."
Term
Aposiopesis
Definition
the breaking of a thought or voice. Ex: He was a...no, he was much worse
Term
Asyndeton
Definition
an omission or exclusion of conjunctions. Ex: I came, I saw, I conquered
Term
Atmosphere
Definition
the emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. See also mood.
Term
Bathos
Definition
abrupt transition from an elevation style to a commonplace style or elevation of something plain. Ex: Being a justice takes integrity, experience, a sense of equity, and an ermine robe
Term
Catachresis
Definition
use of incorrect or seemingly contradictory word for context. Ex: Deaf eyes
Term
Characterization
Definition
a writer's development of fiction. There are five main methods of characterization: direct statements about the character's personality, physical description, portrayal of the character's action and speech, description of what the character thinks, description of what other characters think of the character
Term
Climax
Definition
highest points in a series showing rising order or importance. Yesterday, the city; today the state; tomorrow, the world.
Term
Colloquial/colloquialism
Definition
the use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms givce work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects
Term
Connotation
Definition
the non-literal associative meaning of a word; the implied , suggested meaning. Connotations may involves ideas, emotions, or attitudes. See also denotation.
Term
Denontation
Definition
the strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.
Term
Denouement
Definition
also called the resolution, the outcome of a work of fiction
Term
Diction
Definition
related to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. You should be able to describe an author;s diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author;s purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc creates an author's style
Term
Didactic
Definition
From the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.
Term
Euphemism
Definition
From the Greek for "good speech." Euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor understatement. Ex: early remain = corpse or passing away = dying
Term
Exposition
Definition
an introduction to the main characters, settings and situations of a work of fiction
Term
Couplet
Definition
pair of consecutive rhyming lines. Heroic couplets are rhyming iambic pentameters
Term
iamb
Definition
a metrical foot with an accented syllable followed by an accent syllable
Term
pentameter
Definition
5 iambs per line
Term
dramatic poetry
Definition
has the feel of a play, with lines for various characters. Tells a story
Term
dramatic lyric
Definition
monologue uttered in an indentifiable situation or a dramatic moment
Term
Epic
Definition
long narrative, elevated style; centered on a heroic quest; most have a divine figure on who's actions depends on the fate of a tribe, nation, or mankind Ex:Odyssey
Term
Free Verse
Definition
irregular line length; lacks rhyme; follows the rhythm of natural speech.
Term
Light Verse
Definition
ordinary speaking verse manner, treats subjects playfully, wittily, or with hood nature satire. Ex: Shel Silverstein
Term
Lyric Poetry
Definition
fairly short, consisting of utterances by a single speaker (in first person) who expresses a state of mind, perception, thought or feeling
Term
sonnet
Definition
lyric poem consisting of 14 iambic pentameter lines
Term
Haiku
Definition
17 syllable lyric for about season, month, or nature
Term
Concrete Poetry
Definition
visual shape of text on the page
Term
Confessional Poetry
Definition
narrative and lyric verse. Intimite details
Term
Elegy
Definition
formal and sustained lament in use for the death of a particular person, usually ending in consulation
Term
Dirge
Definition
short and informal, deaths with death. Usually created in text as something to be sung.
Term
Epigram
Definition
short poems, terse, surprising end
Term
Ode
Definition
lyric poetry; serious in subject and treatment elevated in style. Elaborate in its stannic structure.
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