Terms to Know Terms to Know
Dec 29, 2015
Antithesis
juxtaposition of Contrasting Words or Ideas (Often, Although
Not Always, in Parallel Structure).
A reference to a A reference to a historical figure, historical figure, place, or eventplace, or event.
A direct comparison between two basically
different things. A simile is introduced by the words
“like” or “as”.
An implied comparison between two basically different things. Is not
introduced with the words “like” or “as”.
A contrast between what is said and what is meant.
Also, when things turn out different than what is
expected.
“The treacherous instrument is in
thy hand, unbated and envenomed. The foul practice has turned itself on me.” Laertes
“Blind eyes could
blaze like meteors”
Other examples:
buzz, hum, kiss
Other examples:
buzz, hum, kiss
Something concrete, such as an object, action, character,
or scene that stands for something abstract such as a
concept or an idea.
“Do not go gentle into that good nightRage, Rage against the dying of the
light”
Both phrases are symbols that
stand for death.
Both phrases are symbols that
stand for death.
Three Kinds of Irony: 1. Verbal Irony Is a Discrepancy between What Is Said or Written and What Is Meant..2. Dramatic Irony Occurs When an Audience Perceives Something That a Character in the Literature Does Not Know.3. Irony of Situation Is a Discrepancy Between the Expected Result and Actual Results
Verbal Irony: a Discrepancy Between What Is Said or Written and What Is Meant
To: All English facultyFrom: Department ChairSubject: Big WordsI have received another complaint from a student. The student says her teacher uses big words. I was sympathetic. I told her that college teachers sometimes use big words. I told her college students sometimes try to learn big words. She was not convinced. She was not satisfied. That is not good. Walt Disney teaches us that the customer is always right. We should do what Walt Disney tells us. That is why I ask that you not use big words. Thank you for not using big words.
Dramatic Irony Occurs When an Audience Perceives Something That a Character in the Literature Does Not Know
In the Greek drama Oedipus Rex, the audience is aware that Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother long before he is aware of this situation.
irony of situation is a discrepancy between the expected result and actual results
In Kate Chopin’s “Story of an Hour,” the protagonist is expected to fall apart when she hears of her husband’s death in a train accident, but instead she experiences joy. When her husband walks in the door, instead of being delighted as observers might expect, she drops dead.
“We three shall flee across the sea to Italy.”
Or“Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.”
“Only through the sweat of
your brow can you achieve
success”
“Sweat” stands for hard work.“Sweat” stands for hard work.
1st person-tale related by a character in the story. “I or
me”3rd person-story told by
someone not participating in the plot. “he, she, they”
The time (both the time of day and period in history) and place in which the action of a literary work takes
place.
CHARACTERIZATION• The method a writer uses to reveal the
personality of a character.
– Direct characterization: the writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality
– Indirect characterization: the writer reveals a character’s personality through the character’s words and actions and through what other characters think and say about the character
CHARACTER TYPES
• Static character – a character who remains the same
• Dynamic character – a character who changes
DICTION
• The writer’s choice of words; an important element in the writer’s voice or style
– Good writers choose their words carefully to convey a particular meaning or feeling
INFERENCE• The act of concluding from evidence;
deduction. In literature it describes the act of figuring something out by using what you already know.
– Example:
A + B = CIf A = 2 and B = 3 then using what you know,
you can deduce what C equals.
DENOTATION• The literal or dictionary meaning of a word
– Example: Home - a house, dwelling, a place where one lives permanently
CONNOTATION
• The suggested or implied meanings associated with a word beyond its dictionary meaning– Example: Home - family, loving, safe, warm
FORESHADOWING
• The use of clues by the author to prepare readers for events that will happen later in a story
MOOD
•The emotional quality or atmosphere of a story
– Example:“The ‘Red Death’ had long devastated the
country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avatar and its seal—the redness and the horror of blood.”
From “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe
TONE• A reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s
attitude toward the subject
– A writer’s tone may convey a variety of attitudes, including, sympathy, objectivity, seriousness, irony, sadness, bitterness, or humor
– Example: “Don’t talk to me about voting or politics. I’m not interested. All politicians are self-serving and corrupt. My vote won’t change a thing!”