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Literary Terms 1

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a sentence in which the main clause appears last by the period.
a sentence in which words, phrases, clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast.
a sentence in which ideas follow their logical order, subject followed by predicate--the basic pattern in conversation and informal writing
repetition of introductory words or phrases for effect "Let freedom ring. . ."
the attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience
a type of writing which ridicules or denounces human vices and frailties.
the effect in a character that leads to his downfall.
reference to something literary, mythological, biblical or historical that the author assumes the reader knows
a comparison of two different things that are alike in some way
a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event. Sometimes this is a personal account.
an expression so overused that it has lots its forcefulness. Writers should avoid such expressions.
a question asked not to gain information but to achieve a stylistic effect
a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced. A rhetorical device in which contrasted words, clauses, or ideas are balanced by parallel structure.
an indirect, less offesnsive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant. ex. he passed away instead of he died.
the presentation of material in such a way that the reader is prepared for what is to come later in the story.
intentional exaggeration to create an effect
word choice and arrangement of words for their effect
writing that contains one or more of the various figures of speech: metaphor, simile, personification, apostrope
the use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms. ex. he likes hunting, fishing, and swimming
a familiar proverb or wise saying
a figure of speech in which one directly addresses a personified abstraction or a person not present. "Oh, Justice, where are you when we need you?"
conjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence') to create a paradox
a seemingly contradictory or absurd statement which may contain a basic truth.
the denial of the opposite to achieve intensity and emphasis. She was NOT unmindful of her obligations, meaning she was very aware of her duties.
a character to whom another reveals his most intimate feelings and intentions
a series of three parallel structures with each structure adding emphasis, the most important being the last. "of the people, by the people, and for the people.."
a piece of writing has this quality when it is clear and intelligible through progresssive and logical arrangement.
occurs when another character(s) and/or the audience know more than one or more characters on stage about what is happening
a term used to point out a characteristic of a person. "swift-footed Achilles, that become an almost formulaic part of a name. Ex. a fast running back may be referred to as "the rocket."
a character or action exaggeratued for satiric or humorous effect. Usually a small number of personal qualities are selected for exaggeration.

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