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. |
Literary Terms 1
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