Literary Terms for Year One Eng. Lit BA(hons)

Structuralism

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Naturalism

A more deliberate kind of Realism, with characters as passive victims of nature, and natural forces.

Postmodernism

It rejects the rigid modernist views on logic and rationality, by pulling together fragments to celebrate the modern world. Postmodernism is dominated by commercial pressures and human powerlessness, it is also mimetic of modern social, political and economic practices. Closely linked with: Bricolage, Fragmentation, Pastiche

Modernism

More focused on the thoughts and experiences of characters, rather than the contextual world. Rationality and logic are paramount. 'Stream-of-consciousness' Closely linked with: "significant sighing...", Imaginism, Expressionism, Surrealism

Romance

Narrative structured around the idealisation and exaggeration of the perfect person(s), or a perfect enchanted setting. The characters often find themselves in negative situations/trials, and must win. '[...] illusion and improbable reunions.' - Chris Baldick 'Opposite to Realism' Closely linked with: Epic, Gothic novel, Scientific Romances

Romanticism

Narrative that values the writer/protagonist, and their experiences, valued over society. The natural world, and universe were valued more than the artificial doctrines. Imagination is valued over logic. Nature or emphasis on the natural factors of a person, was the central force with all Romantic poetry and prose. ('Kubla Khan' or emphasis on human emotions, or physical aspects). Very prominent during the French Revolution and the early Industrial Revolution. Closely linked with: Libertarianism, Natrualism, 'Enlightenment'

Narrative

Prose told by a narrator, or more than one narrator, in some true or fictitious writing.

Realism (Victorian Realism)

Realist narrative deals with the contextual world, by explicitly describing objects around the character, which in turn sets the scene, or builds up what is happening to the character(s). Usually written for or about lower-class and middle-class characters. Realism often reflects the issues, or problems in life. 'Slice of life' Closely linked with: Romanticism, Naturalism, Verisimilitude

Verisimilitude

The semblance of truth or reality in literary works. [...] illusion of truth to life. Some truth taken from real life, but most of it evolves around idealism and illusion; it deals with some exaggeration. 'Illusion of truth' Closely linked with: Realism, Naturalism