Goldhammer Litterary Terms 1
Personification
Where either an inanimate object or abstract concept is spoken of as though it were endowed with life or human attributes or feelings. Paradise Lost Milton Sky lowered, and muttering thunder, some sad drops Wept at completing of the mortal sin To Autumn John Keats Then, land!—then England! oh the frosty cliffs Looked cold upon me. In the Little Mermaid, Ursula is a personified version of evil/corruption.
Frame Device
a story within a story. Story-ception An example is Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, in which the primary tales are told within the "frame story" of the pilgrimage to Canterbury. As the pilgrims walk to Canterbury, each has his/her story told. Another example would be Forrest Gump--most of the film is told by Forrest sitting on a park bench, recounting his narrative to the growing crowd around him. Forrest talking to strangers, sitting on the park bench, people gathering around him to hear makes up the actual frame device.
Epigraph
a saying or statement on the title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work Remarque's opening to All Quiet. "This book is to be neither an accusation or an adventure..."
Parable
a simple story that illustrates a moral or religious lesson Here's another solid definition: A story or short narrative designed to reveal allegorically some religious principle, moral lesson, psychological reality, or general truth. Rather than using abstract discussion, a parable always teaches by comparison with real or literal occurrences--especially "homey" everyday occurrences a wide number of people can relate to. Well-known examples of parables include those found in the synoptic Gospels, such as "The Prodigal Son" and "The Good Samaritan." Note: The main difference between a parable and a fable is that fable's tend to have elements of fantasy (talking animals, etc.). Parables tend to be rooted more in human, realistic events. Here's the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke15:11-32). Probably the most famous parable of them all: 11 There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' 20 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. 25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 31 "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
Motif
a standard theme, element, or dramatic situation that recurs in various works or throughout a specific work. Motif can be a little tricky to fully grasp. The easiest way to understand it is to simply think of it as a recurring pattern or image. For example, in All Quiet, there's definitely a reoccurring motif of trees in the novel. Moreso than any other symbol in the novel, the trees appear over and over again--each time representing the same thing...home, innocence, the way things were, etc. Trees are thus a motif in the novel just as Paul's regular questioning of "what's he got left to return to" is a thematic motif.
Argument
a statement of the meaning or main point of a literary work To Kill a Mockingbird shows how one's true character is too often overlooked due to the stereotypes and prejudices of society. NOTE: The term argument is often interchangeable with the term theme. Often, argument is used in place of theme when discussing non-fiction works. Ex: The argument of Zinn's essay, "What's Next for Suburbia?" is that ultimately, greed and consumption will destroy the nuclear family.
Narrative
a story or narrated account Pretty much every story is considered a narrative. The term can often be used as a nice replacement word for: story, tale, plot, account, etc. EX: Throughout Paul's narrative, the reader is exposed to the harshness and brutality of the battlefield. However, a narrative is not a novel or a book. Rather, novels and books often contain narratives.
Idiom
an expression in a given language that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of the words in the expression; or, a regional speech or dialect It's raining cats and dogs. That was a blessing in disguise Whatever, girls like Rosaline are a dime a dozen Go ahead and buy it, but mark my words, that boat's gonna be an albatross around your neck She's the apple of my eye That ostrich is as dead as a doornail Here's some food for thought I'm always putting my foot in my mouth. Until then, my noble friend, chew upon this...
Oxymoron
an expression in which two words that contradict each other are joined Bittersweet Controlled variable Friendly fire Virtual reality Living dead Biggie Smalls Note: many times, oxymorons are paradoxical.
Cliché
an expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off They lived happily ever after. Once upon a time... Loves long walks on the beach Please note: cliché is a noun. Cliched is an adjective: That is so clichéd. That is a cliché.
Euphemism
an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant Saying Kennedy is "no longer with us" instead of saying Kennedy is dead.
Non Sequitur
an inference that does not follow logically from the premises (literally, "does not follow"). Note: the term non sequitur can take on a number of related meanings. Such as: A statement that has little or no relation to what preceded it; illogical inference; Theo lives in a small apartment. Therefore he must only love people that are smaller than him. A statement that has little or nothing to do with the preceding statement. Joe: Do you like the new Kanye album? Bill: I could really go for some Thai food right now...like some spring rolls. Yeah. Spring rolls. Joe: What? Bill: Don't tempt me, dude, I swear I didn't borrow your sweater. Back off. It can also describe a statement that just seems really out of place and doesn't make sense when taken out of context. Could you inflate that giraffe a bit more. It seems so sad there next to that teakettle. A non sequitur is also an appropriate term to describe a collection of unrelated ideas that are presented together. So David Bowie is pretty weird, the snow hasn't been good all year, and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna fail Mr. Bopp's class.
Epitaph
an inscription on a tombstone or burial place
Invective
an intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack EXAMPLE: "This is just the sort of blinkered philistine pig-ignorance I've come to expect from you non-creative garbage. You sit there on your loathsome spotty behinds squeezing blackheads, not caring a tinker's cuss for the struggling artist. You excrement, you whining hypocritical toadies with your colour TV sets and your Tony Jacklin golf clubs and your bleeding masonic secret handshakes. You wouldn't let me join, would you, you blackballing bastards." (John Cleese in Monty Python's "The Architect Sketch")
Expletive
an interjection to lend emphasis; sometimes (often), a profanity That's f-ing ridiculous. It's a damn shame. It's a friggin' joke.
Figurative Language
any language employing one or more figures of speech (simile, metaphor, imagery, etc.) Julio stared at the bleeding sunset as the waves peeled back from the sticky fingers of the humiliated beach. Figurative Language is essentially being employed any time an author moves his/her writing beyond literal description.
Pathos
appeal based emotion. A pathos-driven argument is often dependent on the audience's expected reaction or the ability to connect on a personal level. -An advertisement that suggests the product being sold will make you look more attractive and appealing -A charity that shows pictures of those it is trying to raise money to help -Trying to get out of a ticket by making yourself cry and attempting to convince the officer that "you are really a good kid" and that your "parents are going to kill you!"
Logos
appeal based on logic or reason. A logos-driven argument is often backed by data, research, and concrete detail. -A paper on global warming that cites specific data indicating a rise in average temperature -A lawyer who shows specific evidence as to why his suspect is not the killer -Trying to get out of a speeding ticket by arguing that your car is incapable of going 104mph
Ethos
appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven argument relies on the reputation of the arguer. -A political candidate citing her vast experience with foreign policy -A store that draws attention to its 50+ years in the business -Trying to get out of a speeding ticket based on the fact that you've never received one before
Tautology
needless repetition which adds no meaning or understanding EX:Free gift Those ones Short summary New innovation The reason why Cheaper price Faster speed First introduced Plan ahead Added bonus Over-exaggerate Often, translated items create tautologies: Rio Grande River (The Big River River) Chai Tea (Tea Tea) Sahara Desert (Desert Desert)
Juxtaposition
placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast. -A picture of a fluffy kitten sitting on a pile of broken glass. -An old woman holding a newborn baby. -Big guy on a small bike. -An innocent and pure character being thrust into a dark and twisted world.
Verse
refers to writing that is not prose. Verse=poetry. All writing that is considered poetry can also be called verse.
Anachronism
something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time -A movie set in the old west where a character forgets to remove their digital watch -An airplane visible in a movie sent in Biblical times -Shakespeare referring to clocks sounding in ancient Rome -Referencing a modern idea or event in a piece of art set in an earlier time.
Allegory
-a literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions. -Animal Farm is an allegory for the events of the Russian Revolution. -In Moby Dick, the quest to kill the whale can be interpreted on an allegorical level as being representative of man's constant (and always out of reach) obsession with trying to succeed in achieving one's own goals and aspirations. -Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, appears to be about the Salem Witch Trials, but really it is an allegory for McCarthyism--Senator Joe McCarthy's 1940-50s campaign to rid the US of "known" communists sympathizers.
Allusion
-a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize. Here's a couple of samples from songs: In Led Zeppelin's Misty Mountain Hop, the final verse contains the lines: "So I'm packing my bags for the Misty Mountains / where the spirits go now/ over the hills where the spirits fly." This (as well as the actual title of the song itself) is a direct reference to the "Misty Mountains" of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Cinderalla, she looks so easy It takes one to know one she smiles Puts her hands in her back pockets, Bette Davis style -From Bob Dylan's Desolation Row...with allusions to both Cinderella and the actress, Bette Davis Biblical allusions are also very popular. If you are reading a story and it describes someone as being so perfect that he/she can "walk on water," that's an allusion to the Christ narrative.
Absolute
-a word free from limitations or qualifications (best, unique, all, perfect) "This is the worst unicorn burrito I have eaten this year." "Really? Nothing compares to the ones we had in Missoula. They were digusting."
Deus Ex Machina
A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby a seemingly inextricable problem is suddenly and abruptly solved with the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new character, ability, or object. Latin: God out of the machine. God from the machine. -In the Arabian Nights tale of "The Three Apples, " after discovering the dead body of a young woman, Harun al-Rashid orders Ja'far ibn Yahya, to solve the crime and find the murderer within three days or else he will have him executed instead. Ja'far, however, fails to find the murderer before the deadline. Just when Harun is about to have Ja'far executed for his failure, a deus ex machina occurs when the murderer suddenly reveals himself,claiming to be the woman's husband. In The Life of Brian, Brian is 'rescued' from a high fall by a passing space ship.
Rhythm
A recognizable though varying pattern in the beat of stresses or accents, in the stream of speech sounds The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock T.S. Eliot I grow old ... I grow old ... I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled
Euphony
A term applied to language that strikes the ear as smooth, pleasant, and musical China Cat Sunflower (The Grateful Dead, Lyrics by Robert Hunter) Comic book colors on a violin river cryin leonardo, Words from out a silk trombone. I rang a silent bell, beneath a shower of pearls, In the eagle-winged palace of the queen chinee. The Eve of St. Agnes John Keats Of candied apple, quince, and plum, and gourd; With jellies soother than the creamy curd, And lucent syrops, tinct with cinnamon; Manna and dates, in argosy transferr'd From Fez; and spiced dainties, every one, From silken Samarcand to cedar'd Lebanon.
Rhetoric
According to Aristotle, rhetoric is the "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." Most dictionaries define it as "the art of writing or speaking effectively." No matter how you look at it, rhetoric is all about the ways in which we argue. Rhetoric is about persuasion. Rhetoric is about being convincing. Rhetoric is about proving a point and how you go about getting others to follow your argument The study of rhetoric is all about analyzing and understanding how writers/speakers/poets/authors/etc get their point across. Rhetoric can often be broken down into 3 different approaches: LOGOS, ETHOS, and PATHOS.
Cacophony
Language which is perceived as harsh, rough, and unmusical. Note: the discordancy/harshness is the effect of not only the sound of the words, but also of their significance. Pied Piper Robert Browning Rats! They fought the dogs and killed the cats... Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men's Sunday hats; Tenebris I Thomas Hardy I shall not lose old strength In the lone frost's black length Strength long since fled!
Repetition
Recurring/repeated language which deliberately used in order to achieve a specific emphasis or certain effect. We Real Cool Gwendolyn Brooks We real cool. We Left school. We Lurk late. We Strike straight. We Sing sin. We Thin gin. We Jazz June. We Die soon. Howl Allen Ginsberg who wandered around and around at midnight in the railroad yard wonder-ing where to go, and went, leaving no broken hearts, who lit cigarettes in boxcars boxcars boxcars racketing through snow toward lonesome farms in grandfather night, who studied ....
Archetype
a detail, image, or character type that occurs frequently in literature and myth and is thought to appeal in a universal way to the unconscious and to evoke a response Odysseus is an archetypal hero. The tale of Star-crossed lovers is an archetypal story Good v. Evil is an archetypal theme. The ugly witch is an archetypal character. So is the wise old man.
Situational Irony
What happens is different from what's expected to happen. -It is ironic that Romeo and Juliet, the only children of bitter enemies, meet serendipitously and fall in love. -A bank robber held several people hostage but felt responsible to feed them and ordered pizza. When the pizza arrived, he paid the delivery boy. -O. Henry's short story "The Ransom of Red Chief" presents a third example of irony when the kidnappers pay a ransom to return the bratty Red Chief to his parents. -When John Hinckley attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan, all of his shots initially missed the President; however, a bullet ricocheted off the bullet-proof Presidential limousine and struck Reagan in the chest. Thus, a vehicle made to protect the President from gunfire was partially responsible for his being shot. -The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a story whose plot revolves around irony. Dorothy travels to a wizard and fulfills his challenging demands to go home, before discovering she had the ability to go back home all the time. The Scarecrow longs for intelligence, only to discover he is already a genius, and the Tin Woodsman longs to be capable of love, only to discover he already has a heart. The Lion, who at first appears to be a whimpering coward, turns out to be bold and fearless. The people in Emerald City believed the Wizard to be a powerful deity, only to discover that he is a bumbling, eccentric old man.
Verbal Irony
When a character says one thing but means another. Verbal irony occurs when either the speaker means something totally different than what he is saying or the audience realizes, because of their knowledge of the particular situation to which the speaker is referring, that the opposite of what a character is saying is true. Verbal irony also occurs when a character says something in jest that, in actuality, is true. In Julius Caesar, Marc Antony's reference to Brutus being "an honorable man" is an example of verbal irony. Marc Antony notes all of the good deeds Julius Caesar did for his people while, more than once, he asks the rhetorical question, "Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?" Antony uses this rhetorical question to try to convince his audience that Caesar is not ambitious, presenting Brutus as a dishonorable man because of his claim that Caesar was ambitious. Thus, the repeated reference to Brutus' "honor" is ironic. Example: When Teiresias says to Oedipus: "I say that you, with both your eyes, are blind." Teiresias calls Oedipus blind, though physically, Oedipus has sight. We learn that Teiresias is referring to insight. Ironically, once Oedipus gains insight, he physically blinds himself. NOTE: Sarcasm, Overstatement, Understatement can all be types of verbal irony. For example: Sarcasm: Mother comes into the TV room and discovers her 11-year-old watching South Park instead of doing his homework, as he promised. Pointing to the screen she says, "Don't let me tempt you from your duties, kiddo, but when you're finished with your serious studies there, maybe we could take some time out for recreation and do a little math." Understatement: Upon arriving at the scene of the accident, it was clear that things were bad. Blood was everywhere. Doug was bleeding profusely from his left arm. "You ok?," I shouted." "I've been better," Doug winced. Overstatement: That is literally the most terrifying thing I have ever seen in my life. You absolutely can't wear that sweater with that skirt. Whoever told you it looked good should be shot.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience or reader is aware of critical information of which the characters are unaware. -When Oedipus states in the Prologos that "by avenging the murdered King I protect myself," dramatic irony is at work. Aware from the beginning of the guilt of Oedipus, the audience realizes that by avenging the murder of Laios, Oedipus, in fact, destroys himself. -Think of a scary movie when the audience knows the killer is in the basement, yet the girl goes down there anyway. -How the audience knows about Romeo and Juliet's love while no one else around them does. There are all sorts of lines throughout the play where only the audience gets the full meaning.
Adage
a familiar proverb or wise saying Don't count your chickens before they hatch. The early bird gets the worm. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Anecdote
a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event In All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul tells the story of Kemmerich's mother crying at the train station as her son is leaving for war.
Epigram
a brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying "I can resist everything except temptation." --Oscar Wilde
Flat Character
a character who embodies a single quality and who does not develop in the course of a story. Rather than being able to understand a ton about a flat character, he/she exists primarily as 2-dimensional...there's nothing really behind him/her that helps a reader understand what he/she is all about. Fortunato in "The Cask of Amontillado." Fortunato is flat and static. He neither changes during the course of the piece, nor is his personality developed past the fact the reader knows he is a drunk and a fool. Through the end of the piece, the drunk is still obsessed with the wine and looks for the elusive treasure until his fate is sealed. Another example would be: Carlson in Of Mice and Men...he's pretty much shallow and unaware throughout the entire novel (remember, he's got no problem shooting Candy's dog and at the end of the novel asks "now, what the hell you suppose is eatin' them two?" A flat character is the opposite of a round character--that is a character who is complex and increases in complexity throughout the story. A round character is capable of contradiction and change with evidence of emotional and psychological development.
Analogy
a comparison of two different things that are similar in some way Metaphors and similes are both types of analogies. For example: Diego entered the room like a cat stalking its prey. Madison is the sole daisy among the field of wilted poppies.
Aphorism
a concise statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance A picture is worth a thousand words." "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." "Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Note: It's pretty hard to distinguish the difference between an adage and an aphorism. Most folks use the two terms synonymously.
Maxim
a concise statement, often offering advice; an adage. Just like an adage, an aphorism, and even an epigram...a maxim short, catchy statement. A maxim typically tends to be one of those phrases that people latch onto--sometimes considered "words to live by." Ex: -Never judge a man before you walk a mile in his shoes -Too many cooks spoil the broth -You can't teach an old dog new tricks etc.
Inference
a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence Note: An reader/audience infers while an author/speaker implies. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee implies that Mayella Ewell was abused by her father. From this, it's easy for the reader to infer that Mayella is also a victim.
Asyndeton
a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions She ran, jumped, swung, flew. Not to be confused with polysyndeton: She ran and jumped and swung and flew.
Conceit
a fanciful, particularly clever extended metaphor O' Captain my Captain... ...this whole poem uses the image of a lost ship captain, with a boat drifting out at sea for the entire poem...in reality, it's a metaphor for the death of Abraham Lincoln. See below: O Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done; The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won; The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring: But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead. O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills; For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding; For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head; It is some dream that on the deck, You've fallen cold and dead. My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still; My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will; The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done; From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won; Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells! But I, with mournful tread, Walk the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.
Apostrophe
a figure of speech in which one directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or some abstraction O' Romeo, O' Romeo...(Juliet is addressing a hypothetical Romeo at this point...does not know he's there) Someone shouting toward the sky, cursing Fate...an example like this often employs personification as well.
Elegy
a formal poem presenting a meditation on death or another solemn theme Any poem about death, loss, or mourning. EX: Ginsberg's "Kaddish"...for his mom: For Naomi Ginsberg, 1894-1956 Strange now to think of you, gone without corsets & eyes, while I walk on the sunny pavement of Greenwich Village. downtown Manhattan, clear winter noon, and I've been up all night, talking, talking, reading the Kaddish aloud, listening to Ray Charles blues shout blind on the phonograph the rhythm the rhythm--and your memory in my head three years after...
Parody
a humorous imitation of a serious work EX: Any t me Saturday Night Live takes on something well-known, it's a parody--whether it's a humorous "remake" of a movie, a song, or an event...if they make fun of it, it's a parody. Note: parody is a little bit different than satire...although many types of satire include parody. Remember, satire is comedy with a purpose. Comedy that's meant to point out the flaws in society. Parodies sometimes don't get that far...they simply can be humorous imitations. Here's some more examples that might help: -The Daily Show and the Colbert Report are parodies of the national, evening news. -Monty Python's Quest For the Holy Grail is a parody of King Arthur -Scary Movie, Another Teen Movie, etc. all parody a number of well-known works and genres -Don Quixote is a parody of the classic knight/damsel in distress stories. -Anthony Hecht's poem "Dover Bitch" is a famous parody of Matthew Arnold's well-known "Dover Beach." -Peter De Vries's "To His Importunate Mistress" gently mocks Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress."
Epic
a long narrative poem written in elevated style which presents the adventures of characters of high position and episodes that are important to the history of a race or nation The Odyssey. The Illiad.
Genre
a major category or type of literature Examples of different genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Adventure, Comic, Crime, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, Political, Epic, Coming-of-Age ...not to be confused with: age-level (young adult, kids, adult, etc) or format: (comic book, graphic novel, sonnet, etc.) However, do note that the term genre is a bit of a flexible term and that sub-genres often exist. For example: 18th century political erotic crime literature could exist as it's own genre...albeit kind of an obscure and strange one.
Legend
a narrative handed down from the past, containing historical elements and usually supernatural elements Atlantis Beowulf The Odyssey The Fountain of Youth King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table Romulus and Remus Robin Hood
Limited Narrator
a narrator who presents the story as it is seen and understood by a single character and restricts information to what is seen, heard, thought, or felt by that one character Typically, what you are going to run into is a 3rd-Person Limited Narrator. Ex: "As Jack walked to the store, he saw many things. "Hello," he said to Mrs. Janey. He always loved the way she smiled at him and this morning was no exception." ...get it? The narrator is limited to telling exactly what the main character is experiencing.
Philippic
a strong verbal denunciation. The term comes from the orations of Demosthenes against Philip of Macedonia in the fourth century A Philippic (spelled with one L and two Ps and is usually capitalized) is a spoken or written diatribe against whatever it is you feel that strongly about--be it a person, an idea, or a course of action, although the term Philippic was originally confined to a denunciation of a person. A Philippic is pretty similar to an invective (a strong verbal attack). In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout describes how she pulled on one of the townspeople's sleeves to find out what was going on and "received a Philippic about [her] family's moral degradation." Synonyms: Diatribe Invective Verbal Attack Denunciation
Implication
a suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. Note: An reader/audience infers while an author/speaker implies. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee implies that Mayella Ewell was abused by her father. From this, it's easy for the reader to infer that Mayella is also a victim.
Romantic
a term describing a character or literary work that reflects the characteristics of Romanticism, the literary movement beginning in the late 18th century that stressed emotion, imagination, and individualism The term is used both in a general, and in a specific, way. The specific sense refers to Romanticism, a movement prevalent in European art, music, and literature in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The style was revolutionary in that it emphasised subjective experience, and favoured innovation over adherence to traditional or Classical forms, and the expression of feeling over reason. In English literature, William Wordsworth (1770-1850) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) were first-generation Romantic poets, and Byron (1788-1824), Shelley (1792-1822), and Keats (1795-1821) were second-generation Romantics. In its more general application the term can refer to an attitude of mind which draws on imagination and emotion rather than reason, and favours subjective, dream-like, or exotic experiences over realism. EX: The films Avatar and Pochontas both can be described as overly romantic portrayals of native peoples. As nice as it would be to think that all indigenous tribes can speak to animals, communicate with nature, and listen to trees, such a view is extremely idealized and substitutes stereotypes for reality. The romanticized idea that soldiers who go to war will all return home as happy heroes has been challenged by many anti-war novels and films which attempt to offer a more realistic view of both the physical and emotional damage war can cause.
Epithet
a term used to point out a characteristic of a person. Homeric epithets are often compound adjectives ("swift-footed Achilles") that become an almost formulaic part of a name. Epithets can be abusive or offensive but are not so by-definition. For example, athletes may be proud of their given epithets ("The Rocket"). Huge-headed Leslie sat next to weepy-eyed Malone.
Onomatopoeia
a word that imitates the sound it represents. splash, wow, gush, kerplunk, fizz, sizzle, tinkling, clanging, bonging, chiming, groan, crash, slap, mumble, squeak. From Tennyson's "Come Down, O Maid": The moan of doves in immemorial elms, And murmuring of innumerable bees.
Ad Hominem Argument
an argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue You can't believe Jack when he says the "proposed policy would help the economy." He doesn't even have a job. Jane's proposal about zoning is ridiculous. She was caught cheating on her taxes in 2003." Name-calling is often a part of an ad hominem argument
Pedantic
characterized by an excessive display of learning or scholarship Pedantic is an adjective to describe something that is trying to come across as overly smart, sophisticated, and learned. For example: A pedantic way of saying that "you are dim-witted fool," could be: "you are an individual with a cerebral cortex of limited function." Here's a good one. Rather than saying "Your half-assed attempt failed," a pedantic rephrasing would be "your demi-buttocked endeavor was unsuccessful." Pedantic is typically a negative term. Overusing a thesaraus can too often lead to a pedantic tone...(some of you should pay attention to that). Sometimes, an author will create a pedantic character to make them come across as unlikeable, snobby, etc.
Literary License
deviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect (intentional sentence fragments, run-ons, misspellings, etc.) Pretty much any time an author breaks the normal rules. It could be as simple as Shakespeare's use of asyndeton in "Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your ears" to something like an author deliberately misspelling words, playing with the format of the text, or refusal to punctuate correctly. One should typically not take too much literary license when writing formally.
Hubris
excessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy Hubris is often the tragic flaw that leads to a character's downfall. Examples of characters that suffer from the result of their own hubris include: Julius Caesar (at least in Shakespeare's play) Oedipus (he's above and beyond the most famous example) Creon and even Antigone Colonel George Armstrong Custer...(good example of a real, historical figure). ...and a whole bunch more. Think of any one (historical/fictional) that has fallen because they believe they are infallible...that's hubris. NOTE: Hubris is a noun (Oedipus falls because of his hubris) Hubristic is an adjective (Oedipus falls because of his hubristic decisions)
Didactic
having the primary purpose of teaching or instructing Didactic is most often used as an adjective. One could say Atticus is a didactic character in that Lee created him in an attempt to teach the reader how one should behave and exist in the world. However, didactic is often used as a more negative term to describe someone/something that attempts to teach/lecture too much and as a result comes across as boring and even arrogant. ex: Everyone hated Principal McGruter; his didactic way of speaking to students and staff made everyone feel like he was someone better than them. What they wanted was an administrator who was sincere and open--not someone who launched into a lecture every time they said hello.
Surreal
in its simplest form, means: bizarre or dreamlike. Stems from surrealism: an artistic movement emphasizing the imagination and characterized by incongruous juxtapositions and lack of conscious control The artistic movement of surrealism is most often associated with visual artists such as Salvador Dali: Max Ernst: and Rene Margrite (translates to: "This is not a pipe.") In literature, surrealist writers such as Andre Breton challenged reality and created works that were often heavily influenced by dreams. Using the term surreal to describe any experience that is bizarre, dreamlike, and weird is appropriate. Ex: The fog this morning was surreal. The city was completely enveloped, giving the early hours an eerily calm and quiet feel.
Colloquialism
informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing Dude, man, sweet. Y'all. OMFG.
Hyperbole
intentional exaggeration to create an effect It is going to take a bazillion years to get through Medical School. I am so hungry I could eat a horse He's like 900 years old. I waited in line for centuries. I've told you a million times, "don't exaggerate." If I don't get these jeans, I will DIE!..literally
Paradox
is a statement that initially appears to be contradictory but then, on closer inspection, turns out to make sense. John Donne's "Death, thou shalt not die." Oscar Wilde: "I can resist everything except temptation." Twain: "Don't let your schooling interfere with your education" Lewis: "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." "Je ne parle pas Français." While the official definition of a paradox may just be a seemsingly contradicorty statement. Paradox can be much bigger and describe a whole situation. Example: In the movie The Matrix, it is discovered that life is just a simulation. If that's the case, what's the point of living...of anything? Ultimately, all paradoxes do one thing: stop the reader and make them think. They are arresting, puzzling, and force one to be inquisitive, reflective, and often introspective.
Prose
is the most typical form of language. Both non-fiction writing as well as fictional writing is considered prose. Pretty much any writing that's not verse.
Mood
the emotional atmosphere of a work The ambiance and atmosphere that pervades a literary work with the intention of evoking a certain emotion or feeling from the audience. In drama/film mood may be created by sets and music as well as words; in poetry and prose, mood may be created by a combination of such elements as setting, voice, character, tone, theme The moods evoked by the more popular short stories of Edgar Allen Poe, for example, tend to be gloomy, horrific, and desperate. The mood of Cormac McCarthy's The Road is bleak, desperate, lost. The mood of All Quiet on the Western Front is bleak, desperate, lost, hopeless--yet, admittedly, has moments where the mood shifts to thankful and hopeful. ________________________ Note: The difference between tone and mood can be confusing. Tone is all about how the author approaches the piece--how he/she tells the story or sets out to prove his/her argument (serious, bitter, joyful, humorous, amusing, angry, ironic, suspicious). Tone is often synonymous with the author's attitude. Mood, on the other hand, is all about the effect the piece has on the reader/viewer/audience. Mood is the feeling, ambiance, or atmosphere perceived by the reader. It is the emotions you feel while reading. The mood indicates a prevailing feeling, or frame of mind...and is often established early, in the exposition of a piece. It can help establish a sense of expectation to readers of what is to follow So be careful. Mood and Tone are not the same. Example: An author may create a mood of mystery around a character or setting but may treat that character or setting in an ironic, serious, or humorous tone. EX: While the mood of All Quiet on the Western Front is bleak, desperate, lost, hopeless, the tone is deliberate; at times, bitter; senstive; and most importantly, forewarning.
Connotation
the implied or associative meaning of a word The connotation of the word "jackass" is stubborn, rude, etc ....while the denotation of the word "jackass" is donkey.
Denotation
the literal meaning of a word "Jackass" literally means donkey.... Its connotation however means something completely different.
Malapropism
the mistaken substitution of one word for another word that sounds similar -The doctor wrote a subscription -I did my geography report on the Soviet Onion Shakespeare loves these. Examples from the character of Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing: "Comparisons are odorous." (instead of odius) "Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons." (instead of apprehended two suspicious persons) Note: a malapropism is different than a mispronunciation like: acrost instead of across.
Ellipsis
the omission of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context ("Some people prefer cats; others, dogs"). Jake smelled like roses; Olivia, cheese. Not to be confused with a grammatical ellipsis '..." which also indicates "that which is left out'
Assonance
the repetition of identical or similar vowels—especially in stressed syllables—in a sequence of nearby words. Ode on a Grecian Urn John Keats Thou still unravished bride of quietness, Thou foster child of silence and slow time The early bird gets the worm
Alliteration
the repetition of initial sounds in successive or neighboring words The big ball bounced by Bob's bakery. Just another Alaskan attempt at answers.
Anaphora
the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences Here's an example from Lord Byron's Marino Faliero: Strike as I would Have struck those tyrants! Strike deep as my curse! Strike! and but once Here's another really important example: Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state, sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jargon
the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession Gigabyte, RAM, CPU, memory, terabyte, jpeg, pdf These are specific to the jargon of computing. Carabiner, crux, dihedral, belay, stopper, cam, crimper, sloper, jug, whipper These are specific to the jargon of rock climbing
Polysyndeton
the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural We ran, and jumped, and flew, and swam, and lived, and laughed, and loved. We could go to the store, or to the mall, or to the beach, or to a movie, or to a coffee shop. Note: a great, funny term (although by no means a formal term) for a polysyndeton is an andalope. Like the way antelope runs, the ANDs just keep bounding on and on...Don't use the term andalope in formal writing.
Antecedent
the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers. He=Doug She=Nancy It= Traci's 1974 Ford Mustang Them=The Atwater family etc.
