Literary Terms of the Week Definitions

Foil

Refers to a literary device where the author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a contrast to another character by emphasizing the differences in character.

Foreshadowing

Refers to the use of words/phrases that give hints to the reader of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense.

Mood

The author's emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work. It refers to the mental and emotional disposition of the author towards the subject, which in turn lends a particular atmosphere to the work.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. It is the dictionary definition of the word.

Internal Rhyme

The practice of forming a rhyme in only one line of verse. Typically constructed in the middle of a line to rhyme with the word at the end of the same line.

Metonymy

The practice of not using the formal word for an object/subject and instead referring to it by using another word that is somehow linked to the formal name/word. It is the practice of substituting the main word with a word that is closely linked to it. "The pen is mightier than the sword."

Catharsis

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. It is usually felt by the audience/reader while exposed to a story that brings about great sorrow, pity, laughter, etc.

Round character

This type of character goes through change or growth in the story.

Flat character

This type of character remains the same through the story - does not experience change.

Euphemism

Used to refer to the use of a comparatively milder or less harsh form of a negative description instead of its original form. Often used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes, and anything "embarrassing".

Verbal Irony

When a writer makes a statement in which the actual meaning differs from the meaning that the words appear to express. Sarcasm is a common form of this device.

Imagery

When the author uses words and phrases to create "mental images" for the reader using the 5 senses. This device helps the reader to visualize, and therein, more realistically experience the author's writings and awaken the readers' sensory perceptions.

Situational Irony

When the reader is led to believe that one thing will occur but, in fact, the opposite occurs. This can be humorous or tragic.

Dramatic Irony

When the reader/ audience knows something, but the characters within the story do not.

Atmosphere

When the setting or scene creates an emotional response in the reader/viewer.

Antithesis

When the writer puts two sentences of contrasting meanings close to one another.

Connotation

A secondary meaning or feeling given by a word as opposed to its dictionary definition.

Hyperbole

An exaggeration used for effect.

Hubris

Exceptional arrogance. Differs from regular arrogance or pride by the fact that the character has seemed to allow reality to slip away from them, possessing a false belief that they are "untouchable."

Climax

Part of any basic plot line. It is the most exciting or intense part of the plot. Stories build up to this point.

Malapropism

Practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding, and amusement.

Anthropomorphism

When a human quality, emotion or ambition is given to a nonhuman object or being.

Nemesis

A bitter enemy, especially one that seems unbeatable.

Genre

A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

Anti-Hero

A central character who lacks conventional heroic qualities and blurs the line between hero and villain.

Antagonist

A character, group of characters, or institution that opposes the protagonist or main character.

Dark comedy

A comic work that uses black humor, which, in its most basic definition, is humor that makes light of otherwise solemn subject matter.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an object, concept, or person (usually absent) that is unable to respond.

Alliteration

The repetition of an initial consonant sound, often used in poetry.

Allusion

A figure of speech where the author refers to a subject matter such as a person, place, event, or literary work in a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.

Flashback

A literary or cinematic device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order of a narrative. This device is often used to give background information.

Flash Forward

A literary or cinematic device in which later events interrupt the normal chronological order of a narrative. This device is often used to give important information about what may happen later in the plot.

Cliffhanger

A plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. Used to ensure the audience will return to see how the characters resolve the dilemma.

Cliche

An expression, idea, or element of work which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning, even to the point of being trite or irritating.

Dystopia

An imagined setting in which everything is unpleasant or bad. This could be a totalitarian, apocalyptic, or environmentally degraded society.

Metaphor

An implied comparison that is made between two unlike things that actually have something important in common. Does NOT use "like" or "as."

Conflict

The struggle between opposing forces. There are six types of this device: 1) human vs. human; 2)human vs. self; 3)human vs. nature; 4)human vs. society; 5) human vs. fate, God, supernatural; 6)human vs. machine

Epithet

This is used as a descriptive device. It is usually used to add to a person or place's regular name and attribute some special quality to the same. EX: Alexander the Great

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Archetype

A concept, a person, or an object that has served as a universally understood prototype of its kind.

Kenning

A device where the author creates a new poetic compound-phrase to describe a familiar person, place, or idea. "Test cheater, Gourmet Abuser, etc."

Anagram

A popular form of literary device wherein the writer jumbles up parts of the word to create a new word.

Caricature

A simple image showing the features of a subject in a simplified or exaggerated way. In literature, this device is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.

Motif

A specific theme that dominates a literary work. This device is very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events, and the very fabric of the literary piece.

Allegory

A symbolic device in which characters or events in a story represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.

Idiom

An expression that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements, but is understood by most people.