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Literary Terms
Semester 1 Review
Question | Answer |
---|---|
allusion | A reference to a well known person, place, event, literary work or work of art |
hyperbole | exaggerated or overstated claim that is not meant t be taken literally |
personification | the giving of human traits to a non human animal, object or idea |
simile | A comparison of two unlike things that uses like or as to make a direct comparison |
idiom | a saying that has special meaning that cannot be understood from the meaning of the individual words in the saying |
metaphor | The comparison of two things that have some qualities in common, does NOT use like or as |
antagonist | the character or force that causes conflict for the main character(s) |
characterization | the techniques a writer uses to create and develop a character |
climax | the turning point or high point of interest in the plot of a story or play |
foreshadowing | a writer's use of hints suggesting events that will occur later in the story |
Situational Irony | when the opposite of what is expected or intended occurs |
plot | the sequence of events or actions that happen in a story |
point of view | the perspective from which the story is told |
protagonist | the main character involved in the conflict of a literary work |
setting | the time and place of the action of a story, poem or play |
theme | the message about life or human nature communicated by a work of literature |
epic | a long narrative story or poem that reflects a nation's cultural identity and features an epic hero. |
in medias res | The story is started in the middle of the action |
Myth | A traditional story rooted in a particular culture that explains a belief, ritual, or mysterious natural phenomenon |
Internal conflict | Character vs. self; when a character faces a decision that pulls him or her in two different directions |
External conflict | character vs character, character vs nature, character vs society; when a character faces an opposing force outside of him or her self |
Epic Hero | A larger-than-life figure who embodies traits that the culture values. Typical among these characteristics are physical strength, bravery, high birth, fame, and effective skills as a leader and in battle. |