Introduction to Literature Quiz

Figures of Speech

• 'Oh, I love spending big bucks' is an example of hyperbole, an exaggeration used for emphasis.
• 'A million dollars is no small chunk of change' exemplifies metaphor, a comparison between two unlike things without 'like' or 'as'.
• 'All the world's a stage' is an example of metaphor, where the world is compared to a stage.
• 'That stuffed suit with the briefcase is a poor excuse for a salesman' represents a metaphor, where a person is compared to a stuffed suit.
• 'The clap of thunder went bang and scared my poor dog' illustrates onomatopoeia, a word that imitates a sound.
• 'He popped the jumbo shrimp in his mouth' is an example of oxymoron, a combination of two contrasting words.

Literature

• Literature is written works, especially those considered to have artistic or intellectual value.
• The two main types of literature are fiction and non-fiction.
• A biography is an example of non-fiction literature.

Key Concepts in Literature

• The central idea or purpose of a literary work is called the theme.
• The act of creating and developing a character is called characterization.
• The struggle between opposing forces in a literary work is called conflict.

Poetry

• A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.
• 'He is a shining light' is an example of a synecdoche, where a part of something represents the whole.
• An epic is a long, narrative poem that tells a heroic story.
• Dramatic poetry allows the writer to reveal characters directly through dialogue or monologue.
• A ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story in verse, often with a folkloric or legendary theme.
• William Shakespeare is considered the most famous dramatic poet.