Literary Terms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'Dialect'?

An exaggeration or overstatement

Regional speech (correct)

Literature that aims to teach something

Word choices and styles used to get a point across

What does 'Diction' refer to?

Regional speech

A quotation at the beginning of a literary work

Word choices and styles used to get a point across (correct)

Pleasant sounds in a literary work

What is meant by 'Didactic' literature?

An insult or violent language

Literature that has a primary aim of teaching something (correct)

Figurative language

Creative use of the five senses to evoke emotion

What is an 'Epigraph'?

A quotation at the beginning of a literary work that foreshadows the theme Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Euphemism'?

A more acceptable or pleasant word than its synonym Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Euphony' refer to?

Pleasant sounds in a literary work Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'Extended Metaphor'?

A comparison that occurs repeatedly throughout a work Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Figurative language' mean?

Descriptive language that evokes sensory experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Flashback'?

A narrative remembering events that took place before the story's beginning Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Generic Conventions'?

Features specific to a literary genre Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Genre' mean?

The category that literature fits into Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Homily'?

A sermon or spiritual advice in literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Hyperbole'?

An exaggeration or overstatement Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Imagery' mean?

Creative use of the five senses to evoke emotion Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Inference'?

The process of reaching a conclusion based on stated information Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Invective' refer to?

Violent language or insults Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Irony'?

Three types of expectations contrasted with reality Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Verbal Irony'?

Expressing a meaning that is the opposite of the words used Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Situational Irony'?

The outcome is the opposite of what is expected Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Dramatic Irony' mean?

When the audience knows something that the characters do not Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Terms Overview

Dialect: Specific regional speech patterns and vocabulary unique to a particular area.
Diction: The choice of words and style of expression used by an author, crucial for conveying meaning and tone.
Didactic: Literature primarily intended to instruct or teach moral or ethical lessons.
Epigraph: A significant quotation placed at the start of a literary work, often hinting at its theme.
Euphemism: Mild or indirect expressions used to replace harsher or unpleasant terms, reflecting political correctness.
Euphony: The use of harmonious and pleasant sounds in writing, contributing to an enjoyable reading experience.

Figurative Language and Literary Techniques

Extended Metaphor: A complex comparison between two unlike things, sustained throughout a literary piece.
Figurative language: Non-literal expressions used to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings.
Figure of Speech: Creative language, including metaphors, irony, and hyperbole, enhancing the expressiveness of writing.
Flashback: A narrative technique that interrupts current events to recount past incidents, providing context to the story.
Generic Conventions: Specific characteristics and techniques that must appear in a given literary genre, defining its structure.
Genre: Categories of literature, typically divided into prose, poetry, or drama, each with its own conventions.

Themes and Emotions

Homily: A literary piece that offers spiritual guidance or moral advice, resembling a sermon.
Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect, often creating a dramatic assertion.
Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, intended to evoke emotional responses from readers.

Analytical Skills

Inference/Infer: The process of drawing logical conclusions from context clues and implied meanings within the text.
Invective: Strong, abusive language aimed at insulting or attacking someone or something verbally.

Irony

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning differs from the literal meaning; includes:
- Verbal Irony: When words express the opposite of the speaker's true intent, often through sarcasm.
- Situational Irony: A scenario where outcomes are starkly different from what was expected.
- Dramatic Irony: A situation in which the audience is aware of critical information that the characters are not, creating tension and engagement.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential literary terms such as dialect, diction, didactic literature, and more. This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of important concepts in literature, making it perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.