Literary Terms Flashcards

Study Notes

Literary Devices and Terms

Allusion: A reference to another literary work, person, or historical event, enriching the text's meaning through context.
Appositive: A noun or noun phrase that clarifies or adds detail to another noun, enhancing understanding of the subject.
Flashback: A narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of the story to reveal events that occurred earlier, providing context for current situations.
Foreshadowing: A literary device that hints at future events, creating anticipation and preparing the reader for what is to come.
Imagery: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—allowing readers to visualize and experience the narrative intimately.
Inferences: Logical conclusions drawn from available evidence and reasoning, helping readers to interpret and understand underlying meanings and themes.
Irony: A literary technique showcasing a discrepancy between expectations and reality, often leading to humor or poignant moments.
Mood: The emotional atmosphere created by a text, influencing how readers feel while engaging with the narrative.
Pun: A humorous play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds, often used for comedic effect.
Rhyme: The repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words, commonly used in poetry to create rhythm, musicality, and cohesion.
Rhythm: A patterned repetition of beats or sounds in language that creates a sense of movement and flow, adding musical quality to the text.
Repetition: The deliberate use of words, phrases, or ideas multiple times to emphasize points and enhance the emotional impact of the text.
Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, allowing for deeper meanings and connections within the text.
Tone: The author's attitude or perspective toward the subject matter, conveyed through word choice and style, influencing the reader's interpretation.
Topic: The main subject or theme around which the text revolves, providing a focal point for the narrative.
Theme: The central idea or underlying message of the literary work, often reflecting broader societal, moral, or philosophical issues.
Thesis: The primary argument or stance taken by the writer or speaker, guiding the direction of the text and establishing its purpose.

Description

Test your knowledge of essential literary terms with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition and example of key concepts such as allusion, appositive, flashback, and foreshadowing. Perfect for literature students or anyone looking to brush up on their literary vocabulary.