Vocabulary for the study of literature you should learn the following literary terms in order to be successful in the study of literature this year and throughout high school and college. The literature of this time is known for its use of philosophy, reason, skepticism, wit, and refinement. Anapaest the anapaestic meter consists of a series of two unstressed sounds followed by a single. You should be able to use these terms easily and correctly in discussions and in analytical essays. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples. Often, literary devices are used in writing for emphasis or clarity. To discuss and analyze literature it is important to know some of the basic terms and expressions used within the subject area. Plot includes the meaning and purpose of the events. New to this fully revised edition are recommended entrylevel web links. A glossary of literary terms, seventh edition english literature. Antagonist character that is the source of conflict in a literary work aside a dramatic device in which a character makes a short speech intended for the audience but not heard by the other characters on stage.
Literary terms explanation allegory allegory is a rhetorical device that creates a close, onetoone comparison. Barrie kenning a conventional metaphoric name for something, esp in old norse and old english poetry, such as old english banhus bone house for body kiddy lit lampoon a satire in prose or verse ridiculing a person, literary work, etc laurentian or lawrentian relating to or characteristic. The following glossary covers the most widely used terms. When such works are read by readers, they ultimately recognize and appreciate these literary structures. Wordplay serves as proof that literature is evolving, as new words are. To find the exposition of a literary term or phrase, always look it up in. Literary terms and devices are a collection of universal artistic structures that are typical of all works of literature frequently employed by the writers to give meanings and a logical framework to their works through language. Ap literature list of literary terms windham high school. Literary analysis is a genre that in many ways resembles an argument.
Reading and literature a glossary of literary terms 2 style. Literary devices are techniques that writers use to create a special and pointed effect in their writing, to convey information, or to help readers understand their writing on a deeper level. An allegory generally teaches a lesson by means of an interesting story. Archetype a character, ritual, symbol, or plot pattern that recurs in the myth and literature of many cultures. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. This glossary of literary terms is a list of definitions of terms and concepts used in the discussion, classification, analysis, and criticism of all types of literature, such as poetry, novels, and picture books, as well as of grammar, syntax, and language techniques. Themes in literature tend to differ depending on author.
It covers a wide range of terms, concepts and theories related to english literature. In twains huckleberry finn, the duke is a caricature designed to satirize and create. Caricature a representation of a character in which, in literature, his or her characteristics are exaggerated to produce a comic effect. Allegory is the use of concrete characters to represent. The four main literary genres are poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama, with each varying in style, structure, subject matter, and the use of figurative language. Welcome to its tutorial schools comprehensive source of definitions for terms related to english literature. For a more complete glossary of terms relating to poetry in particular, see glossary of poetry terms. As and a level english literature holy trinity academy. A modern example is dudley randells ballad of birmingham. Alliterationthe repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a line of poetry.
Themes in literature tend to differ depending on author, time period, genre, style, purpose, etc. Literary terms seventh edition literary verms absurd, literature of the. A eulogy is great praise or commendation, a laudatory speech, often about someone who has died. Glossary of literary terms adage a traditional or proverbial saying allegory a story in which the characters and events extend beyond the confines of their story to represent an object lesson to readers alliteration the repetition of a consonant sound storm strewn sea.
The term is applied to a number of works in drama and prose fiction which have in common the sense that the human condition is essentially. English literature dictionary and glossary for students. They allow writers and speakers to make comments on society, politics, and trends. Based on a dictionary of modern critical terms, edited by roger fowler. Carefully chosen words and phrases that combine to achieve artful and. Literary terms page 4 diction a speaker or writers choice of words. Alliterationthe repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a. Some of the most commonly used literary devices are alliteration, simile, metaphor, imagery, irony, etc.
Literary terms have a wide range of application, from the poets beauty, to the speakers persuasion, to the novelists story development. American literature has its own romantic period, but typically when one speaks of romanticism, one is referring to this great and diverse age of british literature, perhaps the most popular and wellknown of. Some of the most commonly used literary devices are alliteration. Ap literature list of literary terms d i c t i o n. A feeling of excitement, curiosity, or expectation about what will happen. Ugc nta net jrf english literature 184,920 views 28. The neoclassical period also marks the first great age of english literary criticism. Allegorythe representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. He edited the oxford book of gothic tales 1992, and is the author of in frankensteins shadow 1987, criticism and literary theory 1890 to the present 1996, and other works of literary history. However, there may be some terms or concepts that are not included in the lessons but appear on the test. Click on any of the 6 terms below to get a complete definition with lots of examples. This handout was taken directly from eduowlresource57501. It includes extensive coverage of traditional drama, versification, rhetoric, and literary history, as well as updated and extended advice on recommended further reading and a pronunciation guide to more than 200 terms.
Allusion a reference to something wellknown that exists outside the literary work the reference is often indirect and relies on audience knowledge and understanding. A brief, often implicit and indirect reference within a literary text to something outside the text, whether another text e. A brief biography of many well known authors has also been included. Now fully updated to reflect the latest scholarship on recent and rapidly evolving critical theories, the 11th edition contains a complete glossary of essential literary terms presented as a series of engaging essays that explore the terms. When teaching english through literature, some of the group activities used in langu age classroom are general class discussion, smallgroup work, panel discussions, and debates. Complete literary criticism for nta net english by vineet pandey 6 net 2 jrf 15 set qualified duration. Alfred prufrock alludes refers to the biblical figure john the baptist 6. English department glossary of common literary terms allegory. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile, metaphor, and personi. The most common literary devices used in literature authors of literary text make use of what are called literary devices, in order to beautify the language of the text and convey meaning at the same time. Glossary of literary terms first published fifty years ago, a glossary of literary terms remains an essential text for all serious students of literature. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contradictions.
Oxford dictionary of literary terms oxford reference. Didactic form of fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking. Included below is a list of literary terms that can help you interpret, critique, and respond to a. Simply put, an allegory is a narrative that has a symbolic meaning. Some important literary terms in english literature ii. A glossary of literary terms free pdf, doc, epub, txt. The action in hamlet, for example, simply begins with the guards visitation by the ghost and. The concise oxford dictionary of literary terms chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths college, university of london. Literary terms are important in a wide variety of ways. Because literature is a focus of many english classes, it is likely that you have had some experience with. The neoclassical period of english literature 1660 1785 was much influenced by contemporary french literature, which was in the midst of its greatest age.
Thus, literary studies differ from other branches of the subject, namely linguistics, where the main focus is on the structures and. A glossary of literary terms covers the terminology of literature from literary history to theory to criticism making it a valuable addition to any literary theory or literature course. Literary terms in this chapter, we sh all present a f ew key term s essential f or f urther deliberations a bout literature. The most common literary devices used in literature. The distinctive way that a writer uses language including such factors as word choice, sentence length, arrangement, and complexity, and the use of figurative language and imagery. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any other form of writing. Writing an essay key concepts and literary terms macmillan readers 2 this page has been downloaded from it is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. An allegorical comparison of 21st century britain to a hive might point out that britain and the hive have queens, workers and soldiers. Elegy a poem of mourning, usually about someone who has died. A p literary terms houston independent school district. Antiheroes are especially common in modern literary works.
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