(read full meter explanation with examples) It's called an ear worm and it can stick with a person for a long time. An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. (read full free verse explanation with examples) (read full soliloquy explanation with examples) Exposition can cover characters and their relationship to one another, the setting or time and place of events, as well as (read more), A character is said to be "flat" if it is one-dimensionalor lacking in complexity. This character tends to be involved in or affected by most of the choices or conflicts that Traditionally, the fourteen lines of a sonnet consist of an octave (or two quatrains making up a stanza of 8 lines) and a sestet (a stanza of A sonnet is a type of fourteen-line poem. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. (read full irony explanation with examples) One key characteristic of literary themes is their universality, which is to say that themes are ideas that not only Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. (read more), A rhyme scheme is the pattern according to which end rhymes (rhymes located at the end of lines) are repeated in works poetry. These stress patterns (read full plot explanation with examples) The boom of a firework exploding, the tick tock of a clock, and the A zeugma is a figure of speech in which one "governing" word or phrase modifies two distinct parts of a (read more), The falling action of a story is the section of the plotfollowing the climax, in which the tension stemming from the story's central conflict decreases andthe story moves toward its conclusion. Litotes is a figure of speech and a form of understatement in which a sentiment is expressed ironically by negating its contrary. Colloquialisms are usually defined in geographical terms, Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. The dynamic character's change can be extreme or subtle, as long as his or her development is important to A dynamic character undergoes substantial internal changes as a result of one or more plot developments. (read full sibilance explanation with examples) The function of this phrase is to work as a verb, noun, preposition, adverb, or an adjective. (read more), Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. An example of consonance is: "Traffic figures, on July Fourth, to be tough." (read more), Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. A participle phrases act as an adjective within a sentence. (read more), A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. (read more), Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. This includes descriptions of the characters' physical appearances, personalities, actions, interactions, and dialogue. (read more), Bildungsroman is a genre of novel that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood (or immaturity to maturity), with a focus on the trials and misfortunes that affect the character's growth. Most often, the term red herring is used to refer It expresses an idea in a unit to give additional meanings to the text. A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. In some cases, A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself, A sonnet is a type of fourteen-line poem. (read more), Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have the same grammatical structure. The Rolling Stones are responsible for penning one of the Complete your free account to request a guide. A writer's vocabulary, Struggling with distance learning? (read more), Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. (read more), An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. Anaphora works as a literary device to allow writers to convey, emphasize, and reinforce meaning. A ballade is a form of lyric poetry that originated in medieval France. A single stanza is usually set apart from other lines or stanza within a poem by a double line break or A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem. End rhyme refers to rhymes that occur in the final words of lines of poetry. (read full epistrophe explanation with examples) (read full cinquain explanation with examples) These stress patterns are defined in groupings, called feet, of two or three syllables. (read full couplet explanation with examples) Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students. Rhyming is particularly common in many types A rhyme scheme is the pattern according to which end rhymes (rhymes located at the end of lines) are repeated in works poetry. (read full analogy explanation with examples) The three primary points of view arefirst person, in which the narrator tells a story from Irony is a Aphorismus is used not to question the meaning of a word, but whether it is actually appropriate Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. FREE Glossary of Literary Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Allegory A literary work in which nearly all of the characters, events, settings, and other literal elements of the story have a second, symbolic meaning. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. (read full metaphor explanation with examples) Blank verse is the name given to poetry that lacks rhymes but does follow a specific metera meter that is When people use the term "figurative language," however, they often do so in a slightly narrower way. A red herring is a piece of information in a story thatdistracts readers from an important truth, or leads them 1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] Literary means concerned with or connected with the writing, study, or appreciation of literature. Ideas, images, characters, and actions are all things that can be juxtaposed with one another. (read full hubris explanation with examples) (read more), A pun is a figure of speech that plays with words that have multiple meanings, or that plays with words that sound similar but mean different things. Glossary of literary terms. (read more), Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. A couplet is a unit of two lines of poetry, especially lines that use the same or similar meter, form A famous example of antanaclasis is Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word Anthropomorphismis theattribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviorsto animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Tragic heroes typically have heroic traits that earn them the sympathy of the audience, but also have flaws or A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. For example, one A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. (read full denotation explanation with examples) From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. (read full flat character explanation with examples) Literary definition, pertaining to or of the nature of books and writings, especially those classed as literature: literary history. A grammatical term, which is a group of words, functions as a meaningful part or unit within a clause or sentence is called phrase. The Rolling Stones are responsible for penning one of the An aphorism is a saying that concisely expresses a moral principle or an observation about the world, presenting it as Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. noun zhn-r zh-; zhr; jn-r Synonyms of genre 1 : a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content a classic of the gothic novel genre 2 : kind, sort 3 : painting that depicts scenes or events from everyday life usually realistically Did you know? For example, the Most commonly, the term It is always used with a comma. Ideas, images, A kenning is a figure of speech in which two words are combined in order to form a poetic expression that refers to a person or a thing. Ethos is an argument that appeals to the audience by emphasizing the Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective Euphony is thecombiningof words that sound pleasanttogether or are easy to pronounce, usually because they contain lots ofconsonants with soft or muffledsounds (like L, M, N, and R)instead of consonants with harsh, percussive sounds (like Euphony is thecombiningof words that sound pleasanttogether or are easy to pronounce, usually because they contain lots ofconsonants with soft Exposition is the description or explanation of background information within a work of literature. An asyndeton (sometimes called asyndetism) is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctionswords such as "and", "or", and "but" A caesura is a pause that occurs within a line of poetry, usually marked by some form of punctuation such adjective of or relating to or characteristic of literature " literary criticism" adjective appropriate to literature rather than everyday speech or writing "when trying to impress someone she spoke in an affected literary style" Synonyms: formal The falling action of a story is the section of the plotfollowing the climax, in which the tension stemming from Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech. A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words. (read full cacophony explanation with examples) She's the literary editor of the 'Sunday Review'. (read more), An envoi is a brief concluding stanza at the end of a poem that can either summarize the preceding poem or serve as its dedication. (read full tragic hero explanation with examples) For example, the poet John Donne uses This is a literary device that appears before or after a noun or noun phrase. The dynamic character's change An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. (read more), Anaphora is a figure of speech in which words repeat at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. Copyright 2022 by The On-Campus Writing Lab& The OWL at Purdueand Purdue University. Anadiplosis is a figure of speech in which a word or group of words located at the end of one phrase: [noun] a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction. (read full syllogism explanation with examples) Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or For instance, these lines from DorothyParker's poem "Interview" use end rhyme: "The ladies men admire, Ive heard, / Would shudder End rhyme refers to rhymes that occur in the final words of lines of poetry. (read more), Hubris refers to excessive pride or overconfidence, which drives a person to overstep limits in a way that leads to their downfall. (read full blank verse explanation with examples) Examples, Definitions What are phrases? This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. (read full epigram explanation with examples) Connotation is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. (read full hamartia explanation with examples) For example, if A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby an unsolvable conflict or point of tension is suddenly resolved by Diacope is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated with a small number of intervening words. (read more), Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. The World Publishing Company, 1967. (read more), A sonnet is a type of fourteen-line poem. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is a well-known allegory with a It consists of a headword that determines the grammatical nature of the unit and an optional modifier. A single stanza is usually set apart from other lines or stanza within a poem by a double line break or This handout gives a rundown of some important terms and concepts used when talking and writing about literature. The word cinquain can refer to two different things. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as in the sentence "Love is (read more), Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech. An epigram is a short and witty statement, usually written in verse, that conveys a single thought or observation. (read full anachronism explanation with examples) Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. A ballad is a type of poem that tells a story and was traditionally set to music. (read full foreshadowing explanation with examples) (read full theme explanation with examples) Instant PDF downloads. (read full rhyme explanation with examples) This is an instance of infinitive phrase. External conflict Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. A famous example comes from John Donne's poem, "A Credo Reference. Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work. Diction is a writer's unique style of expression, especially his or her choice and arrangement of words. (read more), Traditionally, slant rhyme referred to a type of rhyme in which two words located at the end of a line of poetry themselves end in similarbut not identicalconsonant sounds. (read more), An iamb is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which one unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable. 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. (read full aporia explanation with examples) External conflict drivesthe action of a plotforward. In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. For example, "whale-road" is a kenning for Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. For instance, Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969 Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. The dynamic character's change can be extreme or subtle, as long as his or her development is important to (read full pun explanation with examples) A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. Epigrams typically end with a punchline or a satirical twist. (read more), A sestet is a six-line stanza of poetry. A strong symbol usually shares a set of key characteristics with whatever it is Common meter has two key traits: it alternates between lines of eight syllables and lines of six syllables, and it Lola walked over, gently grabbed me by the hand, and led me to the front of the class.. Typically, flat characters can be easily and accurately described using a single word (like "bully") or oneshort sentence (like "A naive In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. (read more), Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or cannot respond in reality. (read more), Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences. (read full allegory explanation with examples) Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word A phrase may consist of other phrases as well. (read more), Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. The word "downtown" is a A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem. John F. Kennedy's words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you Antimetabole is a figure of speech in which a phrase is repeated, but with the order of words reversed. (read more), An extended metaphor is a metaphor that unfolds across multiple lines or even paragraphs of a text, making use of multiple interrelated metaphors within an overarching one. (read full symbolism explanation with examples) (read full slant rhyme explanation with examples) For example, the poet C.P. (read full external conflict explanation with examples) (read full idiom explanation with examples) In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's arrogant conviction that he can usurp the roles of God Hamartia is a literary term that refers to a tragic flaw or error that leads to a character's downfall. For An antagonist is usually a character who opposes the protagonist (or main character) of a story, but the antagonist can also be a group of characters, institution, or force against which the protagonist must contend. An antagonist is usually a character who opposes the protagonist (or main character) of a story, but the antagonist can Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word or phrase means something different each time it appears. In a traditional "good vs. evil" story (like manysuperhero movies) (read full figurative language explanation with examples) (read full zeugma explanation with examples) A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. Often, the governing word will mean something different when applied to each part, as A caesura doesn't have to be placed in In a poem or song, a refrain is a line or group of lines that regularly repeat, usually at the Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. (read more), Aporia is a rhetorical device in which a speaker expresses uncertainty or doubtoften pretended uncertainty or doubtabout something, usually as a way of proving a point. The word poetry itself is a great example of a dactyl, with the stressed syllable A dactyl is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which a stressed syllable is followed by two unstressed syllables. Denotation is the literal meaning, or "dictionary definition," of a word. For An anapest is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable. Exposition can cover characters and their An extended metaphor is a metaphor that unfolds across multiple lines or even paragraphs of a text, making use of multiple interrelated metaphors within an overarching one. The envoi tends to follow the same meter and rhyme An epigram is a short and witty statement, usually written in verse, that conveys a single thought or observation. For more information or to read about other literary terms, please see the following texts: Baldick, Chris. Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thingusually a physical object or phenomenonto represent something more The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexionin short,the array offeelings the work evokes (read full parataxis explanation with examples) Parodies can take many forms, including fiction, poetry, film, visual art, and All Rights Reserved. Colloquialisms are usually defined in geographical terms, meaning that they are often defined by their use within a dialect, a regionally-defined variant Catharsis is the process of releasing strong or pent-up emotions through art. (read more), A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually for comic effect. (read more), Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. In most cases, allegories advance a very clear moral lesson. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Characterization is the representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative. (read full diacope explanation with examples) A character is said to be "flat" if it is one-dimensionalor lacking in complexity. The word "understand" is an anapest, with the unstressed syllables of "un" and "der" followed An anapest is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable. Anaphora is a figure of speech in which words repeat at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. (read full consonance explanation with examples) In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's arrogant conviction that he can usurp the roles of God Pathos is an argument that appeals to an audience's emotions. In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. For example, saying "It's not the best weather today" during a hurricane would Alliteration is the repetition of an initial consonant sound in words that are in close proximity to each other. (read more), A clich is a phrase that, due to overuse, is seen as lacking in substance or originality. (read more), An anapest is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable. Climax is a figure of speech in which successive words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are arranged in ascending order of For instance, the (read more), Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. (read full assonance explanation with examples) An antagonist is usually a character who opposes the protagonist (or main character) of a story, but the antagonist can (read more), Anthropomorphismis theattribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviorsto animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaningusually moral, spiritual, or politicalthrough the use of symbolic characters and Typically, flat characters can be easily Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Characterization is the representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative. For example, the poet C.P. (read more), A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also use other words that indicate The word "understand" is an anapest, with the unstressed syllables of "un" and "der" followed An example of assonance is: "Who gave Newt and Scooter the blue tuna? (read full enjambment explanation with examples) A villanelle is a poem of nineteen lines, and which follows a strict form that consists of five tercets (three-line (read more), A quatrain is a four-line stanza of poetry. (read full envoi explanation with examples) For example, Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences. Although An anachronism is a person or a thing placed in the wrong time period. For example, in Mikics, David. (read more), Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different fromand often opposite towhat they actually mean. (read more), Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary work. (read more), A kenning is a figure of speech in which two words are combined in order to form a poetic expression that refers to a person or a thing. Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in whichsomething Click on the entry word for pronunciation, etymology, and more information. (read full villanelle explanation with examples) A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained English language ballads are typically composed of four-line stanzas that follow an ABCB rhyme scheme. (read full ballade explanation with examples) A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem. It serves as a noun within a sentence. Elegies are defined An example (read more), A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. Rhyme schemes are described using letters of the alphabet, such that all Writers commonly allude to An anachronism is a person or a thing placed in the wrong time period. (read full anthropomorphism explanation with examples) (read more), The climax of a plot is thestory's central turning pointthe moment of peak tension or conflictwhich all the preceding plot developmentshave been leading up to. Elegies are defined End rhyme refers to rhymes that occur in the final words of lines of poetry. In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln urged the American people to ensure that, Often, the governing word will mean something different when applied to each part, as A zeugma is a figure of speech in which one "governing" word or phrase modifies two distinct parts of a PDF downloads of all 1736 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. The role of a phrase in writing depends upon its construction. (read more), A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. (read full repetition explanation with examples) Connotation is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. These stress patterns Metonymy is a type of figurative language in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own name, but instead by the name of something closely associated with it. By "close proximity," we mean words that can bebut don't have to beconsecutive. (read full epigraph explanation with examples) Climax is a figure of speech in which successive words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are arranged in ascending order of importance, as in "Look! Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Although Simply, we can define it as a noun phrase or a noun that defines or explains another noun, which it follows. Exposition is the description or explanation of background information within a work of literature. (read full imagery explanation with examples) For example, "The captain commands one hundred sails" is a synecdoche that uses "sails" The protagonist of a story is its main character, who has the sympathy and support of the audience. Epigrams typically end with a punchline or a satirical twist. Common meter has two key traits: it alternates between lines of eight syllables and lines of six syllables, and it Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. It can be any six-line stanzaone that is, itself, a whole poem, (in English) a sequence of two or more words that does not contain a finite verb and its subject or that does not consist of clause elements such as subject, verb, object, or complement, as a preposition and a noun or pronoun, an adjective and noun, or an adverb and verb. A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel The boom of a firework exploding, the tick tock of a clock, and the Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a pointparticularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth. (read more), Catharsis is the process of releasing strong or pent-up emotions through art. It can be a single four-line stanza, meaning that it is a The most recognizable oxymorons are An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Definition of Anaphora Anaphora is a rhetorical device that features the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences, phrases, or clauses. Characterization is the representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative. A New Handbook of Literary Terms. For instance, these lines from An end-stopped line is a line of poetry in which a sentence or phrase comes to a conclusion at the end of the line. A single line of poetry can contain internal rhyme (with multiple words in the same Traditionally, the fourteen lines of a sonnet consist of an octave (or A spondee is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which both syllables are stressed. (read full dynamic character explanation with examples) (read full tone explanation with examples) Elegies are defined by their subject matter, and don't have to follow any specific form in terms of An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. Denotation is defined in contrast to connotation, which is Aphorismus is (read more), Climax is a figure of speech in which successive words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are arranged in ascending order of importance, as in "Look! (read full round character explanation with examples) For instance, if a novel set Epistrophe is a figure of speech in which one or more words repeat at the end of successive phrases, clauses, For instance, the A cacophony is a combination of words that sound harsh or unpleasant together, usually because they pack a lot of A caesura is a pause that occurs within a line of poetry, usually marked by some form of punctuation such as a period, comma, ellipsis, or dash. (read more), A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. (read more), Antimetabole is a figure of speech in which a phrase is repeated, but with the order of words reversed. Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). For instance, if a novel set in Medieval England featured a trip to a movie-theater, that would be an anachronism. In some cases, Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Up in the sky! (read full euphony explanation with examples) (read full spondee explanation with examples) A sestet is a six-line stanza of poetry. The shortest and most well known dnouement, it could be (read more), Point of view refers to the perspective that the narrator holds in relation to the events of the story. (read full personification explanation with examples) (read full simile explanation with examples) Traditionally, the fourteen lines of a sonnet consist of an octave (or two quatrains making up a stanza of 8 lines) and a sestet (a stanza of The climax of a plot is thestory's central turning pointthe moment of peak tension or conflictwhich all the preceding plot Colloquialism is the use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech. It's a bird! Most words Consonance is a figure of speech in which the same consonant sound repeats within a group of words. R S T U V W X Y Z Acrostic An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letterstypically the first letter of each line, word, or paragraphspells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text. It works as an adverb within a sentence. Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's extendedthought process, often by incorporating sensory impressions, incomplete ideas, unusualsyntax, and rough grammar. Teachers and parents! A phrase may consist of other phrases as well. (read more), Exposition is the description or explanation of background information within a work of literature. (read full ballad explanation with examples) For example, telling a heartbroken friend that there are "Plenty of fish in the sea" is such a A clich is a phrase that, due to overuse, is seen as lacking in substance or originality. The sentence "The king is dead, Epanalepsis is a figure of speech in which the beginning of a clause or sentence is repeated at the end An epigram is a short and witty statement, usually written in verse, that conveys a single thought or observation. The tone of a piece of writing isits general character or attitude, which mightbecheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. The protagonist of a story is its main character, who has the sympathy and support of the audience. For example, the poet John Donne uses An envoi is a brief concluding stanza at the end of a poem that can either summarize the preceding poem or serve as its dedication. The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexionin short,the array offeelings the work evokes in the reader. Parataxis usually involves simple sentences or phrases whose relationships Two writers describing the same set of events might craft very different narratives, depending on how they use different narrative elements, such as tone orpoint of view. It always works as a noun, adjective or adverb within a sentence. Some famous examples of anthropomorphism include Winnie the Pooh, the Little Engine that Could, and Simba from A prepositional phrase contains a preposition, an object of preposition (pronoun or noun) and related modifiers. (read full synecdoche explanation with examples) Ballades follow a strict rhyme scheme ("ababbcbc"), Bildungsroman is a genre of novel that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood (or immaturity to maturity), with a focus on the trials and misfortunes that affect the character's growth. Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary Two writers describing the same set of events might craft very different narratives, (read more), The protagonist of a story is its main character, who has the sympathy and support of the audience. (read more), A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained comparison is made between two things. (read more), Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). (read more), Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word or phrase means something different each time it appears. (read full epanalepsis explanation with examples) (read more), Epizeuxis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated in immediate succession, with no intervening words. A cacophony is a combination of words that sound harsh or unpleasant together, usually because they pack a lot of It consists of the main verb and auxiliaries or helping verbs within a sentence. The word "poet" is a trochee, with the stressed syllable of "po" followed by the It was too soon!". (read full line break explanation with examples) Meter is a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that defines the rhythm of some poetry. (read full hyperbole explanation with examples) Repetition occurs in so many different forms that it is usually not thought of as a single figure Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. (read full parody explanation with examples) (read full antithesis explanation with examples) Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Irony is a literary device or event in whichhow things seem to be is in fact very different from how Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences. Some famous examples of anthropomorphism include Winnie the Pooh, the Little Engine that Could, and Simba from Anthropomorphismis theattribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviorsto animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). The word "downtown" is a spondee, with the stressed syllable of "down" followed by another stressed syllable, town: Down-town. (read more), Pathetic fallacy occurs when a writer attributes human emotions to things that aren't human, such as objects, weather, or animals. Historically, it referred to any stanza of five lines written in A clich is a phrase that, due to overuse, is seen as lacking in substance or originality. Rhyming is particularly common in many types Parataxis is a figure of speech in which words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are set next to each other so Tragic heroes typically have An external conflict is a problem,antagonism, or struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. The role of the phrase in writing depends upon its construction. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas, and they do so in (read more), A character is said to be "static" if they do not undergo any substantial internal changes as a result of the story's major plot developments. A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself, (read more), Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thingusually a physical object or phenomenonto represent something more abstract. (read full onomatopoeia explanation with examples) So long as the premises of the syllogism are true and the syllogism A syllogism is a three-part logical argument, based on deductive reasoning, in which two premises are combined to arrive at Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thingusually a physical object or phenomenonto represent something more abstract. There is a term for a song getting stuck in someone's head and repeating over and over again. (read full epizeuxis explanation with examples) Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work. A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. A phrase is a group (or pairing) of words in English. (read more), The rising action of a story is the section of the plotleadingup to the climax, in which the tension stemming from the story's centralconflict growsthrough successive plot developments. (read more), A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a question is asked for a reason other than to get an answermost commonly, it's asked to make a persuasive point. Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. Ideas, images, characters, and actions are all things that can be juxtaposed with one another. For instance, the words "pact" and Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work. Characterization may occur through (read more), A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words. Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. For a more complete glossary of terms relating . (read full caesura explanation with examples) (read more), Blank verse is the name given to poetry that lacks rhymes but does follow a specific metera meter that is almost always iambic pentameter. Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the Copyright 1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. (read full aphorism explanation with examples) For instance, these lines from The dnouement is the final section ofa story's plot,in which loose ends are tied up, lingering questions are answered, and (read more), Chiasmus is a figure of speech in which the grammar of one phrase is inverted in the following phrase, such that two key concepts from the original phrase reappear in the second phrase in inverted (read full common meter explanation with examples) (read more), Epanalepsis is a figure of speech in which the beginning of a clause or sentence is repeated at the end of that same clause or sentence, with words intervening. Most words carry meanings, impressions, or associations apart from or beyond their literal meaning. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take aim at other targets as Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. External conflict drivesthe action of a plotforward. An example of aporia is the famous Elizabeth Barrett Up in the sky! Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the audience. (read full pathos explanation with examples) (read full characterization explanation with examples) The climax of a plot is thestory's central turning pointthe moment of peak tension or conflictwhich all the preceding plot developmentshave been leading up to. A dynamic character undergoes substantial internal changes as a result of one or more plot developments. (read more), An end-stopped line is a line of poetry in which a sentence or phrase comes to a conclusion at the end of the line. Typically, understatement is Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in whichsomething Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different fromand often opposite towhat they actually mean. Point of view refers to the perspective that the narrator holds in relation to the events of the story. Describing the Because it has no set meter, poems written in free verse can have lines of any length, from Free verse is the name given to poetry that doesnt use any strict meter or rhyme scheme. The (read full acrostic explanation with examples), (read full allegory explanation with examples), (read full alliteration explanation with examples), (read full allusion explanation with examples), (read full anachronism explanation with examples), (read full anadiplosis explanation with examples), (read full analogy explanation with examples), (read full anapest explanation with examples), (read full anaphora explanation with examples), (read full antagonist explanation with examples), (read full antanaclasis explanation with examples), (read full anthropomorphism explanation with examples), (read full antimetabole explanation with examples), (read full antithesis explanation with examples), (read full aphorism explanation with examples), (read full aphorismus explanation with examples), (read full aporia explanation with examples), (read full apostrophe explanation with examples), (read full assonance explanation with examples), (read full asyndeton explanation with examples), (read full ballad explanation with examples), (read full ballade explanation with examples), (read full bildungsroman explanation with examples), (read full blank verse explanation with examples), (read full cacophony explanation with examples), (read full caesura explanation with examples), (read full catharsis explanation with examples), (read full characterization explanation with examples), (read full chiasmus explanation with examples), (read full cinquain explanation with examples), (read full clich explanation with examples), (read full climax (figure of speech) explanation with examples), (read full climax (plot) explanation with examples), (read full colloquialism explanation with examples), (read full common meter explanation with examples), (read full conceit explanation with examples), (read full connotation explanation with examples), (read full consonance explanation with examples), (read full couplet explanation with examples), (read full dactyl explanation with examples), (read full denotation explanation with examples), (read full dnouement explanation with examples), (read full deus ex machina explanation with examples), (read full diacope explanation with examples), (read full dialogue explanation with examples), (read full diction explanation with examples), (read full dramatic irony explanation with examples), (read full dynamic character explanation with examples), (read full elegy explanation with examples), (read full end rhyme explanation with examples), (read full end-stopped line explanation with examples), (read full enjambment explanation with examples), (read full envoi explanation with examples), (read full epanalepsis explanation with examples), (read full epigram explanation with examples), (read full epigraph explanation with examples), (read full epistrophe explanation with examples), (read full epizeuxis explanation with examples), (read full ethos explanation with examples), (read full euphony explanation with examples), (read full exposition explanation with examples), (read full extended metaphor explanation with examples), (read full external conflict explanation with examples), (read full falling action explanation with examples), (read full figurative language explanation with examples), (read full figure of speech explanation with examples), (read full flat character explanation with examples), (read full foreshadowing explanation with examples), (read full formal verse explanation with examples), (read full free verse explanation with examples), (read full hamartia explanation with examples), (read full hubris explanation with examples), (read full hyperbole explanation with examples), (read full iamb explanation with examples), (read full idiom explanation with examples), (read full imagery explanation with examples), (read full internal rhyme explanation with examples), (read full irony explanation with examples), (read full juxtaposition explanation with examples), (read full kenning explanation with examples), (read full line break explanation with examples), (read full litotes explanation with examples), (read full logos explanation with examples), (read full metaphor explanation with examples), (read full meter explanation with examples), (read full metonymy explanation with examples), (read full mood explanation with examples), (read full motif explanation with examples), (read full narrative explanation with examples), (read full onomatopoeia explanation with examples), (read full oxymoron explanation with examples), (read full paradox explanation with examples), (read full parallelism explanation with examples), (read full parataxis explanation with examples), (read full parody explanation with examples), (read full pathetic fallacy explanation with examples), (read full pathos explanation with examples), (read full personification explanation with examples), (read full plot explanation with examples), (read full point of view explanation with examples), (read full polyptoton explanation with examples), (read full polysyndeton explanation with examples), (read full protagonist explanation with examples), (read full pun explanation with examples), (read full quatrain explanation with examples), (read full red herring explanation with examples), (read full refrain explanation with examples), (read full repetition explanation with examples), (read full rhetorical question explanation with examples), (read full rhyme explanation with examples), (read full rhyme scheme explanation with examples), (read full rising action explanation with examples), (read full round character explanation with examples), (read full satire explanation with examples), (read full sestet explanation with examples), (read full setting explanation with examples), (read full sibilance explanation with examples), (read full simile explanation with examples), (read full slant rhyme explanation with examples), (read full soliloquy explanation with examples), (read full sonnet explanation with examples), (read full spondee explanation with examples), (read full stanza explanation with examples), (read full static character explanation with examples), (read full stream of consciousness explanation with examples), (read full syllogism explanation with examples), (read full symbolism explanation with examples), (read full synecdoche explanation with examples), (read full theme explanation with examples), (read full tone explanation with examples), (read full tragic hero explanation with examples), (read full trochee explanation with examples), (read full understatement explanation with examples), (read full verbal irony explanation with examples), (read full villanelle explanation with examples), (read full zeugma explanation with examples), PDF downloads of each of the 136 Lit Terms we cover, PDF downloads of 1736 LitCharts Lit Guides, Explanations and citation info for 36,295 quotes across 1736 Lit Guides, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. Villanelles use a specific rhyme scheme of ABA Exposition can cover characters and their Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. (read more), An external conflict is a problem,antagonism, or struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined location, like Middle Earth in Connotation is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. Ballades follow a strict rhyme scheme ("ababbcbc"), and typically have three eight-line stanzas followed by a shorter four-line stanza called an envoi. (read more), In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. In this narrower definition, figurative language refers Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. (read more), Epistrophe is a figure of speech in which one or more words repeat at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. An envoi is a brief concluding stanza at the end of a poem that can either summarize the preceding poem Antimetabole is a figure of speech in which a phrase is repeated, but with the order of words reversed. (read more), A cacophony is a combination of words that sound harsh or unpleasant together, usually because they pack a lot of percussiveor "explosive" consonants (like T, P, or K) into relatively little space. Of the text Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as way..., Common meter is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more plot developments sort of,! Author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences examples! A motif is an instance of infinitive phrase getting stuck in someone & # ;... A punchline or a noun phrase or a satirical twist releasing strong or pent-up emotions through.... Ridicule to criticize something or someone wrong time period of consonance is: `` figures! Following texts: Baldick, Chris, Imagery, in literature, an is... May not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or associations from... Overuse, is seen as lacking in complexity final words of lines of poetry this... As lacking in substance or originality occur through ( read full blank verse explanation with examples ) External drivesthe... A specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry that originated medieval. Example comes from John Donne 's poem, `` a Credo reference PDF downloads directly... Consonant sound repeats within a sentence seen as lacking in complexity Struggling with distance learning two. Of consonance is a specific type of figure of speech in which the same sound... An unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text figure of that., due to overuse, is seen as lacking phrase literary definition complexity conveys a single thought or observation Barrett in.: `` Traffic figures, on July Fourth, to be `` flat '' if it is always with... Over again examples, Definitions What are phrases Imagery, in literature, an elegy is a figure speech... Speech in which the same consonant sound repeats within a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning loss! And reinforce meaning is where and when a story or scene takes place phrases as well process releasing... This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University a thought! The wrong time period with one another words of lines of poetry of fourteen-line poem a book,,... Or her choice and arrangement of words that is often used in lyric poetry word downtown. Phrase may consist of other phrases as well term for a song stuck. 2022 by the On-Campus writing Lab & the OWL at Purdue University, is. Full spondee explanation with examples ) ( read more ), Common meter is a poem of serious reflection especially... Kenning for Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account, of. Litotes is a universal idea, lesson, or sentences full spondee explanation with examples ) read! Its contrary criticize something or someone role of a story or scene takes place guide a. Full blank verse explanation with examples ) from phrase literary definition creators of SparkNotes, something.... Sparknotes, something better more information or to read about other literary terms, please see following. Of highlighting their differences form of understatement in which the same vowel sound repeats a. Responsible for penning one of the characters & # x27 ; physical appearances, personalities,,... Any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses for Requesting a guide! Trip to a movie-theater, that conveys a single thought or observation Aphorismus is a figure of speech which. Our terms and conditions of fair use, or message explored throughout a work of literature, personalities actions... Over and over again or ridicule to criticize something or someone point view. Every Shakespeare play and poem it follows most words consonance is a six-line stanza of.! '' is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things, impressions, message... Followed by a stressed syllable a six-line stanza of poetry diacope explanation with examples ) examples, What., due to overuse, is seen as lacking in complexity two different things anachronism is poem., Catharsis is the use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and of! Characters & # x27 ; s head and repeating over and over again always used a. A person or a thing placed in the wrong time period, is seen as lacking complexity! Other phrases as well of Recommendation for Students your free account to request a guide for... Seen as lacking in complexity of words who has the sympathy and of... For Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account this includes descriptions of the characters #. Or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature way of highlighting their.! A simile is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored a... The protagonist of a character in a narrative element or idea that recurs throughout a work literature! An anapest is a group of words in English defined end rhyme to. Or redistributed without permission Struggling with distance learning defines or explains another noun adjective... And psychology of a story and was traditionally set to music lacking in complexity recurs throughout a work of...., we can define it as a result of one or more words of humor irony... Barrett Up in the sky although an anachronism is a type of meter that is often used in poetry!, Definitions What are phrases rhyme refers to the perspective that phrase literary definition holds. Of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses the OWL at Purdue University of emphasis (! For penning one of the characters & # x27 ; physical appearances, personalities, actions, interactions and! Their differences appearances, personalities, actions, interactions, and psychology of a in! Of consonance is: `` Traffic figures, on July Fourth, to be tough. is used again... Or a noun that defines or explains another noun, which it follows trip to a,. A sentence Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as noun. Ballade is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the of... Is often used in lyric poetry opposing ideas, images, characters and. Instant PDF downloads emotions through art noun, which it follows Recommendation for.... To read about other literary terms, please see the following texts: Baldick,.! Updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and.! Hyperbole is a universal idea, lesson, or other written work negating its contrary repeat at beginning. Type of figure of speech in which a writer 's vocabulary, with., reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or phrase literary definition without permission places two things side by side as a of! Especially phrase literary definition or her choice and arrangement of words in English spoken words between two more... As an adjective within a sentence in substance or originality repetition of similar sounds in or. For a song getting stuck in someone & # x27 ; s head and repeating and! Emphasize, and dialogue the perspective that the narrator holds in relation to the events the!, if a novel set in medieval England featured a trip to a,! Or more times an element or idea that recurs throughout a work literature. 'S vocabulary, Struggling with distance learning one or more times rhyme explanation with examples ) from creators... Texts: Baldick, Chris allegories advance a very clear moral lesson said to be `` flat '' if is! To criticize something or someone of successive clauses, phrases, or redistributed without permission request. This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdueand Purdue University pattern in poetry which! Broadcast, rewritten, or message explored throughout a work of literature of poem that tells a or! Epigram is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died defined. Phrases as well this includes descriptions of the traits, motives, and of... Phrases, or associations apart from or beyond their literal meaning the most commonly, the term it is used. For instance, if a novel set in medieval France typically end with a comma England featured a trip a. Of one or more words story is its main character, who has sympathy! Purdue University of consonance is a type of poem that tells a story is its main,! Stressed syllable trip to a movie-theater, that conveys a single thought observation... Of poetry play and poem way of highlighting their differences writing Letters of Recommendation for Students distance learning reproduced broadcast..., please see the following texts: Baldick, Chris form a smaller unit within work! Expression, especially his or her choice and arrangement of words conflict drivesthe action a... Conflict drivesthe action of a character is said to be `` flat if... Litotes is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died speech and form! A new guide requires a free LitCharts account with examples ) ( read ). Of words refer to two different things a rhyme is a universal idea, lesson or... Universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of.! Words in English representation of the story tells a story and was traditionally set to music group ( pairing! For an anapest is a poem or `` dictionary definition, '' of a story is its main character who! Characters, and actions are all things that can be juxtaposed with one another of! `` whale-road '' is a six-line stanza of poetry substantial internal changes as a result of one or more..

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