key terms

• What is the definition of 'allegory'?

  A story, character, place or event used to convey a hidden meaning, typically moral or political.
• How does Duncan’s death serve as an allegory?

  It symbolizes the risks associated with killing a king.
• What is the definition of 'allusion'?

  An indirect reference to another event, person, or work.
• What is the definition of 'archetype'?

  The first real example or prototype of something.
• What does 'bathos' refer to in literature?

  An abrupt anti-climax that usually results in humor.
• What is the definition of 'biblical'?

  Relating to the Bible; having religious connotations.
• What is the definition of 'blazon'?

  A poem describing a woman’s physique by listing body parts.
• What is the definition of 'caricature'?

  An imitation where notable characteristics are exaggerated.
• What is the definition of 'colloquialism'?

  An informal phrase common at its time of utterance.
• What is 'comic relief' in literature?

  Relief from tension caused by the introduction of a comedic element.
• What is the definition of 'connotation'?

  Using text to create implied meaning without explicitly stating it.
• What is the definition of 'dichotomy'?

  A division or contrast between two opposed things.
• What is the definition of 'double entendre'?

  Words or phrases that have a double meaning, often risqué.
• What is the definition of 'dysphemism'?

  A substitution of a more offensive term for a less offensive one.
• What is the definition of 'epithet'?

  A word or phrase applied to a person to describe a quality.
• What is the definition of 'epitome'?

  A perfect example or embodiment of a concept.
• What is the definition of 'epizeuxis'?

  The repetition of words in succession within the same sentence.
• What is the definition of 'euphemism'?

  The substitution of a harmless term for an offensive one.
• What is the definition of 'extended metaphor'?

  A metaphor that continues over many sentences or throughout a work.
• What is the definition of 'foreshadowing'?

  An indication that an event will occur later in the narrative.
• How does the example of Fan saying her father is “kinder” relate to foreshadowing?

  It suggests a change in Scrooge’s character later in the narrative.
• What is the definition of 'grotesque'?

  Ugly and distorted, in a way that is comic or repulsive.
• What is the definition of 'hyperbole'?

  The use of exaggerated statements.
• What is the definition of 'imagery'?

  The use of language that is visually descriptive or symbolic.
• What is the definition of 'irony'?

  Embedding a meaning that implies the opposite of what is expressed.
• How does juxtaposition function in literature?

  It compares two concepts or characters for contrast.
• What is the definition of 'manifestation'?

  A physical expression or realization of an abstract idea.
• What is the definition of 'motif'?

  An element that recurs throughout a work for emphasis.
• What is the definition of 'oxymoron'?

  Two opposing terms placed next to each other.
• What is the definition of 'parable'?

  A story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson.
• What is the definition of 'pathetic fallacy'?

  Attributing human qualities to nonhuman things.
• What is the definition of 'personification'?

  Giving something non-human a human trait or personality.
• What is the definition of 'pun'?

  A play on words that suggests multiple meanings.
• What is the definition of 'satire'?

  Criticizing people through the use of humor or irony.
• What is the definition of 'semantic field'?

  A writer uses words linked by a theme throughout a text.
• What is the definition of 'sibilance'?

  The repetition of an “s” sound in a word or sentence.
• What is the definition of 'simile'?

  Comparing something to something else in a nonliteral way.
• What is the definition of 'satire'?

  Criticizing people through the use of humour or irony.
• What is the definition of 'semantic field'?

  A writer uses words which are linked by a theme or topic throughout a text or passage.
• What is the definition of 'sibilance'?

  The repetition of an “s” sound in a word, sentence, or section of text.