Literary Terms

• A passage describes a character walking through a dark forest, feeling lost and alone. This could be symbolic of the character's internal struggles. What literary term is used here?

  Allegory
• The author mentions a character's "Achilles' heel," referencing the Greek myth. What literary term is being used?


  Allusion
• The poem begins with several lines that all start with the word "Why." What literary term is used here?

  Anaphora
• In a casual conversation between friends, they use slang words and informal expressions. What literary term describes this language use?

  Colloquial Language
• The sentence uses words like "bright" and "sunny" to contrast with the character's gloomy mood. What literary term is used here?

  Antithesis
• Which literary term refers to a word or phrase with multiple possible meanings?

  Ambiguity
• A story that has a hidden meaning, often conveyed through symbolism, is described by which term?

  Allegory
• An indirect reference to a person, place, or event from history, literature, or mythology is called:

  Allusion
• Which term describes the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences for emphasis?

  Anaphora
• A short, interesting story used to illustrate a point is called a:

  Anecdote
• The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words is a feature of:

  Assonance
• Juxtaposing contrasting ideas in a single sentence to highlight the difference creates:

  Antithesis
• Informal or everyday language used within a literary work falls under the term:

  Colloquial Language
• A story's central struggle, often between a protagonist and antagonist, is called:

  Conflict
• When a character wrestles with their own thoughts and feelings, it's an example of:

  Internal Conflict
• Words that evoke additional meaning beyond their literal definition are said to have:

  Connotation
• The repetition of consonant sounds within words, creating a rhythmic effect, is known as:

  Consonance
• A statement that contradicts another is considered a:


  Contradiction
• A narrative structure where the ending mirrors the beginning in some way is referred to as:

  Cyclic Form
• A regional variation of a language with distinct pronunciations and vocabulary is called a:

  Dialect
• A conversation between characters that reveals their thoughts and feelings is called:

  Dialogue
• The specific words an author chooses to create a certain tone or atmosphere is referred to as:

  Diction
• A situation where the audience understands something the characters don't creates:

  Dramatic Irony
• A character who evolves and changes significantly throughout the story is described as:

  Dynamic Character
• The act of taking away someone's human qualities or rights in a story falls under the term:

  Dehumanization/Dehumanized
• When a writer omits words that are implied by the context, it's called:

  Ellipsis
• Overstating something for emphasis or comedic effect is a literary device known as:

  Exaggeration
• A scene that interrupts the present timeline to show a past event is a:

  Flashback
• A character who lacks complexity and remains unchanged throughout the story is considered a:

  Flat Character
• A character who contrasts with another character, highlighting their opposing traits, is known as a:

  Foil Character
• When an author subtly hints at future events in a story, it's called:

  Foreshadowing
• A specialized language used by a particular profession or group is known as:

  Jargon
• Two words that sound alike but have different meanings are called:

  Homonym
• Using exaggeration for emphasis is a characteristic of:

  Hyperbole
• A literary device where a question is asked and then answered by the author is called:

  Hypophora
• A phrase with a figurative meaning that's different from its literal interpretation is an:

  Idiom
• Vivid descriptions that engage the reader's senses fall under the term:

  Imagery
• The passage describes a "towering, snow-capped mountain" piercing the clear blue sky. What type of imagery is used here? 

  Visual
• The sentence mentions the "deafening roar of the crowd" cheering for their team. What type of imagery is used? 

  Auditory
• The author describes the character savoring the "sweet, tangy flavor" of the ripe berries. What type of imagery is used?

  Gustatory