Key terms

• What is an allegory in literature?

  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 an allusion?

  An indirect reference to another event, person, or work.
• What does the term archetype refer to?

  The first real example or prototype of something; an ideal model.
• What is bathos in literature?

  An abrupt anti-climax that often results in humor.
• How is biblical language characterized?

  It relates to the Bible and has religious connotations.
• What is a blazon?

  A poem describing a woman's physique by listing individual body parts.
• What does caricature mean in literature?

  An imitation where notable characteristics are exaggerated for comic effect.
• What is a colloquialism?

  An informal word or phrase used in familiar conversation.
• What is comic relief?

  Relief from tension caused by the introduction of a comedic element.
• What does connotation refer to?

  An impression or feeling associated with a word beyond its literal meaning.
• What is a dichotomy?

  A division or contrast between two opposed things.
• What is a double entendre?

  Words or phrases that have a double meaning, often with one meaning risqué.
• What is dysphemism?

  The substitution of a more offensive term for one considered less so.
• What is an epithet?

  A word or phrase applied to a person to describe a quality.
• What does epitome mean?

  A perfect example of a specific quality.
• What is epizeuxis?


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

  The substitution of a harmless term for one that is considered offensive.
• What is an extended metaphor?

  A metaphor that continues over many sentences or throughout an entire play.
• What is foreshadowing?


  A device suggesting certain plot developments that might come later.
• What does grotesque mean?

  Ugly and distorted, either physically or figuratively.
• What is hyperbole?

  An extravagant exaggeration of fact for effect.
• What is ideology?

  A system of beliefs and ideals forming a framework for policy or religion.
• What is imagery?

  Use of language that is visually descriptive or symbolic.
• What is irony?

  The use of words where the meaning is contrary to what is expected.
• What is juxtaposition?


  A literary technique that places two opposing elements side by side for comparison.
• What does manifestation mean?

  A physical expression or realization of an abstract idea.
• What is a motif?


  An element that recurs throughout a play for emphasis.
• What is an oxymoron?

  A form of paradox that combines contrasting terms into a unique expression.
• What is a parable?

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

  When human emotions are given to objects or nature.
• What is personification?

  Giving non-human things human traits or characteristics.
• What is a pun?

  A play on words suggesting multiple meanings.
• What is satire?

  The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize stupidity.
• What is a semantic field?

  When multiple similar words group together under one sub-heading.
• What is sibilance?

  The repetition of 's' sounds close together.
• What is a simile?

  Comparing something to something else in a nonliteral way.
• What is symbolism?

  Using one object or character to expose a broader idea throughout the play.
• What is a trope?

  A particular type of character, event, or setting used frequently in stories.
• What is zoomorphism?

  Imagery representing animal forms.