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connotation the implied or associative meaning of a word allegory A literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions allusion a reference to another work of literature, person, or event clause a group of words with a subject and a verb conceit a fanciful, particularly clever extended metaphor aphorism a short saying stating a general truth analogy drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect apostrophe a technique by which a writer addresses an inanimate object, an idea, or a person who is either dead or absent. alliteration repetition of initial consonant sounds antecedent the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers. ambiguity The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage. colloquial Characterized by informal language anadiplosis the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause anaphora the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event atmosphere The emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene denotation the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression diction word choice didactic intended to teach or instruct epistrophe repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect (as Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people") Compare to anaphora. Ex: "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child." (Corinthians) Ex: I'll have my bond!/ Speak not against my bond!/ I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.---The Merchant of Venice euphemism substitution of an inoffensive term for one that is offensive exposition writing or speech that explains a process or presents information extended metaphor A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work. figurative language writing or speech that is not meant to be taken literally figure of speech A device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Examples are apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonomy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement. denotation The dictionary definition of a word generic conventions the traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example they differentiate between and essay and journalistic writing. genre type or category of literary work (e.g., poetry, essay, short story, novel, drama) homily This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice. hyperbole an extreme exaggeration imagery language that appeals to the senses inference a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence invective an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. irony a situation or statement in which the actual outcome or meaning is opposite to what was expected. loose sentence makes complete sense if brought to a close before the actual ending metaphor a direct comparison of two unlike things metonymy substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it ("The pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [war/fighting].") mood the overall emotion created by a work of literature narrative Tells a story onomatopoeia the use of words that imitate sounds oxymoron a figure of speech composed of contradictory words or phrases, such as "wise fool," bitter-sweet," "pretty ugly," "jumbo shrimp," "cold fire" paradox a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. parallelism the rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. The type which the same words are used is called anaphora.