english literary terms
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28 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 archetype | a base plot, character, symbol, or ideas that recurs in the literature of many cultures |
| heros quest | a plot in which one extroardinary person goes on a difficult journey or mission |
| antithesis | the use of strongly contrasting language, image, or ideas |
| folk tales | parts of the oral tradition, the body of stories, poems, and songs that are passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation |
| didactic literature | Teaches lessons or ethics, or principles regarding right and wrong conduct, and often reflects the values of the society that produces it |
| aphorisms | Short, pointed statements expressing a truth about human experiences expresses general truths or principles |
| analogy | Explanation of how two things are similar |
| epic | Narrative or narrative poem that focuses on the deeds of heroes |
| Epic conflict | A challenge in which the hero struggles against an obstacle or series of obstacles and usually emerges triumphant |
| proverbs | Saying that after cultural wisdom and practical truths about life |
| Vedic Hymn | Emphasize importance of gods and nature in Indian life and ponder timeless questions, such as the origin of the universe |
| Indian epic | Long narrative, often a poem, about the deeds and adventures of Indian heroes |
| Tanka | Japanese poems with five lines of 5,7,5,7 & 7 syllables |
| Haiku | Three lines of 5, 7,5 syllables in Japanese |
| Anecdotes | Short accounts of amusing or interesting events |
| Parable | Short story that teaches or moral or spiritual lesson |
| Lyric poetry | Expresses the observations and feelings of a single speaker |
| Tragedy | A work of dramatic literature that shows the downfall of a person, and noble status |
| annals | Histories that present a year by year account of events |
| Romance | Narrative that tells of strange, sometimes supernatural events in an exotic setting |
| Code of chivalry | Values courage, virtue, piety, loyalty to a ruler, and idealized love of a noble lady |
| allegory | Literature work with two levels of meaning literal and symbolic |
| Sonnet | Lyric poetry in Italian Renaissance, and lines on a single theme |
| Novella | Short prose tale |
| Parody | Humorous imitation of another, usually serious work |
| Dynamic Character | Experience a change |
| Static Character | Stays the same |
| Epiphany | Sudden flash of insight that a person has |
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