C148 words
Literary Language
Vocabulary for reading and writing about literature.
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Words in this collection
- narrativenounˈnær ə tɪvA story or account of connected events, whether factual or fictional.
- metaphornounˈmɛt əˌfɔrA figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a likeness or analogy without using "like" or "as".
- symbolismnounˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəmThe use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, particularly in art, literature, or another form of expression.
- allegorynounˈæl əˌgɔr iA story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
- imageryˈɪmɪdʒrɪvisually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work; visual symbolism or images collectively.
- syntaxnounˈsɪn tæksThe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language; the rules governing this arrangement.
- rhetoricnounˈrɛtərɪkThe art or skill of speaking or writing effectively and persuasively.
- prosenounproʊzOrdinary written or spoken language without a regular rhythmic pattern, in contrast to poetry.
- versenounvɜːsA single line of poetry; a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song.
- protagonistnounproʊˈtæg ə nɪstThe main character in a story, drama, or real-life event.
- antagonistăn-tăg<strong>′</strong>ə-nĭstA person, group, or force that actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an opponent or adversary.
- characterizationnounˌkær ɪk tər əˈzeɪ ʃənThe way a writer creates and shows the personality of a character in a story, play, or film.
- themeθimThe main subject or topic of a piece of writing, discussion, work of art, etc.
- motifnounməʊˈtiːfA dominant or recurring idea, theme, pattern, or design element.
- ironynounˈaɪ rə niA situation or expression where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
- paradoxnounˈpærəˌdɒksA statement or situation that seems contradictory or impossible but may be true or valid.
- satirenounˈsæt aɪərThe use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
- parodyˈpær ə diA humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature, writing, music, or artistic style that exaggerates its features to create a comic effect.
- allusionnounəˈluːʒənAn indirect reference to something, especially in literature, art, or popular culture, without explicitly stating it.
- intertextualitynounˌɪn tərˌtɛks tʃuˈæl ɪ tiThe complex, sometimes deliberate, interrelationship between texts (e.g., novels, films, speeches) where one text references, quotes, parodies, or alludes to another, shaping its meaning.
- ambiguitynounˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪtɪThe quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
- perspectivenounpəˈspɛktɪvThe art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other; a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.
- voicenounvɔɪsthe sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song; the ability to produce such sound; the distinctive tone or style of a writer or speaker.
- tonenountəʊnThe quality or character of a sound, especially a musical or vocal sound, or the general character or attitude expressed in a piece of writing, speech, or behaviour.
- genreˈʒɑːnrəA category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content.
- traditionnountrəˈdɪʃ ənA belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time, often passed down from generation to generation.
- canonnounˈkænənA general rule, principle, or standard by which something is judged; a collection of sacred books accepted as genuine.
- interpretationnounɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃənThe act of explaining or understanding the meaning or significance of something, such as a text, event, or data.
- atmospherenounăt<strong>′</strong>mə-sfîr′The layer of gases surrounding a planet, especially Earth.
- settingnounˈsɛt ɪŋThe place, time, and circumstances in which something happens or exists.
- dialoguenounˈdaɪ əˌlɔgA conversation between two or more people.
- monologuenounˈmɒn əˌlɔgA long, uninterrupted speech by one person, delivered to others or as if to oneself, with no expectation of response.
- conflictnounkənˈflɪktA serious disagreement, argument, or prolonged struggle, often involving opposing ideas, interests, or forces.
- resolutionnounˌrɛzəˈluːʃənA firm decision to do or not to do something.
- climaxnounˈklaɪ mæksThe most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or peak.
- denouementnounˌdeɪ nuˈmɑ̃The final part of a play, film, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.
- expositionnounˌɛkspəˈzɪʃənA comprehensive explanation or description of an idea, theory, or subject.
- foreshadowingnounˌfɔrˈʃæd oʊ ɪŋA narrative technique where hints or clues are given about events that will occur later in a story.
- flashbacknounˈflæʃˌbækA sudden, vivid memory of a past event, often triggered by a sensory experience in the present.
- streamstrēmA small, narrow river.
- consciousnessnounˈkɒn ʃəs nɪsThe state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings, thoughts, and existence.
- omniscientadjectiveɒmˈnɪsɪəntKnowing everything; having complete or unlimited knowledge.
- narratornounˈnær eɪ tərA person who tells a story or provides spoken commentary, especially in a film, book, or broadcast.
- descriptionnoundɪˈskrɪp ʃənA spoken or written representation that explains the qualities, features, or details of a person, object, place, or event.
- analysisə-năl<strong>′</strong>ĭ-sĭsthe detailed examination of the elements or structure of something
- criticismnounˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəmThe expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
- commentarynounˈkɒm ənˌtɛr iA descriptive spoken account or written analysis of an event or situation as it happens, often providing explanation, interpretation, or opinion.
- evaluationnounɪˌvæl yuˈeɪ ʃənThe process of judging or calculating the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.