Literary terms 1 st 6 weeks

1. Rhetorical question

A question whose answer is in the question itself.

Ex. Do you really think you’re going to pass this class without studying?

2. Connotation

The figurative definition of a word. It usually has emotional overtones in it.

Ex. After winning all their games, the Patriots stunk up the Superbowl.

3. Imagery

The use of sensory language to evoke a concrete representation

Ex. The deep thunder of the gray clouds told us rain was on the way

4. Narrative

A form of discourse that tells about a series of events—usually in chronological order and based on personal experiences.

Ex. “I remember the first day of my summer vacation. It started with a trip to….

5. Parallelism

The repetition of words or phrases that have similar grammatical structure

Ex. “Be sure to wash your face. Brush your teeth. Say your prayers before bedtime”

6. Allusion

A reference to an historical figure, place, thing, event

“I see that Cupid has found his way to your heart”

7. Point of View

The standpoint from whom a story is told

8. Tone

The attitude a writer takes toward the subject of his work, the characters, or the audience

9. Subjective Language

Writing that is not based on research, data or facts but rather, personal opinion

Ex. “I believe that the taste of vanilla ice cream is better than any other flavor.”

10. Objective language

Writing where the author plays the role of a critical documenter of ideas, facts and arguments.

Ex. At Humble H.S., there are 179 teachers, 22 of which are English teachers.

11. Denotation

The literal meaning of a word

Ex. “Home” is a place where one lives.

12. Autobiography

An account of a writer’s own life

Ex. “Songs of Myself” by Walt Whitman

1. Evil or danger is a_____for the word “snake”

2. “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself”?

3. Have a seat! Take out your books! Do not talk!

4. I couldn’t wait to eat the quarter pound, cheesy hamburger on a warm, toasted bun

5. “La Relacion” by Cabeza De Vaca is an example of an___

6. The vantage point from which a story is told

7. The dictionary definition___

8. A reference to an historical figure, or piece of literature that the author expects for the reader to be familiar with is___

9.____is based on emotion or opinions.

10. _____is based on facts

11. Although these stories are often based on personal experiences, they are not necessarily true

12. ___is the author’s attitude towards the reader, characters, or subject