Literary Nonfiction VOCABULARY

TEKS: What are we learning? (7) Comprehension of Literary Text/Literary Nonfiction. Students understand, make inferences and draw conclusions about the varied structural patterns and features of literary nonfiction and provide evidence from text to support their understanding. Students are expected to analyze passages in well-known speeches for the author's use of literary devices and word and phrase choice (e.g., aphorisms, epigraphs) to appeal to the audience.

ALLITERATION Repetition of a consonant sound at the beginnings of words Ex: Sally sells seashells by the seashore. Ex: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

ASSONANCE Repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds close together Ex: rise high in the bright sky Ex: How now brown cow?

REPETITION Saying the same word or phrase again Ex: Because I do not hope to turn again Because I do not hope Because I do not hope to turn Ex:“A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse of course That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed.”

PARALLEL STRUCTURE The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically same or similar in their construction, sound, meaning or meter Like father, like son. The escaped prisoner was wanted dead or alive. Easy come, easy go. Whether in class, at work or at home, Shasta was always busy. Flying is fast, comfortable, and safe.

LOADED LANGUAGE Word choice that carries an emotional impact or powerful connotation Ex: Ben was a slob. Ex: She was well known as a snob.

IMAGERY The use of figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses Ex: He whiffed the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Ex: The stalks of wheat waved in the whispering breeze.

METAPHOR A direct comparison between 2 unlike objects Extended metaphor: extends throughout several sentences or lines of poetry Ex: But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief.” (Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet)

SIMILE A comparison between 2 unlike objects using like or as Ex: “... impressions poured in upon her of those two men, and to follow her thought was like following a voice which speaks too quickly to be taken down by one’s pencil...” Ex: “Elderly American ladies leaning on their canes listed toward me like towers of Pisa.”

ALLUSION A reference in a piece of literature to another literary work or a historical, political, or cultural event Ex: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” Ex: “This place is like a Garden of Eden.” Ex: The rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora box of crimes.

APHORISM A statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner Ex: Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. [Benjamin Franklin] The simplest questions are the hardest to answer. [Northrop Frye] “Having nothing, nothing can he lose.” (Henry VI, Shakespeare)

EUPHEMISM Polite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or suggest something unpleasant Ex: He has passed on (died). Ex: You are becoming a little thin at top (bald).

TONE The writer’s attitude toward his subject Ex: “All morons hate it when you call them a moron.” (Catcher in the Rye)—sarcastic But I have studies! I have statistics! I have quotes from respected academics! (“The Me Me Me Generation”)--adamant