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extended metaphor
A sustained comparison, often referred to as a conceit. The extended metaphor is developed throughout a piece of writing.
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figurative language
The body of devices that enables the writer to operate on levels other than the literal one. It includes metaphor, simile, symbol, motif, and hyperbole, etc.
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flashback
A device that enables a writer to refer to past thought, events, or episodes
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form
The shape or structure of a literary work
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hyperbole
Extreme exaggeration, often humorous, it can also be ironic; the opposite of understatement
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image
A verbal approximation of a sensory impression, concept or emotion
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imagery
The total effect of related sensory images in a work of literature
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induction
The process that moves from a given series of specifics to a generalization
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inference
A conlusion one can draw fromt he presented details
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invective
A verbally abusive attack
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irony
An unexpected twist or contrast between what happens and what was intended or expected to happen. It involves dialog and situation and can be intentional or unplanned. Dramatic irony centers around the ignorance of those involved; whereas, the audience is aware of the circumstance.
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logic
The process of reasoning
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logical fallacy
A mistake in reasoning
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metaphor
A direct comparison between dissimilar things. "Your eyes are stars" is an example.
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metonymy
A figure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea (The pen is mightier than the sword)
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monologue
A speech given by one character (Hamlet's "To be or not to be...")
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motif
The repetition or variations of an image or idea in a work used to develop theme or characters
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narrator
The speaker of a literary work
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onomatopoeia
Words that sounds like the sound the represent (hiss, gurgle, pop)
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oxymoron
An image of contradictory term (bitter-sweet, pretty ugly, jumbo shrimp)
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pacing
The movement of a literary piece from one point or one section to another
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parable
A story that operates on more than one level and usually teaches a moral lesson. (The Pearl by John Steinbeck is an example.)
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parody
A comic imitation of a work that ridicules the original. It can be utterly mocking or gently humorous. It depends on allusion and exaggerates and distorts the original style and content.
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pathos
The aspects of a literary work that elicit pity from the audience. An appeal to emotion that can be used as a means to persuade.
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pedantic
A term used to describe writing that borders on lecturing. It is scholarly and academic and often overly difficult and distant.
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periodic sentence
Presents its main clause at the end of the sentence for emphasis and sentence variety. Phrases and/or dependent clauses precede the main clause.
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personification
The assigning of human qualities to inanimate objects or concepts. (Wordsworth personifies "the sea that bares her bosom to the moon" in the poem "London 1802.")
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persuasion
A type of argument that has as its goal an action on the part of the audience
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plot
A sequence of events in a literary work
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point of view
The method of narration in a literary work
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