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Literary Terms and Devices
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Literary Terms and Devices
Literary Terms and Devices
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1
Question
What is an affix in the context of literature and language?
Answer
An affix is one or more letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning, end, or base of a word, serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form, such as a prefix or suffix.
2
Question
Define allegory as used in literature.
Answer
Allegory is a form of extended metaphor where objects, persons, and actions in a narrative are equated with meanings outside the narrative, often carrying moral, social, religious, or political significance, sometimes with characters personifying abstract ideas.
3
Question
What is alliteration?
Answer
Alliteration is the repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words.
4
Question
What is an allusion in literary terms?
Answer
An allusion is an implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event.
5
Question
Explain the term 'analysis' in literature.
Answer
Analysis is the process or result of identifying the parts of a whole and their relationships to one another.
6
Question
What is an antonym?
Answer
An antonym is a word that is the opposite in meaning to another word.
7
Question
What does 'argument/position' refer to in writing?
Answer
It is the position or claim the author establishes, which should be supported with valid evidence and reasoning and balanced by inclusion of counterarguments.
8
Question
What is the author's purpose?
Answer
The author's purpose is the intent to inform, teach, entertain, persuade, or convince the audience regarding something.
9
Question
What does bias mean in the context of literature?
Answer
Bias is the subtle presence of a positive or negative approach toward a topic.
10
Question
What is a biography?
Answer
A biography is a written account of another person's life.
11
Question
Define 'character' in literature.
Answer
A character is a person, animal, or inanimate object portrayed in a literary work.
12
Question
What is characterization?
Answer
Characterization is the method an author uses to reveal characters and their traits and personalities, either directly or indirectly.
13
Question
What is the climax of a narrative?
Answer
The climax is the turning point in a narrative where the conflict is most intense, typically following rising action.
14
Question
How does the 'compare/contrast' strategy work in literature?
Answer
It places characters, situations, or ideas together to show their similarities and/or differences.
15
Question
What is a conflict/problem in a story?
Answer
It is a struggle or clash between opposing characters, forces, or emotions.
16
Question
Define connotation.
Answer
Connotation is the range of associations that a word or phrase suggests beyond its dictionary meaning.
17
Question
What are context clues?
Answer
Context clues are words or phrases in a sentence, paragraph, or text that help determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
18
Question
What is meant by cultural significance?
Answer
Cultural significance is the generally accepted importance of a work in representing a given culture.
19
Question
What constitutes a defense of a claim?
Answer
Support provided to show that an assertion is reasonable.
20
Question
Define dialect.
Answer
Dialect is a variety of a language distinct from the standard in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary.
21
Question
What is dialogue in literature?
Answer
Dialogue is conversation between characters or speakers in a literary work; specifically, in drama, it refers to the speech of characters.
22
Question
What is diction?
Answer
Diction is an author’s choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language that help create meaning and tone.
23
Question
What does it mean to differentiate?
Answer
To differentiate means to distinguish, tell apart, and recognize differences between two or more items.
24
Question
What is drama as a literary genre?
Answer
Drama is literature intended for the stage or performance by actors, including plays for stage, radio, or television.
25
Question
What is a dramatic script?
Answer
A dramatic script is the written text of a play, including dialogue, stage directions, and expository information.
26
Question
What does it mean to draw a conclusion in literature?
Answer
It means making a judgment or decision based on reasoning rather than direct or implicit statements in the text.
27
Question
What are elements of fiction?
Answer
Traits that mark a work as imaginative or narrative discourse, such as plot, theme, and symbol.
28
Question
What are elements of nonfiction?
Answer
Traits that mark a work as reportorial, analytical, informative, or argumentative, such as facts, data, charts, and headings.
29
Question
What does it mean to evaluate?
Answer
To examine and judge carefully, determining the significance, worth, or quality of something.
30
Question
What does it mean to explain in literary analysis?
Answer
To make something understandable, plain, or clear.