Literary Terms

A figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives

A statement that seems self-contradictory but in reality expresses a possible truth

links all aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject

A figure of speech which produces a seemingly self-contradictory effect

A recurring theme

Making a casual or indirect reference to something

A character in a story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character

The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

A literary devices that uses a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa

When the plot is focused on the growth of the central character throughout the story

A picture or description, exaggerating the peculiarities and defects of persons or things

The repetition of a word or words at the end of two or more successive verses

Ideas, places, or characters presented in a way to appeal to one's senses

Refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw

When a character detaches from reality and addresses an imaginary character in his speech.

Polite, indirect expressions which replace harsh and impolite expressions

A sharp, often virulent satire directed against an individual or institution

A sharply ironical taunt

Speech or writing that attacks, insults, or denounces a person, topic, or institution

Obvious and intentional exaggeration

Being with something general and from it drawing a conclusion about something specific

The running on of a thought from one line to the next without a syntactical break

A statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner