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LITERARY terms are not used in isolation from English language terms. These terms are complementary. English Language is used across the whole curriculum. This is the reason why it is used in almost all the subjects you learn at school. You are not surprised to come across the same words in the different subjects.
This is a sequel of what we started in last week’s article. We started with words like alliteration, described as the repetition of sounds, most often consonant sounds at the beginning of words. We pick it up from allusion today. This is a reference in a work of literature to a character, place or situation from another work of literature, music or art or from history. Analogy. Analogy is a comparison based on a similarity between things that are dissimilar. A student may use an analogy to explain something abstract or unfamiliar.
Antagonist is a person or force in society or nature that opposes the protagonist or central character in a literary work. Argument is non-fiction writing in which reason is used to influence people’s ideas or actions. Atmosphere is the mood or emotional quality of a literary work. Atmosphere is often created with details about people and setting.
Description is a detailed portrayal of a person, place, thing or event. Description appeals the senses, helping readers to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel the subject. Almost all writing contains elements of description. Dialogue is a conversation between characters in a literary work. Dialogue brings characters to life by revealing their personalities and by showing what they are thinking and feeling as they react to other characters. Dialogue also helps to advance the plot.
Diction is an author’s choice of words in phrases, sentences or lines of a poem. An author will generally consider the literal meaning of words, or denotation, as well as the images or associations the words suggests, or connotations.
Drama is a story written to be performed by actors before an audience. Dramatic irony is a contrast between appearance and reality. Situational irony exits when the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected.
Verbal irony exists when a person says one thing and means another. Dramatic irony exists when the reader knows something that a character does not know. Legend is a story handed down from the past through the oral tradition and commonly believed to be based on historical events and an actual hero.
Most legends are exaggerated, gaining elements of fantasy over the years. Line in a poem, a word or row of words that may or may not form a complete sentence. Foreshadowing is an actor’s use of clues, that hint at events that will occur later in the plot. Foreshadowing often helps to build suspense as well as to prepare readers for what is to come.
Genre is a category or type of literature characterised by a particular form of style. Prose-including fiction and non-fiction-poetry and drama are examples of genres.
Hero is the main character in a literary work, typical one whose character or deeds inspire the admiration of the reader. Although at one time hero was used to refer to males and heroines was used to refer to females, in contemporary usage, the term hero, applies to both males and females.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which great exaggeration is used for emphasis or humorous effect. Dramatic poetry is poetry that uses elements of drama. One or more characters speak to other characters, to themselves or to the reader. Dramatic poetry typically includes a tense situation or emotional conflict.
Dynamic and static characters. A dynamic character changes or develops in the course of a play or story. This change may result from a conflict or a newfound understanding of him or herself or others. A static character, on the other hand, is one who remains the same from beginning to end.
Epic is a long narrative poem on a great and serious subject that is centred on the actions of a heroic figure. The epic hero has a goal and typically is embarked on a long journey that involves struggles with natural and supernatural beings — gods, monsters and other human beings, which test the hero’s bravery, wits and skill in battle.
The purpose of an epic poem is to entertain, teach and inspire the listener or reader with examples of how people can strive and succeed against great odds. Exposition is the introduction of the characters, the setting, or the situation at the beginning of a story.
Fable is a short, usually simple tale that demonstrates a moral and sometimes uses animal characters. Themes are typically stated outright, but sometimes they are not.
Foil is a character who provides a strong contrast to another character, a foil may emphasise another character’s distinctive traits or make a character look better by comparison.
The cited words are not meant to be treated in isolation in Literature in English but you learn their meaning and as you learn your English Language make use of them.
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Bongani Ndlovu