Glossary of Literary Terms

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" suggests that it’s better to have a certain advantage than the possibility of an advantage. Read More

“A blessing in disguise” refers to the idea that something negative can have a positive outcome. Read More

“A chip off the old block” is used to refer to someone who is similar to a person who was influential in their life. Read More

“A dime a dozen” refers to something that’s so common and plentiful that it’s practically worthless. Read More

“A penny for your thoughts” is a figurative way of asking someone to rejoin a conversation. Read More

"A penny saved is a penny earned" is a clever way of suggesting that even the smallest savings can add up when one is in financial need. Read More

“A perfect storm” is a common English idiom that is usually used as a metaphor to describe a worst-case scenario Read More

“A picture is worth a thousand words” suggests that a picture contains far more in its colors and content than 1,000 words ever could. Read More

Abstract diction occurs when the poet wants to express something ephemeral, or ungraspable. Read More

Accumulation is a literary device that relates to a list of words or phrases that have similar, if not the same, meanings. Read More

An acrostic is a piece of writing in which letters form words or messages. The “acrostic” is most commonly associated with poetry. Read More

“Actions speak louder than words” refers to the fact that acts are more meaningful than statements. Read More

Active voice is used in a phrase in which the subject performs an action which is then expressed through a verb. Read More

An ad hominem attack uses irrelevant information in an attempt to discredit someone's opinion or argument. Read More

An adage is a short, familiar and memorable saying that strikes as an irrefutable truth to a wide segment of the population. Read More

Adynaton a literary device similar to hyperbole. It's an exaggeration that is stretched to the absolute extreme. The proffered scenario is impossible. Read More

An allegory is a narrative found in verse and prose in which a character or event is used to speak about a broader theme. Read More

Alliteration is a technique that makes use of repeated sound at the beginning of multiple words, grouped together. It is used in poetry and prose. Read More

An allusion is an indirect reference to, including but not limited to, an idea, event, or person. It is used within both prose and verse writing. Read More

Ambiguity is a word or statement that has more than one meaning. If a phrase is ambiguous, it means multiple things. Read More

American Renaissance period of literature lasted from 1830 to the beginning of the Civil War, around 1861. Read More

Amplification is a rhetorical device that’s used to improve a sentence or statement with additional information. Read More

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” suggests that eating one apple everyday is going to prevent someone from having to go to the doctor. Read More

An anachronism is an error in the timeline or chronology of a piece of literature. This can be a purposeful or accidental error. Read More

Anacoluthon occurs when the writer changes the expected grammatical structure of a sentence and interrupts it with another sentence. Read More

Anadiplosis refers to the repetition of words so that the second clause starts with the same word/s that appeared in the previous. Read More

Anagnorisis is the moment in a play, or other literary work, in which a character makes an important discovery. Read More

An anagram is a rearrangement of the letters in a word or phrase to create a new word or phrase. Read More

An analogy is an extensive comparison between one thing and another that is very different from it. Read More

Anapestic Meter depends on three-syllable sections of verse, or words. An anapest is two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed. Read More

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession. Read More

Anastrophe, also known as inversion, is a literary technique in which a writer changes the normal order of words. Read More

Anecdotes are short stories used in every day conversation in order to inspire, amuse, caution and more. Read More

The antagonist, in literature, is a character who is considered to be the rival of the protagonist. Read More

Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used several times and the meaning changes. Read More

An antecedent is a literary device in which a pronoun or noun refers to an earlier phrase or word. Read More

Anthimeria, also known as antimeria, refers to the use of a word in a new grammatical form, such as changing nouns to verbs. Read More

An anthology is a collection of literary works that were chosen by a single compiler, a group of people, or an institution of some kind. Read More

Anthropomorphism is used to make inanimate objects, forces and animals appear to actually be human beings. Read More

An anti-hero is a character who is characterized by contrasting traits. This person has some of the traits of a hero and of a villain. Read More

Antimetabole is the repetition of words, in reverse order, in successive clauses. Read More

Antiphrasis is a rhetorical device that occurs when someone says the opposite of what they mean but their true meaning is obvious. Read More

Antistrophe is a rhetorical device that’s concerned with the repetition of the same word or words at the end of consecutive phrases. Read More

Antithesis occurs when two contrasting ideas are put together to achieve a desired outcome. Read More

Aphorisms are short, serious, humorous, and philosophical truths about life. Read More

Aphorismus is a figure of speech that occurs when a word’s use is called into question. Read More

Aporia is a figure of speech where a speaker or writer poses a question. This question expresses doubt or confusion. Read More

Aposiopesis is defined as a figure of speech in which the writer stops a line of text in the middle of a sentence. Read More

Apostrophe, in poetry, is a figure of speech in which a character or speaker addresses someone who is absent. Read More

An appositive occurs when a word, sometimes a noun, is followed by another noun or phrase that names or changes it in some way. Read More

An archaism is a figure of speech in which a writer’s choice of word or phrase is purposefully old fashioned. Read More

Archetypes are universal symbols. They are characters, themes, and settings that appear throughout literary works. Read More

An aside is a dramatic device that is used within plays to help characters express their inner thoughts. Read More

An assertion is a strong statement someone makes. It’s spoken as though it's true, even though it may not be. Read More

Assonance occurs when two or more words that are close to one another use the same vowel sound. Read More

Asyndeton is a figure of speech that occurs when words like “and” and “or” (coordinating conjunctions) are removed from sentences. Read More

To do something at the “drop of a hat” means that one is going to immediately do whatever it is they need to do. Read More

Atmosphere is a literary technique that is concerned with the feeling readers get from the elements of a narrative. Read More

In literature, attitude refers to the tone a writer takes on whatever they are writing. It can come through in a character’s intentions, histories, emotions, and actions. Read More

The audience of a piece of literature, a film, or a song, is the group for which an artist or writer makes a piece of art or writes. Read More

An autobiography is an account of one’s life written by the subject. Read More

“Back to the drawing board” is a common English idiom that’s used to refer to someone’s decision to rethink a plan or decision. Read More

A ballad is a kind of verse, sometimes narrative in nature, often set to music and developed from 14th and 15th-century minstrelsy. Read More

Bandwagon is a persuasive style of writing that is used to convince readers of an argument or make them understand a certain perspective. Read More

Bathos is defined as a sudden, jolting change in the tone of a work. This could occur in a poem, play, story, or film. Read More

"Beat a dead horse" is an idiom that describes someone's attempt to complete or achieve something that is futile or wasted. Read More

"Beat around the bush” suggests someone is avoiding saying something. They're likely trying not to address a necessary topic. Read More

The Beat Generation was a literary movement that began after the Second World War and known for its liberal attitudes towards life. Read More

"Benefit of the doubt" is used to refer to a situation in which one person is willing to give another a chance before judging them. Read More

"Bent out of shape" is used to refer to how upset or angry someone is about something that's bothering them. Read More

A bestiary is a compendium of beasts that originated in the ancient world. Read More

Bias is undue favor or support to a particular person, group, race, or one argument over another. Read More

“Bigger fish to fry” is a common English idiom that’s used to describe one’s belief that they have more important things to do. Read More

A bildungsroman is a literary genre that focuses on coming of age stories, following a character's progression towards adulthood. Read More

A biography is an account or description of a person's life, literary, fictional, historical, or popular in nature, written by a biographer. Read More

Birds of a feather flock together refers to similarities within groups that allow the indiviudals to connect and feel safe with one another. Read More

“Bite off more than you can chew” is used to describe the possibility that someone has taken on more than they can manage. Read More

“Bite the bullet” is used when speaking about something difficult or unpleasant. You bite the bullet when you do that unpleasant thing. Read More

Black humor is a literary device that's used in all forms of literature in order to discuss taboo subjects in a less distressing way. Read More

The Black Mountain Poets were a group of writers centered around Black Mountain College, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Read More

Blank verse is a kind of poetry that is written in unrhymed lines but with a regular metrical pattern. Read More

The Bloomsbury Group, also known as the Bloomsbury Set, was a group of English writers, artists, philosophers, critics, and friends. Read More

“Break a leg” is commonly used in the world of theatre as a way of wishing a performer or group of performers good luck. Read More

“Break the ice” is an idiom used to describe the process of overcoming initial social awkwardness. Read More

The idiom "By the skin of your teeth" is a way of saying that you only just got by. Read More

Cacophony in literature is the combination of loud and harsh-sounding words. Read More

Cadence is the natural rhythm of a piece of text, created through a writer’s selective arrangement of words, rhymes, and the creation of meter. Read More

A caesura is a break or pause in the middle of a line of verse. These breaks can be towards the beginning, middle, or the end of a line.  Read More

“Call it a day” is a simple idiom that is used when someone wants to inform others they’re done working for the day. Read More

A literary canon is a collection of materials that are considered to represent a specific period or genre. Read More

A canto is a subsection of a long narrative or epic poem. It is made up of at least five lines but it normally much longer. Read More

The word “canzone” means “song” in Italian and first used to refer to a verse form in Italy and France in the medieval period. Read More

A caricature is a device used in writing, as well as in visual arts, when a character or subject is exaggerated. Read More

Catachresis is a figure of speech. it occurs when writers use mixed metaphors inappropriately. Read More

A catalog is a collection of people, objects, ideas, and other elements in list form within poetry or prose. Read More

A catastrophe is a turning point in a story, usually a tragedy, in which something terrible happens to the main character/s. Read More

Catharsis occurs when pent-up emotions are released through an art form, whether that be visual arts or literary arts. Read More

A character’s motivation is the reason behind their actions. This could refer to specific or general actions. Read More

Characterization is a literary device that is used to detail and explains the aspects of a specifically crafted character in a novel, play, or poem. Read More

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device that occurs when the grammatical structure of a previous phrase or clause is reversed or flipped. Read More

A cinquain is a poetic form that makes use of a pattern of five lines. Read More

Circumlocution occurs when a writer or character talks around something they want to say. Read More

A cliché is a trite, overused expression that can be found in writing and everyday life. Read More

A cliffhanger is a narrative device that’s used to end a story abruptly before an action or segment the plot is concluded. Read More

The climax is the point at which the main character is forced to contend with the central conflict of the story. Read More

Coherence refers to the properties of well-organized writing. This includes grammar, sentence structure, and plot elements. Read More

Colloquial diction is conversational in nature and can be seen through the use of informal words that represent a specific place or time. Read More

Comedy is a humorous and entertaining genre of literature, film, and television. Read More

"Comparing apples to oranges” is used when someone is wanting to refer to the obvious differences between two things. Read More

The word conceit refers to two different kinds of comparisons: the metaphysical, made famous by John Donne, and the Petrarchan. Read More

A concession is a literary device that occurs in argumentative writing in which one acknowledges another’s point. Read More

Confessional Poetry is a style of poetry that is personal, often making use of a first-person narrator. It is a branch of Postmodernism that emerged in the US in(...) Read More

In literature, conflict is a plot device used by writers when two opposing sides come up against each other.  Read More

A connotation is the feeling a writer creates through their word choice. It’s the idea a specific word or set of words evokes. Read More

Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound in words, phrases, sentences, or passages in prose and verse writing. Read More

The context is the setting in which a story, poem, novel, play, or other literary work is situated. Read More

“Cost an arm and a leg” refers to a high cost, something astronomically expensive that is compared through this phrase, to give up an arm or a leg. Read More

A couplet is a literary device that is made up of two rhyming lines of verse. These fall in succession, or one after another. Read More

A critique is defined as an evaluation of something, whether that be visual or literary arts. It analyzes all of the writer's choices. Read More

“Cross that bridge when you come to it” is used to suggest that it's not necessary to do or worry about something until it happens. Read More

A cumulative sentence is a sentence that begins with an independent clause and then adds subordinate clauses. Read More

“Cut some slack” is an idiom that’s used to refer to increased leniency, freedom, or forgiveness. Read More

“Cutting corners” is a simple English idiom that suggests someone is taking a shortcut or an easy way out instead of putting the right amount of time into a task. Read More

A dactyl is one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. It is the opposite of an anapest. Read More

“Dead as a doornail” has been used for several centuries to refer to something that’s completely and irrevocably dead. Read More

Deductive reasoning, also known as top-down logic, is a rhetorical device and a way to build a successful argument. Read More

Denotation is the literal definition of a word. It is the meaning that’s most commonly found in dictionaries and other academic sources. Read More

The denouement is at the end of a story, where the plotlines are tied up and resolved. Read More

Deus ex machina refers to conclusions that involve a divine intervention or other improbable events. Read More

Diacope is a literary term that refers to the repetition of a word or phrase. Read More

A dialect is a form of a language spoken by a group of people. Read More

Dialogue is a literary technique that is concerned with conversations held between two or more characters. Read More

Diamonte is a popular poetic form that is made up of seven lines. They are formatted into the shape of a diamond and used to compare two opposites. Read More

Diatribes are angry, long pieces of writing that appear in literature and rhetoric. Read More

Dichotomies create conflict between characters, groups, states of being, ideas, and more. Read More

Didacticism refers to a type of literature that’s mean to convey instructions or very specific pieces of information. Read More

A digression occurs when the writer interrupts the main plot line to contribute additional details. Read More

A dilemma is a problem or conflict that has more than one possible solution. There are always important consequences one has to contend with. Read More

Discourse is written or spoken words. It is communication that describes thought through language in everyday life and literature. Read More

Dissonance refers to a lack of harmony in elements of writing, usually created through varied vowel sounds. Read More

Distortion occurs when writers twist an idea or thing. It is exaggerated or altered in a way that makes it appear different from reality. Read More

“Do unto others as you would have do unto you” asks everyone to treat those around them as they would like to be treated. Read More

“Don’t cry over spilt milk” is used to remind someone that there’s no point crying over something that has already happened. Read More

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is an idiom that means “don’t risk everything by committing to one plan or idea”. Read More

"Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means don’t act on a good outcome that hasn’t actually occurred yet. Read More

A doppelgänger is a person who looks like someone else but doesn't necessarily act like that person. Read More

A double entendre is a literary device, phrase, and/or figure of speech that has multiple meanings or interpretations. Read More

Drama is a mode of storytelling that uses dialogue and performance. It’s one of several important literary genres that authors engage with. Read More

A dramatic monologue is a conversation a speaker has with themselves, or which is directed at a listen or reader who does not respond. Read More

Dysphemism is a figure of speech that occurs when one uses offensive language rather than inoffensive or positive language. Read More

A dystopia is the opposite of a utopia. It is an imagined place or community in which the majority of the people suffer.  Read More

Ekphrastic is a type of poem that explores art. The poet engages with any type of visual art within their writing. Read More

An elegy, in literature, is a poem or song that is written in dedication to someone who has died. Read More

"The elephant in the room" is used to refer to an important topic, problem, or issue that needs to be addressed but has yet to be. Read More

An elision is the removal of part of a word to shorten it. This might be an unstressed syllable, consonant, or letter from a word or phrase. Read More

An ellipsis is a literary device that’s used to omit parts of a sentence or phrase. Read More

An end rhyme is a common type of rhyme found in poetry. They occur when the last word of two or more lines rhyme. Read More

An end-stopped line is a pause that occurs at the end of a line of poetry. It might conclude a phrase or sentence. Read More

Enjambment occurs when a line is cut off before its natural stopping point. Read More

Enthymeme is an informal argumentative statement in which the speaker omits one of the minor premises. Read More

Enumeration is a rhetorical device that occurs when a writer chooses to list out items, events, ideas, or other parts of a story/setting. Read More

An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the story of heroic deeds, normally accomplished by more-than-human characters. Read More

An epigram is a short, witty, and sometimes surprising statement. It can stand-alone or be part of a novel or poem. Read More

An epigraph, in literature, is a phrase, quote, or any short piece of text that comes before a longer document (a poem, story, book, etc). Read More

An epilogue is an extra chapter at the end of a literary work.  Read More

An epistle is a letter that comes in the form of either prose or poetry. Read More

An epistolary novel is a book made up of a series of documents, usually letters, diary entires, or newspaper clippings. Read More

Epistrophe, or epiphora, is the repetition of the same word, or a phrase, at the end of multiple clauses or sentences. Read More

An epitaph is a short lyric written in memory of someone who has died. Sometimes, epitaphs serve as elegies. Read More

An epithet is a literary device used to describe something or someone with characteristics that are more interesting and prominent than they are in reality. Read More

Epizeuxis is a figure of speech that occurs when the writer repeats a word or phrase in immediate succession. Read More

An eponym is an allusion to a famous or legendary person whose name is given to some other thing. That might be an institution, object, person, or event. Read More

Eristic is an important and useful literary device. It occurs when the writer and speakers engage in an argument. Read More

Ethos is one of the three modes of persuasion, along with logos and pathos. In rhetoric, it refers to an argument that appeals to the audience through empathizing(...) Read More

A eulogy is a speech, or short piece of writing, created in honor of someone who has recently died. Read More

A euphemism is an indirect expression used to replace that something that is deemed inappropriate or crude. Read More

Euphony is a literary device that refers to the musical, or pleasing, qualities of words. Read More

Exact rhyme is a literary device that's used in poetry. It occurs when the writer uses the same stressed vowel or consonant sounds. Read More

An exaggeration is a statement that pushes the limits of a situation, feeling, idea, or experience. It is used to make something appear worse or better than it(...) Read More

Exemplum is a rhetorical device. It is a short story, narrative, anecdote, or tale that’s used in literature to explain moral reasoning. Read More

In its simplest form, existentialism is the exploration of the nature of existence with emphasis on the experiences of humanity. Read More

An expletive is a grammatical assertion that starts with words like “it,” “here,” and “there,” or includes words like “in fact,” “so,” or “indeed.” Read More

An explication is a literary technique that's used to create a close analysis. Usually, it’s related to the analysis of a portion of a text. Read More

Exposition is the important background information that a writer includes in a story. Read More

“Extend an olive branch” is used when someone wants to end a confrontation or an argument. Read More

An extended metaphor is a literary term that refers to a long metaphorical comparison that can last an entire poem. Read More

External conflict is a type of conflict, problem, or struggle that takes place in a novel, narrative poem, play, or other literary work. Read More

An eye rhyme is a literary device used in poetry. It occurs when two words are spelled the same or similarly but are pronounced differently. Read More

A fable is a short and concise story that provides the reader with a moral lesson at the end. Read More

Fairy tales are short stories that include fanciful and magical elements such as goblins, elves, fairies, and ogres. Read More

A fallacy is a faulty or erroneous argument. It depends on poor premises and an illogical conclusion. It is used in literature as well as in everyday conversations. Read More

The falling action occurs near the end of the story, following the climax and before the resolution. Read More

A false dichotomy is a choice between two options that's delivered as though they are the only two possible options. Read More

Fantasy is a literary genre that includes talking animals, magic, and other worlds. It includes plots that couldn’t take place in the real world. Read More

A farce is a genre of comedic literature. It uses exaggerated and outrageous situations to create humor and make the audience laugh. Read More

A feminine rhyme is a type of rhyme that’s made up of two unstressed two syllable rhymes, one following the other. Read More

Figurative language refers to figures of speech that are used in order to improve a piece of writing. Read More

A figure of speech is created when a writer uses figurative language or that which has another meaning other than its basic definition. Read More

The first person narrative perspective is a literary style in which the narrator tells a story about him or herself.  Read More

A flash forward provides readers and characters with knowledge about future events. Read More

A flashback is a plot device in a book, film, story, or poem in which the readers learn about the past. Read More

A foil is a literary device used in narrative poems, novels, short stories, and plays. It is used to define a character’s traits. Read More

Folklore refers to stories that people tell. These include folk stores, fairy tales, urban legends, and more.  Read More

Foreshadowing refers to the hints a writer gives a reader about what’s going to happen next. It's a common literary device that's used every day. Read More

Formal diction is used when the setting is sophisticated. This could be anything from a speech, to a paper submitted to a journal. Read More

Found poetry is a type of poem that’s created using someone else’s words, phrases, or structure. Read More

A frame story is a narrative within a narrative. It occurs when one character decides to tell another story to the other characters around him/her. Read More

In free verse, lines are unrhymed and there are no consistent metrical patterns. But, that doesn't mean it is entirely without structure. Read More

A Freudian slip is an error, usually in speech or action, that reveals something about one’s unconscious feelings. Read More

Genre is a type of art, literary work, or musical composition that is defined by its content, style, or a specific form to which it conforms. Read More

Georgian poetry was a poetic movement in England that lasted from 1910 to 1936 during the reign of George V. Read More

A ghazal is a type of poem that is constructed with couplets, repeated words, and rhyming words. Read More

Gothic literature, poetry, and prose is that which deals with themes of death, the supernatural, sorrow, fear, loss, and more. Read More

A haiku is a three-line Japanese poem that follows a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Read More

In literature, a hero is the principal or primary character of a work. Read More

Historical Fiction is a genre that fictionalizes real places, people, and events. It takes place in the past with accurate historical details in regard to customs,(...) Read More

A homily is a speech delivered by a religious person, usually a priest, in front of a group of people. Read More

A homograph is a word that shares the same spelling but a different meaning, with another word. These words are tricky parts of language. Read More

A homophone is a word that’s pronounced the same as another word but has a different definition. Read More

Horror is a genre of fiction that plays with human fear, feelings of terror, dread, and repulsion to entertain the audience.  Read More

Hubris is a classical term used to refer to excessive pride in a story’s characters. Read More

Humor is a literary device that writers use in order to make their readers or audience members laugh. It should be entertaining. Read More

A hymn stanza uses a rhyme scheme of ABCB and alternates between iambic trimeter and iambic tetrameter. Read More

A hyperbaton is a figure of speech in which the order of words in a sentence or line are rearranged. Read More

Hyperbole is defined as an intentionally exaggerated description, comparison, or exclamation meant to make a specific impact on a reader. Read More

Hypophora is a figure of speech that occurs when writing asks a question and then immediately follows that question up with an answer. Read More

Hypotaxis is the arrangement of constructs in grammar. It refers to the placement of functionally similar although unequal constructions. Read More

A hypothetical question is a question based on an opinion or personal belief, rather than facts. Read More

An iamb is a metrical unit. It occurs when two syllables are placed next to one another and the first is unstressed, or short, and the second is stressed, or long. Read More

Iambic pentameter is a very common way that lines of poetry are structured. Each line has five sets of two beats, the first is unstressed and the second is stressed. Read More

An idiom is a short-expression that means something different than its literal translation. Read More

An illusion is a false belief. The writer uses it in order to trick someone, the reader or a character, into believing something untrue. Read More

Imagery refers to the elements of a poem that engage a reader’s senses. These are the important sights, sounds, feelings, and smells. Read More

Imagism was a literary movement of the early 20th century. The proponents were interested in the use of precise imagery and clear language. Read More

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that makes a command, gives a direction, or expresses instructions of some kind. Read More

An implied metaphor is a literary device that’s used in everything from short stories to novels and poems. Read More

In Medias Res refers to the narration of a story beginning part through events, skipping over the exposition. Read More

An inciting incident is an event that starts the story’s main plot. It is whatever changes the protagonist’s life. Read More

An induction is a conclusion that’s reached after the analysis of facts. The conclusions might be right or wrong but it depends strongly on the logic of the premises. Read More

An inference is a literary device that occurs when logical assumptions are made. These should be based on true premises, but are often based around those that are(...) Read More

An innuendo is an indirect observation of an event, person, thing, or idea. It is not stated clearly or obviously. Read More

Internal rhyme occurs in the middle of lines of poetry. It refers to words that rhyme in the middle of the same line or across multiple lines Read More

Intertextuality is a feature of a text that references another text. It reflects upon the latter and uses it as a reference for the new written work. Read More

Invective is the use of abusive language that expresses disapproval or attacks someone, a topic, object, idea, insinuation, or other. Read More

An inversion occurs when the writer changes the normal order of words. They are reversed, therefore leading to a different kind of effect. Read More

Irony occurs when an outcome is different than expected. It is very possible for one situation to strike one reader as ironic and another not. Read More

Isocolon is a figure of speech. It occurs when a series of sentences or phrases are equal in length and follow one another. Read More

"It ain't over till the fat lady sings" refers to the moment in which something is truly over or decided. Read More

“It’s a piece of cake” is used to refer to something that’s simple or easy. Read More

"It is raining cats and dogs" is an English idiom. It is used to describe a very heavy rain but not one that's associated with animals. Read More

Jargon is the use of phrases and words that are specific to a situation, trade, a selective group, or a profession. Read More

To “jump on the bandwagon” means that one is going to join in with whatever new or popular thing the majority is doing or thinking. Read More

Juxtaposition is a literary technique that places two unlike things next to one another. Read More

A kenning is a figure of speech in which two words are combined to form a new expression. Read More

"Kill two birds with one stone" refers to getting two things done through one action that saves time, energy, and stress. Read More

Kinesthesia depicts movement in text. It is a type of imagery that helps readers see the movements someone makes in prose and verse. Read More

“Know which way the wind blows” is used metaphorically to refer to understanding where public opinion is. Read More

The Lake Poets were a group of English poets who lived and wrote in the Lake District during the nineteenth century. Read More

A lampoon is a type of satire in which a person or thing is attacked unjustly. They can be found in prose and verse. Read More

"Leave no stone unturned" is a way of saying one is not going to give up searching till they find what they've lost or what they need. Read More

A legend is a genre of folklore that features stories about human events and actions. Read More

"Let sleeping dogs lie” is a reminder not to bring unnecessary risk or danger upon oneself. Read More

“Let the cat out of the bag” is a common English idiom that’s used to describe what happens when someone tells a secret. Read More

A limerick is a humorous poem that follows a fixed structure of five lines and a rhyme scheme of AABBA. Read More

A line break occurs when a poet decides to stop a line and begin another. It can happen with or without punctuation. Read More

The argument of a piece of literature is a statement, towards the beginning of a work, that declares what it’s going to be about. Read More

Literary modernism originated in the late 19th and 20th centuries. It was mainly focused in Europe and North America. Read More

Litotes is a figure of speech that includes a phrase in which a negative word is used in order to express something positive. Read More

Logos is the use of logic to create a persuasive argument in writing. Read More

Lost Generation refers to a group of writers who came of age during World War I and dealt with the social changes the war brought. Read More

“Love is blind” is a direct idiom, one that clearly refers to the way that love blinds the lover to certain truths. Read More

A lyric poem is a musically inclined, short verse that speaks on poignant and powerful emotions. Read More

“Mad as a hatter” is a humorous idiom used to refer to someone who is completely crazy. Read More

Magical Realism is a genre of fiction writing that is interested in imbuing the modern realistic world with magical, fantastical elements. Read More

The main idea of a literary text is the central message that the writer wants to convey. Read More

“Make hay while the sun shines” suggests that someone should take advantage of the time they have to complete a task or take on an opportunity. Read More

A malapropism occurs when a writer, character, or other source uses a word incorrectly, usually rendering the sentence nonsensical. Read More

Meiosis is a figure of speech that when used minimizes the importance of something. This is done through the use of a euphemism. Read More

A melodrama is a work of literature or a theatrical performance that uses exaggerated events and characters. Read More

Metafiction refers to stories in which the characters, author, or narrator acknowledge the fact that they're parts of a fiction. Read More

Metalepsis is a figure of speech that occurs when a writer uses a phrase or word in a new context. The chosen phrase or word comes from a different figure of speech. Read More

A metaphor is used to describe an object, person, situation or action in a way that helps a reader understand it, without using "like" or "as". Read More

Metaphysical poetry is marked by the use of elaborate figurative languages, original conceits, paradoxes, and philosophical topics. Read More

The meter is the pattern of beats in a line of poetry. It is a combination of the number of beats and arrangement of stresses. Read More

Metonymy a kind of figurative language that refers to a situation in which one term is substituted for another. Read More

The Miltonic Sonnet is one of the main sonnet forms and was popularized by the poet John Milton who was born in 1609 in London, England. Read More

“Miss the boat” is an English idiom that’s used to refer to someone’s missed opportunity. Read More

Mood is the feeling created by the writer for the reader. It is what happens within a reader because of the tone the writer used in the poem. Read More

A moral is the meaning or message conveyed through a story. Read More

A morality play is a genre of theatre popular in the medieval and Tudor period.  Read More

A morpheme is the smallest meaningful part of any language. It might be a word, or it might be part of a word. Read More

A motif is an action, image, idea, or sensory perception that repeats in a work of literature. Read More

A myth is a genre of folklore that usually includes a hero and sometimes fanatical elements.  Read More

Mythopoeia is a genre of modern literature (and film) that refers to the creation of artificial mythology. Read More

Narration is the use of commentary, either written or spoken, to tell a story or “narrative.” Read More

A narrative hook appears at the beginning of a piece of literature and is used to “hook” or capture the reader’s attention. Read More

Narrative poems contain all the elements of a story and are normally longer than average. Read More

Naturalism is a nineteenth-century literary and arts genre that focuses on the realistic depiction of life and all its struggles Read More

A nemesis in a piece of literature, film, or television show, is usually the antagonist of the story. Read More

Neoclassicism was a movement interested in reviving Greco-Roman literature, art, architecture, philosophy, and theatre in the 18th century. Read More

A neologism is a new word, serious or humorous, coined by a writer. It is used in everyday speech as well as in literary texts. Read More

The New Apocalypse or New Apocalyptics grouping was a selection of poets from the United Kingdom during the 1940s. Read More

New Woman was a feminist ideal that was profoundly influential on 19th and 20th-century literature, as well as broader feminist beliefs. Read More

"No pain, no gain" is used to describe the suffering that's necessary in order to achieve one's goals. Read More

A non sequitur is a statement that asserts and concludes something that's obviously absurd and false. Read More

A nonce word is a made-up word, or lexeme, created by a writer in poetry or fiction.  Read More

Nostalgia refers to a need or longing for the past. This can be anything that’s no longer accessible due to the passage of time. Read More

“Not playing with a full deck” is a way of saying that someone is mentally unsound or unintelligent. Read More

A novel is a long, written, fictional narrative that includes some amount of realism. Read More

A novella is a prose, fiction work that’s shorter than a novel and longer than a short story.  Read More

A nursery rhyme is a short rhyming song or poem that conveys a lesson or tells an amusing story. They are aimed at children. Read More

The word “octave” comes from the Latin word meaning “eighth part”. It is an eight-line stanza or poem. Read More

An ode is a formal lyric poem that is written in celebration or dedication. They are generally directed with specific intent. Read More

Old English is the earliest recorded version of the English language spoken in England and Scotland during the Middle ages. Read More

An omniscient narrator knows what’s happening at all times, and all points, of the story. Read More

“On cloud nine” is a common English idiom that’s used to refer to a  state of blissful happiness that one is experiencing. Read More

"Once in a blue moon" is a way of describing and emphasizing something, positive or negative, that happens very rarely. Read More

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the natural sound of a thing. Read More

Ordinal numbers are used in linguistics to represent the position or ranking of something, such as first and 1st. Read More

“Out of the frying pan and into the fire” is a clever way of depicting a bad situation getting worse. Read More

Overstatement is a type of figurative language. They are descriptions of events, people, situations, and objects that are over exaggerated. Read More

An oxymoron is a kind of figurative language in which two contrasting things are connected together. Read More

Pacing refers to the pace at which a story unfolds, or how fast or slow the plot elements come together. Read More

A paean expresses thanks, elation, or triumph through the form of a song or lyrical poem. Read More

A palindrome is defined as a word or sentence that is read the same forward as it is backwards. Read More

A parable is a short fictional story that speaks on a religious attitude or moral belief. Read More

A paradox is used in literature when a writer brings together contrasting and contradictory elements that reveal a deeper truth. Read More

Paralipsis is a rhetorical device that occurs when the writer pretends to hide the idea or statement they actually want to express. Read More

Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, occurs when the writer uses the same structure in multiple lines. Read More

Paraphrasing a poem means to simplify it down to its most basic elements, clarifying along the way and choosing less complicated language. Read More

Paraprosdokian is a surprising shift at the end of a short story, novel, poem, play or other literary work. Read More

Parataxis is a literary term used to describe the equal importance of a writer’s chosen words, phrases, or sentences. Read More

Parenthesis is an element of writing used when a writer wants to insert information into a passage that adds detail. Read More

A parody is created based on an already existing work in order to make fun of it. Read More

Paronomasia occurs when a writer intentionally creates confusion by using similar-sounding words. Read More

Parrhesia is the use of direct, emotionally honest language in one’s discussion of a topic. It has its roots in Ancient Greece. Read More

Passive voice is a generally disliked grammatical construction of sentences in which the "object" comes before the "subject." Read More

A pastiche is a literary creation that imitates a famous work by another author. Read More

Pastoral poetry is a genre or mode of poetry that refers to works that idealize country life and the landscape they take place in. Read More

Pathetic fallacy is used to describe the attribution of human emotions and actions onto non-human things found in nature. Read More

Pathos is an appeal made by the writer to the audience’s emotions in order to make them feel something. Read More

A pedant, or someone who exhibits pedantic behavior, will correct small mistakes that are not necessarily important in the broader scheme of things. Read More

Penny dreadfuls were a cheap, serialized form of literature popular in the nineteenth century.  Read More

Periphrasis occurs when the writer chooses to use more words than necessary to talk about a subject. It occurs in a variety of situations. Read More

A persona is an invented perspective that a writer uses. The point of view might be entirely different than their own. Read More

Personification is a literary device that refers to the projection of human characteristics onto inanimate objects in order to create imagery. Read More

Perspective is the lens through which the reader experiences a story, film, television series, or poem. Read More

Persuasion is a literary technique. It’s used by writers to ensure that their readers find their written content believable. Read More

Petrarchan/Italian sonnets are fourteen lines long, follow an initial rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA, and use iambic pentameter. Read More

A picaresque novel is a genre of prose fiction that depicts a roughish hero who experiences episodic adventures. Read More

A play is a form of writing for theatre. It is divided into acts and scenes.  Read More

If someone decides to “play devil’s advocate” then they are arguing a position for the sake of it, not necessarily because they believe it. Read More

Pleonasm is a rhetorical device that occurs when a writer uses two or more words to express an idea. Read More

The plot is a connected sequence of events that make up a novel, poem, play, film, television show, and other narrative works. Read More

The subject of a poem might also be called the main idea, goal, or thing about which the poem is concerned. Read More

In literature, a foot refers to a unit of meter in poetry. It is a grouping of stressed and/or unstressed syllables. Read More

Poetic justice occurs when a writer punishes an evil character or rewards a good character creating a satisfying conclusion. Read More

Point of view is what the speaker, narrator, or character can see from their perspective. Read More

Polyptoton is a figure of a speech. It occurs when words with the same root are repeated, for example, "run" and "ran." Read More

Polysyndeton is a figure of speech. It is concerned with coordinating conjunctions, such as “and” and “or” that join together words and clauses. Read More

A portmanteau is a literary device. It occurs when the writer joins two or more words together to create a new word. Read More

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English artists, including writers, painters, and critics, who were founded in 1848. Read More

Procatalepsis occurs when the person speaking addresses another point of view before the opponent even speaks. Read More

The prologue is the opening to a story that comes before the first page or chapter. It is used to establish context or to provide necessary details. Read More

Propaganda is a type of information spread in order to influence opinion. It can be negative or positive depending on the source. Read More

Prose is a written and spoken language form that does not make use of a metrical pattern or rhyme scheme. Read More

Prosody is the study of meter, rhyme, and the sound and pattern of words. It is used in prose but far more commonly in poetry. Read More

The protagonist is the main character of a story, generally considered to be the hero or the force for good.  Read More

Prosthesis is a literary device that occurs when a writer adds a new syllable or an extra sound to the beginning of a word. Read More

A proverb is a short, simple statement that gives advice. It is based in common experience. Read More

“Pull yourself together” is used in tense situations in order to calm down someone whose upset, panicking, or disorganized. Read More

“Pulling someone’s leg” is a humorous English idiom that refers to a joking comment made in order to trick or amuse another person. Read More

A pun is a literary device that’s defined as a play on words. Read More

Pushing up daisies” is a popular idiom used to refer to someone who has died. Read More

A quatrain is a verse form that is made up of four lines with fifteen different possible rhyme schemes. Read More

Realism is a literary movement that portrays everyday life exactly how it is. Read More

A rebuttal is a response to an argument that contradicts or attempts to disprove it. It is given by one’s opponent. Read More

A red herring is a fallacy that introduces something irrelevant to a larger narrative. Read More

Reductio ad absurdum is used when a speaker argues for their position by attempting to point out the absurdity in the alternative argument. Read More

Refrains are used in poems and songs. They are repeated sections of text that usually appear at the end of a stanza or verse. Read More

A refutation is the part of the argument that tries to prove that the alternative point of view is false. Read More

Repetition is an important literary technique that sees a writer reuse words or phrases multiple times. Read More

The resolution of a piece of literature is the parts of the narrative that bring the story to a close. Read More

Rhetoric is the use of language effectively in writing or speech to persuade the audience. Read More

Rhetorical devices are parts of literature that are used to persuade audiences. They make use of the three “modes of persuasion." Read More

A rhetorical question is a question that’s asked for effect, not because someone is expecting a genuine answer to it. Read More

The word “rhyme” refers to the pattern of similar sounding words used in writing. Read More

The rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme that’s used in a poem. It corresponds with the end sounds that feature in lines of verse. Read More

Sonnets usually conform to one of two different rhyme schemes, those connected to the Shakespearean and the Petrarchan sonnet forms. Read More

Rhythm refers to the use of long and short stresses, or stressed and unstressed, within the writing. Read More

Riddles are tricky phrases or questions that have double meanings and are usually challenging to solve or answer. Read More

The rising action comes after the exposition and before the climax. It includes the complicating or inciting incident. Read More

Romance is a narrative genre of literature. It can feature elements that include mystery, adventure, bravery, and more. Read More

Romanticism was a movement that originated in Europe at the end of the 18th century and emphasized aesthetic experience and imagination. Read More

The rondel has two quatrains that are followed by a quintet, a set of five lines. The verse form has its origins in lyrical poetry of 14th-century France. Read More

A run-on sentence is a long sentence that is made up of two independent clauses joined together. Read More

Sarcasm is a type of verbal irony that expresses contempt, mocks, or ridicules. Read More

Satire and satirical comedy are used to analyze behaviors to make fun of, criticize, or chastise them in a humorous way. Read More

Science fiction is a literary genre that focuses on imaginative content based in science.  Read More

The second person narrative perceptive is a literary style in which the narrator tells a story about “you”.  Read More

A self-fulfilling prophecy in literature is a phenomenon in which a character predicts something and by trying to avoid it makes the thing happen. Read More

Semantics is the study of the meanings of words, symbols, and various other signs. Read More

Serendipity is the experience of finding something joyful in that which came unexpectedly. Read More

Sesquipedalian is defined as the use of words that are overly long and have multiple syllables. Sometimes, they are neologisms. Read More

A sestet is a six-line stanza or poem, or the second half or a sonnet. It does not require a specific rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. Read More

The Shakespearean sonnet follows a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG and uses iambic pentameter. Read More

Sibilance is a literary device in which consonant sounds are stressed. These are primarily "s" and "th" sounds. Read More

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things that uses the words “like” or “as”. Read More

Slam poetry, also known as spoken word poetry, is typically performed at what is known as a “poetry slam”. Read More

Slang diction contains words that are very specific to a region and time, and have been recently coined. Read More

“Slow and steady wins the race” is a proverb that suggests one is better off being methodical than rushing into something unprepared. Read More

A soliloquy is a dramatic literary device that is used when a character gives a speech that reveals something about their thought process. Read More

Traditionally, sonnets are fourteen-line poems that follow a strict rhyme scheme and conform to the metrical pattern of iambic pentameter. Read More

"Speak of the devil" is used to acknowledge that someone who was the subject of discussion has come into the room. Read More

The speaker in a piece of poetry might be the poet, an imagined character, a creature or even an object. Read More

The Spenserian sonnet was invented by the famous sixteenth-century poet Edmund Spenser and uses a rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. Read More

Spondee is an arrangement of two syllables in which both are stressed. Read More

Sprung rhythm is a rhythmic pattern used in poetry that mimics natural speech.  Read More

Stream of consciousness is a style of writing in which thoughts are conveyed without a filter or clear punctuation. Read More

A sonnet is a fourteen-line poem that usually makes use of the metrical pattern of iambic pentameter. Read More

Surrealism refers to a movement of literature, art, and drama in which creators chose to incorporated dreams and the unconscious, and fuse reality and pure imagination. Read More

Suspense is the anticipation of an outcome, created through hints at what's to come. Read More

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or meanings. They are imbued with certain qualities often only interpretable through context. Read More

Syncope refers to a literary device that involves the shortening of a word by removing or omitting letters. Read More

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a “part" of something is used to represent its “whole.” Read More

A tanka poem is an important form in Japanese poetry that follows a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. Read More

Terza rima refers to a very specific rhyme scheme that follows the rhyming pattern of ABA BCB DED. Read More

“The pot calling the kettle black” is used to remind someone that they’re guilty of the same thing they’re accusing another of. Read More

"The world is your oyster" is an idiom used to refer to the unlimited possiblites one has in front of them. Read More

The third person narrative perspective is a literary style in which the narrator tells a story about a variety of characters.  Read More

“Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” is used to remind people not to criticize others for a flaw that you yourself possess. Read More

"Time flies when you're having fun" refers to the phenomenon that time appears to pass more quickly when engaged in something they enjoy. Read More

“Time is money” suggests that wasted time is wasted money. If one is wasting time, they’re missing out on an opportunity to make money. Read More

Tmesis is a rhetorical device that involves inserting a word in between a compound word or phrase. Read More

Tone tells us how the writer feels about the text, at least to an extent. All forms of writing, aside from the academic have a tone of some sort. Read More

The word “tragedy” refers to a type of drama that explores serious, sometimes dark, and depressing subject matter. Read More

A tragic flaw is a literary device that is used by writers to complicate their characters. Flaws include pride, envy, and cowardice. Read More

A tragic hero is usually the protagonist in a piece of literature. Specifically, a tragedy. This kind of character has a tragic flaw. Read More

The most important part of Transcendentalism is the focus on nature and opposition to the destruction of the individual that came with industrialism. Read More

Trimeter is one type of meter used in poetry, in which each line has three metrical feet.  Read More

Trochees are the exact opposite of iambic pentameter, meaning that the first syllable is stressed and the second is unstressed. Read More

A trope, in literature, is the use of figurative language to make descriptions more evocative and interesting. Read More

A tuffet is “a tuft or clump of something” or "a footstool or low seat”. Read More

Two peas in a pod is used to refer to how close two people are to one another. Read More

"Under the weather" is used to describe someone whose feeling unwell. Read More

An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose credibility is in doubt, or somehow compromised. Read More

The word “utopia” refers to a perfect, or nearly perfect, place or ideal.  Read More

A vignette is a short scene within a larger narrative. They are found in novels, short stories, poems, and films. Read More

A villanelle is a nineteen-line poem that is divided into five tercets or sets of three lines, and one concluding quatrain, or set of four lines. Read More

A volta is a turn or transition in a sonnet’s main argument, theme, or tone. There are Petrarchan and Shakespearean voltas. Read More

“Waste not, want not” asks everyone to pay attention to what they “waste” as that waste might lead to “want.” Read More

“Wax poetic” is an English phrase that is used to describe someone’s overly flowery and longwinded style of speech. Read More

A poem can be written down or spoken aloud. It is a collection of ideas and emotions in a creative way. Read More

“When it rains it pours” is used to describe how good or bad experiences are expanded due to other circumstances. Read More

“You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” refers to one's ability to succeed with sweetness over cruelty or unpleasantness. Read More

“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink” is an ancient English proverb used to refer to the stubbornness of human beings. Read More

“You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs” implies that breaking eggs, or making sacrifices, is necessary for success. Read More

Zoomorphism describes how non-human animal traits are given to humans, events and forces. Read More