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Evidence

Definition of Evidence Evidence is any sort of information that supports a certain assertion. The evidence can be weak or strong, can lead to only one or multiple conclusions, and can come in many forms. For example, in the field of law, evidence can take the form of testimony, physical evidence, or documentary evidence. In science, the definition of evidence

Bandwagon

Definition of Bandwagon The term bandwagon applies to a common effect in which someone adopts a trend or belief because the majority of people already seem to have adopted it. Certain beliefs and trends become more popular as they spread because everyone wants to “hop on the bandwagon.” Though we’re all familiar with the spread of trends in popular culture,

Induction

Definition of Induction Induction starts with specific facts and draws conclusions, which may be right or wrong. This is a type of reasoning that assumes that given premises strongly lead to a certain conclusion, but there is not enough evidence to make this conclusion definite, only probable. The danger of inductive reasoning is that it is uncertain and often simplistic,

Appositive

Definition of Appositive An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that identifies or renames another noun phrase directly before or after it. For example, you might say, “I’m going to see my dentist, Dr. Parkins.” In this case, “Dr. Parkins” is an appositive phrase because the name identifies exactly who the dentist is. The two phrases are said to be

Zoomorphism

Definition of Zoomorphism Zoomorphism is the device of giving animal-like qualities to anything that is not that animal such as humans, gods, and inanimate objects. Zoomorphism can also include giving the features of one animal to another, such as if a dog were to say “meow” in a cartoon or work of literature. A special class of zoomorphism in which

Tragicomedy

Definition of Tragicomedy Tragicomedy is a genre that blends elements of both comedy and tragedy. A tragicomedy can either be a serious play with a happy ending—which is not the case with a straightforward tragedy—or a tragic play interspersed with moments of humor in order to lighten the mood. The definition of tragicomedy was first used by the Roman playwright

Epitaph

Definition of Epitaph In literature, an epitaph is a short written tribute in poetry or prose in memory of a deceased person. The more common definition of epitaph is that of the inscription on a tombstone. Epitaphs may be written by anyone, including the deceased person him- or herself, in preparation for an impending death. William Shakespeare is one of

Pleonasm

Definition of Pleonasm A pleonasm is a redundant and tautological phrase or clause, such as “I saw it with my own eyes.” Seeing is, of course, an action done with the eyes, and therefore adding “with my own eyes” is redundant and unnecessary for context. However, there can be stylistic reasons to use pleonasm, such as for emphasis or to

Essay

Definition of Essay An essay is a short piece writing, either formal or informal, which expresses the author’s argument about a particular subject. A formal essay has a serious purpose and highly structured organization, while an informal essay may contain humor, personal recollections and anecdotes, and any sort of organization or form which the author wants. Note that while a

Pastiche

Definition of Pastiche A pastiche is any work of art that imitates the style of another artist or artists. Pastiches are not meant to ridicule the original style in the way that a parody does; instead, a pastiche respects the original style and often pays some homage to it. In literature, a pastiche usually is a light-hearted imitation that is

Eponym

Definition of Eponym An eponym is a person, place, or thing from which something takes its name. Examples of eponyms are far-ranging, from book titles to time-periods to medications. It is easy to understand how eponyms develop: inventions often take on the name of the scientist or engineer, geographical locations take on the name of the discoverer, and trends are

Naturalism

Definition of Naturalism Naturalism was a literary movement that attempted to portray realistic situations often with a pessimistic and detached tone. Naturalism grew out of and against certain movements; the theory to which it owed most, in fact, was Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Naturalist writers believed that anything that happened could be traced to genetic or environmental causes, and

Flash Forward

Definition of Flash Forward A flash forward in literature is a scene that take places chronologically after the current action and shows what is to come. Flash forward examples can be real, imagined, projected, or expected scenes that will happen later. The definition of flash forward is the same as that of prolepsis, which means “to anticipate” in the original

Semantic

Definition of Semantic Semantic refers to the different meanings of words, phrases, signs, or other symbols. The study of these meanings is called semantics. Just as important as the individual meaning of a certain word in semantics (i.e., the denotation) is the relationship between different signifiers and how meaning in one word influences meaning in another word or sign. Semantics

Epiphora

Definition of Epiphora Epiphora is a form of repetition in which a word or words is repeated at the end of successive clauses or sentences. The definition of epiphora is the same as that of epistrophe, and also one of the two definitions of antistrophe. Furthermore, the definition of epiphora is opposite that of anaphora, which is the repetition of

Eulogy

Definition of Eulogy A eulogy is a commemorative speech or piece of writing in praise of someone who has recently died, or someone who is leaving, such as a retiree. Eulogies are a common part of funeral services around the world, and can also be found in retirement celebrations or farewell parties. The word eulogy comes from the Classical Greek

Trope

Definition of Trope A trope is any word used in a figurative sense (i.e., a figure of speech) or a reoccurring theme or device in a work of literature. The first definition of trope can refer to numerous types of figures of speech, which we explore below. The second definition of trope can be slightly derogatory in that a reoccurring

Biography

Definition of Biography A biography is a description of a real person’s life, including factual details as well as stories from the person’s life. Biographies usually include information about the subject’s personality and motivations, and other kinds of intimate details excluded in a general overview or profile of a person’s life. The vast majority of biography examples are written about

Parataxis

Definition of Parataxis Parataxis is a literary device in which there is a juxtaposition of short, simple, independent clauses without subordinating conjunctions. Parataxis examples sometimes include no conjunctions at all, though there can be coordinating conjunctions such as “but,” “and,” “for,” “yet,” “so,” “or,” and so on. Parataxis examples never include linking words such as “while,” “that,” “until,” and so

Subplot

Definition of Subplot A subplot is a supporting story for the main plot in a work of literature. It can involve characters other than the main protagonist and antagonist, and may not intersect much with the main narrative. However, there is usually some important connection between a subplot and the main plot, either thematically, in setting, through characters, or because

Memoir

Definition of Memoir A memoir is a collection of memories that someone writes about his or her own life. While the memories can be public or private—and are often a mix of the two if the memoirist is a famous person—a memoir is understood to be as factual as memory permits. Indeed, there was a controversy when James Frey’s book

Atmosphere

Definition of Atmosphere Atmosphere in literature is the feeling, emotion, or mood that an author creates in a narrative through descriptive language. Thus this literary device is, in a sense, the emotional atmosphere in which the action takes place, as well as the emotional atmosphere that the audience is encouraged to internalize while reading. Though the atmosphere is usually established

Epizeuxis

Definition of Epizeuxis Epizeuxis is a form of repetition in which one word or a short phrase is repeated in succession with no other words in between. Epizeuxis examples are particularly vehement and forceful in their repetition, and usually signify a great deal of emotion being expressed. The definition of epizeuxis is the same as that of palilogia. It is

Voice

Definition of Voice Voice in literature is the individual style in which a certain author writes his or her works. Voice includes many different literary devices and stylistic techniques, including syntax, semantics, diction, dialogue, character development, tone, pacing, and even punctuation. Though the definition of voice can feel like a somewhat nebulous concept, voice is integral to appreciating a piece

Periphrasis

Definition of Periphrasis Periphrasis is both a grammatical principle and manner of speaking that uses more words than necessary to evoke a certain meaning. Periphrasis is, at times, beneficial for certain reasons, though is often considered redundant. Some examples of periphrasis are purposeful in order to evade a taboo subject, such as in the case of innuendo and euphemism, or

Isocolon

Definition of Isocolon An isocolon is a figure of speech in which there are two or more parts of a sentence that are identical in length, rhythm, and structure. One of the most common isocolon examples in English is the merchandising slogan “Buy one, get one.” In this sentence, “buy one” and “get one” are considered two cola (i.e., a

Accumulation

Definition of Accumulation Accumulation is a figure of speech in rhetoric that creates a list or gathers scattered ideas in a way that builds up, emphasizes, or summarizes the main point. Accumulation is an example of addition in rhetoric, using a “more the merrier” approach to illustrating the theme of a passage. Addition in rhetoric is also known as adiectio,

Parable

Definition of Parable A parable is a short, didactic story that is meant to teach a moral or principal. Parables use human characters in believable situations so that the reader or listener feels able to relate. There are many examples of parables in religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran. The word parable comes from the Greek word

Aporia

Definition of Aporia Aporia is a figure of speech wherein a speaker poses a question as an expression of doubt, usually about how to proceed in a certain situation. Thus, aporia is a rhetorical question in which doubt is usually feigned so as to provoke thought in the listener or reader about how the speaker or narrator will act. The

Contrast

Definition of Contrast A contrast in literature is any difference between two or more tangible or abstract entities, such as characters, settings, opinions, tones, and so on. Contrast generally involves a juxtaposition of two unlike things in order to showcase their differences. The word “contrast” came originally from the Latin words contra- and stare, meaning “against” and “stand,” respectively. The

Hook

Definition of Hook A narrative hook occurs at the start of a story and is meant to “hook” the reader so that he or she keeps turning pages. The best hooks are just the first sentence of the book—something so gripping that the reader must keep going. Some hooks, however, last for the first paragraph or even the first page

Nemesis

Definition of Nemesis A nemesis is the principal enemy of the protagonist in a work of literature. A nemesis can also be called an arch-villain, archenemy, or arch-foe. The definition of nemesis has an interesting history. The word nemesis is related to the Greek word νέμειν (némein), which means “to give what is due.” Originally there was a goddess named

Cliffhanger

Definition of Cliffhanger A cliffhanger is a plot device in which a character or characters are left with a difficult dilemma or a shocking revelation at the end of a chapter or section. Authors use cliffhangers in order to encourage the reader to keep turning pages to find out what happens, or to buy the next book in a series.

Line Break

Definition of Line Break A line break refers to where an author has chosen to end one line in a poem and begin another. A line break can either be an example of enjambment, which means the author has chosen to end a line without completing a sentence or clause, or can be an end stopped line, which is a

Farce

Definition of Farce A farce is a lighthearted comedy that centers around a ridiculous plot that usually involves exaggerated and improbable events. Farces usually do not have much character development, but instead rely on absurdity, physical humor, and a skillful exploitation of a situation. Farce examples also often occur in just one place where all the events occur. This can

Antistrophe

Definition of Antistrophe An antistrophe is the second part of an ode, and is meant to mirror the opening section, called the strophe. Originally, when the ode form was sung by choruses in ancient Greece, the strophe would be performed by moving from east to west. The antistrophe, which mirrored and reversed the strophe, was then performed by moving from

Ode

Definition of Ode An ode is a lyrical stanza written in praise for a person, event, or thing. The form developed in Ancient Greece and had a very specific and elaborate structure involving three parts known as the strophe, antistrophe, and epode. Originally, Greek odes were set to music. The form was later popularized and adapted in Renaissance England and

Prologue

Definition of Prologue A prologue is a separate introductory section that comes before the main body of a poem, novel, or play, and gives some sense as to what’s to come. There are many different ways in which the prologue may do this, such as presenting the main characters and setting in a straightforward way, explaining some background event or

Utopia

Definition of Utopia A utopia is a nearly perfect or ideal society or community. Most utopias, whether real or fictional, are theoretically based on egalitarian principles in which the members of the community have equal rights, control over the direction of the society, and access to resources. Utopias are generally considered to be peaceful communities. Different ideologies have produced different

Verisimilitude

Definition of Verisimilitude Verisimilitude is the extent to which a reader is able to believe in a fictional work. Even those works of fiction which don’t mirror reality whatsoever, especially in the genre of science fiction or fantasy, aim to create a world of coherent rules and laws such that the reader is able to suspend disbelief and believe that

Meiosis

Definition of Meiosis Meiosis is a figure of speech that minimizes the importance of something through euphemism. Meiosis is an attempt to downplay the significance or size of an unpleasant thing, though not all meiosis examples refer to something negative. The term meiosis comes from the Greek word μειόω, which means “to make smaller” or “to diminish.” Originally, the definition

Exaggeration

Definition of Exaggeration Exaggeration is a way of over-emphasizing something, either making it better or worse than it really is. Exaggeration can be used to communicate the importance of something, to create a lasting impression, or to evoke stronger feelings than otherwise. The word exaggeration comes from the Latin word exaggerationem, which means “elevation” or “exaltation.” The original literal root

Comedy

Definition of Comedy Comedy is a form of entertainment meant to be humorous, whether in literature, television, film, or stand-up. The goal of most comedy examples is to induce laughter in the audience. There are many different forms of comedy, such as screwball comedy, black comedy, innuendo, parody, satire, pun, comedy of manners, romantic comedy, farce, burlesque, sarcasm, dramatic irony,

Epistolary

Definition of Epistolary An epistolary work of literature is one written through a series of documents. Most often, these documents are letters, though they can also be diary entries, newspaper clippings, and, more recently, blog posts and emails. The definition of epistolary novels can be further classified into monologic (the letters or diary entries of only one person), dialogic (letters

Poem

Definition of Poem A poem is a work of literature that uses the sounds and rhythms of a language to evoke deeper significance than the literal meanings of the words. There are numerous literary devices that may be found in any given poem, such as meter, rhyme, rhythm, symbolism, imagery, repetition, consonance, assonance, alliteration, enjambment, and so on. Furthermore, there

Trimeter

Definition of Trimeter Trimeter is a poetic meter comprised of three metrical feet per line. A foot is a beat made up of stressed and unstressed syllables; poetic lines written in meter contain a repeating pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables throughout the poem. While trimeter is slightly rarer than pentameter (a metrical line of poetry comprised of five feet),

Spondee

Definition of Spondee A spondee is a unit of meter comprised of two stressed syllables. The spondee is an irregular metrical foot, unlike the trochee or iamb, and is not used to compose full lines of poetry. Instead, spondee examples can be found occasionally substituting in for other prosodic feet in a metrical poem. However, sometimes it is hard to

Sestina

Definition of Sestina A sestina is a fixed form in poetry that has six stanzas of six lines each followed by a three-line stanza; each line ends with one of six words in a standard repetition. These six words are chosen by the poet, but must be repeated in a certain order for the poem to qualify as a sestina.

Villanelle

Definition of Villanelle A villanelle is a poetic form with nineteen lines and a strict pattern of repetition and a rhyme scheme. Each villanelle is comprised of five tercets (i.e., a three-line stanza) followed by one quatrain (a stanza with four lines). The first and third lines of the opening tercet are repeated in an alternating pattern as the final

Limerick

Definition of Limerick A limerick is a poetic form comprised of one stanza with five lines and a rhyme scheme of AABBA that usually is humorous. The humor can be clean, though it often verges on the obscene. The first, second, and fifth lines of limerick examples often contain three anapestic feet while the third and fourth lines are shorter,

Myth

Definition of Myth A myth is a story that comes from an ancient culture and often includes supernatural elements. These elements may be anything from talking animals to people with superhuman powers to the interference of gods and goddesses in human affairs. Myths traditionally were created to explain the origins of the world or of belief systems, practices, or natural

Polyptoton

Definition of Polyptoton Polyptoton is a device in which there is a repetition of words with the same root for rhetorical effect. For example, the words dictionary, dictation, and contradict all share the same Latin root word of “dict,” which means “say” and thus the following sentence is an example of polyptoton: “Never contradict the dictionary when you’re taking a

Intertextuality

Definition of Intertextuality Intertextuality is the way that one text influences another. This can be a direct borrowing such as a quotation or plagiarism, or slightly more indirect such as parody, pastiche, allusion, or translation. The function and effectiveness of intertextuality can often depend quite a bit on the reader’s prior knowledge and understanding before reading the secondary text; parodies

Dactyl

Definition of Dactyl A dactyl is a metrical foot with one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. For example, the words “typical” and “elephant” both demonstrate the dactylic stress pattern. In Greek and Latin verse, which use a different understanding of meter that relies on the length of syllables rather than their stress pattern, a dactyl is a long

Fantasy

Definition of Fantasy Fantasy is a genre in literature that includes magical and/or supernatural elements as part of the plot, setting, or theme. Mythology and folklore often play a strong part in fantasy literature. There must be an internal consistency to the magical elements in a work of fantasy and a logic that, if not completely explicable, is understood to

Dystopia

Definition of Dystopia Dystopia is a genre in literature that depicts a frightening society or community. The society can be frightening for many reasons, and generally has one or more of the following problems: a corrupt and/or totalitarian government, dehumanization due to technological advances, environmental disasters, eradication of the family, cultish religions, limited resources, and unchecked violence. Dystopias therefore usually

Omniscient

Definition of Omniscient To be omniscient is to know everything. In literature, an omniscient point of view is one in which the narrator knows the thoughts and actions of every character in the narrative. This is called third person omniscient, and was arguably the most popular point of view in novels until the twentieth and twenty-first centuries (though, of course,

Rising Action

Definition of Rising Action Rising action is a series of episodes in a narrative which occur after the exposition and lead to the climax of the story. Rising action usually comprises the majority of the plot, as the author must include all necessary events and information in the rising action for the eventual climax and denouement to be significant to

Vignette

Definition of Vignette In literature, a vignette is a short scene that focuses on one moment that is especially powerful or significant. Vignette examples can be found in plays, poems, and novels. Though vignettes are brief, they often carry proportionately more emotion since the author has chosen that brief moment to highlight for some important reason. The word vignette comes

Propaganda

Definition of Propaganda Propaganda is a form of communication which carries a biased message and is intended to influence others to accept or reject certain views or agendas. Propaganda involves spreading ideas or information—whether true or false—to the general populace such that popular opinion sways in a certain way. This can lead to people thinking, feeling, or acting in certain

Riddle

Definition of Riddle A riddle is a statement or question that proposes a puzzle to be solved. Riddles generally have a veiled meaning and might use figurative language, a euphemism, or even a sort of pun in order to hide the true answer. Those who want to solve a riddle usually must use some logic to arrive at the correct

Invective

Definition of Invective Invective is insulting or abusive language used to express blame or severe disapproval. Invective often occurs due to deeply seated ill will, and can also be called vituperation or vitriol. Invective can take the form of a single word or expression, or be an entire discourse aimed at offending or hurting someone else. The word invective comes

Archaism

Definition of Archaism An archaism is a word that is no longer in common usage, but is used for stylistic effect to mimic the sound of older language. One of the most common archaisms in English is “thee” or “thou,” which is only used in very specific contexts (such as “With this ring I thee wed”). Archaisms can also occur

Homophone

Definition of Homophone A homophone is a word that is pronounced in the same way as another word but has a different meaning, and usually a different spelling. For example, the words “sea” and “see” constitute a homophone pair because they are pronounced the same way but have different meanings and different spellings. Note that some words count as homophones

Homograph

Definition of Homograph Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. For example, the word “present” in English can either be a noun, in which it is a gift; a verb, in which it means to offer; or an adjective, in which it means something is in a certain place. Some dictionaries such as the Oxford

Verse

Definition of Verse There are a few definitions of verse which are relevant to literature. Originally, a verse referred to a single line of a poem. It has also come to mean any grouping of words in a poem, for example a stanza or, indeed, an entire poem. When used to refer to a poem, verse can be a bit

Refutation

Definition of Refutation A refutation is a statement that proves, or attempts to prove, that another statement is false. Refutations occur in arguments, whether informal or formal. Formal refutations require evidence or logic that contradicts the original statement the speaker wants to disprove. These types of refutations require logos (an appeal to logic or reason). Informal refutations, however, may deal

Slang

Definition of Slang Slang consists of words that are non-standard in a given language and is generally spoken to show inclusion in a certain social group. Social groups can be very small—from just a few friends—to very large, e.g., millions of people who frequent a website. Slang is usually considered informal, and thus is common in speech but not in

Cadence

Definition of Cadence When used in poetry, cadence is the natural rise and fall of sound that contributes to a melodic pattern. Cadence often depends on the inflection of a person’s voice and the place where a writer chooses to end a line, as well as reflecting where a line speeds up and slows down. For example, a question in

Verbal Irony

Definition of Verbal Irony Verbal irony is a form of irony in which someone says or writes something that is in opposition to the person’s true meaning. There must be some indication, however, that the speaker does not exactly mean what she or he says. This can be demonstrated through competing information, tone of voice, etc. This makes verbal irony

Aposiopesis

Definition of Aposiopesis Aposiopesis is the rhetorical device of breaking off in the middle of speech. The sentence or thought is unfinished and the end left to the imagination of the interlocutor or audience. This can signify a speaker’s unwillingness or inability to continue for any number of reasons. Usually these reasons have to do with an extreme emotion interfering

Antanaclasis

Definition of Antanaclasis Antanaclasis is to repeat a word or phrase but with a different meaning than in the first case. Antanaclasis is often used humorously, and is found in many pun examples. For example, at the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence Ben Franklin is quoted as having said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly

Caesura

Definition of Caesura A caesura is a complete stop in a line of poetry. A caesura can be anywhere in a metrical line—it is called an initial caesura if it occurs at or near the beginning of the line, a medial caesura if it is found in the middle of the line, and a terminal caesura if it occurs near

Drama

Definition of Drama Drama is a type of narrative, usually fictional, that is performed. Drama usually involves actors on stage in front of a live audience. Thus, as a narrative mode, there is the assumption that drama requires participation and collaboration between the actors and the audience. It is, of course, possible to read works of drama, yet the full

Monologue

Definition of Monologue A monologue is a speech that one character delivers aloud to express his or her inner thoughts. Monologue examples are most frequently found in drama, though can be found in movies and poems as well. Characters generally present their monologues either to another character or to the audience in the understanding that other characters are able to

Figurative Language

Definition of Figurative Language Figurative language is any figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figurative language, including literary devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and many pun examples, to name just a few. The definition of figurative language is opposite to that of literal

Dramatic Irony

Definition of Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony occurs in a piece of literature when the audience knows something that some characters in the narrative do not. The spectator of a play, or reader of a novel or poem, thus has information that at least some of the characters are unaware of, which affects the way the audience member reacts to the

Meter

Definition of Meter Meter is the rhythm of syllables in a line of verse or in a stanza of a poem. Depending on the language, this pattern may have to do with stressed and unstressed syllables, syllable weight, or number of syllables. Many older and more formal poems contain strict meter, which either continues throughout the entire poem or alternates

Genre

Definition of Genre A genre is any stylistic category in literature that follows specific conventions. Examples of genre in literature include historical fiction, satire, zombie romantic comedies (zom-rom-com), and so on. Many stories fit into more than one genre. The conventions that works follow to be a part of a certain genre change over time, and many genres appear and

Dialogue

Definition of Dialogue Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people in a work of literature. Dialogue can be written or spoken. It is found in prose, some poetry, and makes up the majority of plays. Dialogue is a literary device that can be used for narrative, philosophical, or didactic purposes. The Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was a chief

Setting

Definition of Setting The setting of a piece of literature is the time and place in which the story takes place. The definition of setting can also include social statuses, weather, historical period, and details about immediate surroundings. Settings can be real or fictional, or a combination of both real and fictional elements. Some settings are very specific (Wulfhall in

Situational Irony

Definition of Situational Irony Situational irony occurs when something happens that is very different than what was expected. Every type of irony involves some contrast between what seems to be the case on a surface level and what is really happening. In cases of situational irony, there is often a twist that plays with the expectations of the audience and/or

Quatrain

Definition of Quatrain A quatrain is a stanza in a poem that has exactly four lines. Some quatrains comprise entire poems, while others are part of a larger structure. Quatrains usually use some form of rhyme scheme, especially the following forms: AAAA, AABB, ABAB, and ABBA. Lines in quatrain can be any length and with any meter, but there is

Adynaton

Definition of Adynaton Adynaton is a form of hyperbole in which a statement is so extreme as to imply that it’s impossible. One of the most famous examples of adynaton in English is the phrase, “I’ll believe that when pigs fly.” The clear implication in this phrase is that pigs will never fly, and thus the speaker will never believe

Poetic Justice

Definition of Poetic Justice Poetic justice occurs at the conclusion of a novel or play if and when good characters are rewarded and bad characters are punished. Poetic justice is thus somewhat similar to karma, and can be summed up by the phrases “He got what was coming to him,” or “She got what she deserved.” Note that poetic justice

Malapropism

Definition of Malapropism A malapropism is an incorrect word used accidentally in place of another word with a similar sound. Malapropisms can be humorous because they give rise to nonsensical statements. For example, the common phrase “for all intents and purposes” is often turned into the malapropism “for all intensive purposes.” This phrase is somewhat nonsensical, though in this case

Fable

Definition of Fable A fable is a short piece of fiction that features animals in the role of the protagonist and usually includes or illustrates a moral. A fable can also have other inanimate objects, mythical creatures, or forces of nature as main characters. The distinguishing feature of a fable is the anthropomorphism or personification involved that leads to a

Anticlimax

Definition of Anticlimax An anticlimax is a conclusion that is unsatisfying because is does not meet the expectations that the narrative has been building toward. Some anticlimax examples occur because the solution to a problem is so trivial or comes without the protagonist using any of his or her skills. This can be the case in some deus ex machina

End Stopped Line

Definition of End Stopped Line An end stopped line is a line in verse which ends with punctuation, either to show the completion of a phrase or sentence. End stopped lines occur in poetry when a syntactic unit is contained in one line and the meaning does not continue on to the next line. This is the opposite of enjambment,

Iamb

Definition of Iamb An iamb is a unit of meter with two syllables, where the first syllable is unstressed and the second syllable is stressed. Words such as “attain,” “portray,” and “describe” are all examples of the iambic pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. The iamb is one of the most fundamental metrical feet in English language and poetry. Many

Tautology

Definition of Tautology A tautology states the same thing twice in slightly different wording, or adds redundant and unnecessary words. Tautological reasoning is logic that uses the premise as the conclusions, or is too obvious as to be necessary. For example, saying, “When we get a pet we will either get a dog or some other animal” is tautological, as

Non Sequitur

Definition of Non Sequitur A non sequitur is something said that has nothing to do with what was said previously. Non sequiturs often sound a bit absurd because there is no logical leap from one statement to the next. For this purpose, non sequiturs can be either comical or confusing, or both. The term non sequitur comes from Latin. In

Tragic Flaw

Definition of Tragic Flaw A tragic flaw is an attribute of a character that ultimately leads to their demise. Not surprisingly, this literary device is commonly found in tragedies. Some definitions of tragic flaw maintain that this characteristic must be a weakness or a failing. However, some tragic flaws can instead be elements of someone’s personality that force them to

Innuendo

Definition of Innuendo An innuendo is a veiled remark about someone or something that indirectly insinuates something bad or impolite. When taken literally, an innuendo can sound quite innocent, yet it hides a more unsavory meaning. Innuendoes can be used to criticize or cast aspersions on someone or a particular situation. While some innuendoes can be humorous, they are often

Concession

Concession Definition A concession is something yielded to an opponent during an argument, such as a point or a fact. Concessions often occur during formal arguments and counterarguments, such as in debates or academic writing. A writer or debater may agree with one aspect of his or her opponent’s ideas and yet disagree with the rest. The writer will allow

Thesis

Definition of Thesis A thesis is a statement or central idea that a writer puts forward at the beginning of an argument, and will support throughout the following text. The thesis is a premise that the author believes to be true, and will give evidence for by way of facts or situations that reinforce this central idea. Thesis statements are

Hypophora

Definition of Hypophora A hypophora is a figure of speech in which the speaker both asks a question and immediately answers it. Therefore, a hypophora is not the same as a rhetorical question—which does not necessarily have an answer—as the speaker frames the hypophorical question in order to answer it. Hypophora is often a way of reasoning aloud. Hypophorical questions

Bildungsroman

Definition of Bildungsroman A bildungsroman is a coming-of-age story, which focuses on a narrative of a young adult growing morally and psychologically into an adult. Thus, a bildungsroman is also sometimes called a novel of formation or novel of education. The most important element of a bildungsroman is the character development that the young adult undergoes through the course of

Pentameter

Definition of Pentameter Pentameter is a type of poetic meter formed by five metrical feet per line. A metrical foot is a grouping of one stressed syllable with one to two unstressed syllables that repeats in a regular pattern. We will examine these different types of metrical feet that can make up pentameter lines below. Due to the pattern of

Haiku

Definition of Haiku A haiku is a short poetic form from Japan characterized by juxtaposition, seasonal imagery, and number of on, which are similar to syllables. The form has been adopted into other languages with a focus on the number of syllables; in English, haiku is a three-line poem with phrases of five, seven, and five syllables, respectively. However, in

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