Literary Terms #2

Circumlocution: the use of many words where fewer would do, esp. in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive. "his admission came after years of circumlocution"

Classicism: is a specific genre of philosophy, expressing itself in literature, - Odyssey is a classic Greek story.

Cliché: a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought – “Life is difficult, we need to overcome problems”

Climax: the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. - The climax of the song is the most dramatic part. 

Colloquialism: (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary. - "Hey."

Comedy: professional entertainment consisting of jokes and satirical sketches, intended to make an audience laugh. – Cat’s Cradle is Von’s famous comedy.

Conflict: a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. – The conflict in Twlight is that Edward is a vampire.

Connotation: an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning

Contrast: the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association.

Denotation: the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. - "beyond their immediate denotation, the words have a connotative power"

Denouement: the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

Dialect: a particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.- "this novel is written in the dialect of Trinidad"

Dialectics: the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.

Dichotomy: a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

Diction: the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. -“I always thought insanity would be a dark, bitter feeling, but it is drenching and delicious if you really roll around in it.” 

Didactic: intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive. "Tortoise and the hare." 

Dogmatic: inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

Elegy: a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. - Funeral speeches

Epic: a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.

Epigram: a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way.

Epitaph: a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, esp. as an inscription on a tombstone

Epithet: an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.

Euphemism: a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

Evocative: bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. -