Literary Terms - 3Rd Set

Front 1

dactyl

Back 1

A stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones,

Front 2

denotation

Back 2

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion,
attitude, or color.

Front 3

denouement

Back 3

The resolution of the plot of a literary work.

Front 4

diction

Back 4

Related to style, diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with
regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be
able to describe an author’s diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain)
and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author’s purpose.
Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author’s style.

Front 5

didactic

Back 5

From the Greek, didactic literally means “teaching.” Didactic words have the
primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical
principles.

Front 6

elegy

Back 6

A lyric poem that laments the dead.

Front 7

elision

Back 7

The omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable to preserve the meter of a line of
poetry.

Front 8

enjambment

Back 8

A run-on line of poetry in which logical and grammatical sense carries
over from one line into the next. An enjambed line differs from an end-stopped line in
which the grammatical and logical sense is completed within the line.

Front 9

epic

Back 9

A long narrative poem that records the adventures of a hero. Epics typically
chronicle the origins of a civilization and embody its central values.

Front 10

epigram

Back 10

A brief witty poem, often satirical.

Front 11

euphemism

Back 11

From the Greek for “good speech,” euphemisms are a more agreeable
or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism
may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor
or ironic understatement. Saying “earthly remains” rather than “corpse” is an example
of euphemism.

Front 12

exposition

Back 12

The first stage of a fictional or dramatic plot, in which necessary
background information is provided.

Front 13

extended metaphor

Back 13

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in
or throughout a work.

Front 14

falling action

Back 14

In the plot of a story or play, the action following the climax of the work
that moves it towards its denouement or resolution.

Front 15

falling meter

Back 15

Poetic meters such as trochaic and dactylic that move or fall from a
stressed to an unstressed syllable.