Literary Terms Unit 1

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Active voice

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The subject of the sentence performs the action. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. Example: 'Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.'

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Passive voice

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When the subject of the sentence receives the action. Example: 'The car was driven by Anthony.' Passive voice is often overused, resulting in lifeless writing.

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Allusion

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An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.

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Alter-ego

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A character that is used by the author to speak the author's own thoughts; when an author speaks directly to the audience through a character.

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Anecdote

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A brief recounting of a relevant episode that is often inserted into fictional or nonfictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.

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Antecedent

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The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.

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Classicism

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Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures.

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Comic relief

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When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat.

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Diction

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Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning.

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Colloquial

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Ordinary or familiar type of conversation..