Lit terms Unit 1

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Colloquial

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Ordinary or familiar type of conversation.

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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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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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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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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other.

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Allusion

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An indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.

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Paradox

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A statement that contradicts itself but may nonetheless be true.

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Imagery

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

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Symbolism

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The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.