Definition of Amplification Amplification is a rhetorical device writers use to embellish a sentence or statement by adding further information. The objective is to increase readability and worth of the statement or sentence. They usually use it when a simple…
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Tricolon
Definition of Tricolon Tricolon is a rhetorical term that consists of three parallel clauses, phrases, or words, which happen to come in quick succession without any interruption. The origin of this rhetorical device is traced to the Greek word tricolon,…
Surrealism
Definition of Surrealism The term surrealism indicates a specific thought and movement in literature, the arts, and theatre, which tries to integrate the confused realms of imagination and reality. The proponents of surrealism endeavor to mix up the differences of…
Motivation
Definition of Motivation In literature, “motivation” is defined as a reason behind a character’s specific action or behavior. This type of behavior is characterized by the character’s own consent and willingness to do something. There are two types of motivation:…
External Conflict
Definition of External Conflict External conflict is a struggle that takes place between the main character and some outside force. Therefore, it is outside the body of the protagonist. Usually, it occurs when the protagonist struggles against the antagonist, a…
Sestet
Definition of Sestet Sestet originates from the Italian word sestetto, which means “sixth.” The famous Italian poet Petrarch was the first to have introduced this poetic form in Italian sonnet. This is the second part of the sonnet, while the…
Scansion
Definition of Scansion In literature, scansion means to divide the poetry or a poetic form into feet by pointing out different syllables based on their lengths. Scansion is also known as “scanning,” which is, in fact, a description of rhythms…
Static Character
Definition of Static Character A static character is one that does not undergo inner changes, or undergoes a little change. It is a character that does not develop or grow, such as Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. In fact, this…
Round Character
Definition of Round Character A round character in a novel, play, or story is a complex personality. Like real people, they have depth in feelings and passions. For instance, in the movie “Shrek,” the main character says “‘Ogres are like…
Dynamic Character
Definition of Dynamic Character Like a round character, a dynamic character also undergoes changes throughout the narrative, due to conflicts he encounters on his journey. A dynamic character faces trials and tribulations, and takes time to learn from his encounters,…
Romance
Definition of Romance Etymologically, romance comes from Anglo-Norman and Old French romanz, which means a story of chivalry and love. The word “romance” also refers to romantic love. As far as literature in concerned, the term has an entirely a…
Flat Character
Definition of Flat Character A flat character is a type of character in fiction that does not change too much from the start of the narrative to its end. Flat characters are often said not to have any emotional depth.…
Attitude
Definition of Attitude Generally, attitude is a behavior a person adopts toward other people, things, incidents, or happenings. In literature, the term “attitude” can be referred as perspective or tone of the writer he adopts in a certain work. It…
Rhyme Scheme
Definition of Rhyme Scheme Rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme that comes at the end of each verse or line in poetry. In other words, it is the structure of end words of a verse or line that a…
Moral
Definition of Moral Derived from the Latin term “morālis,” moral means a message conveyed by, or a lesson learned from, a story, a poem, or an event. It is not necessary that the author or the poet has clearly stated…
End Rhyme
Definition of End Rhyme If you have ever sung a song or read a poem aloud, you must have encountered end rhymes, because these are a common type of rhyming pattern used in a poetic structure. End rhyme occurs when…
Nostalgia
Definition of Nostalgia The term nostalgia, or the feeling of homesickness, has been derived from a Homeric term, “nostos,” which means homecoming. Homer used this term in his epic Odyssey, to show how homesick Odysseus grew when he freed himself…
Foot
Definition of Foot The literary device “foot” is a measuring unit in poetry, which is made up of stressed and unstressed syllables. The stressed syllable is generally indicated by a vertical line ( | ), whereas the unstressed syllable is…
Examples of Themes in Popular Songs
Definition of Theme in Song Songs, like literature and poetry, have a tendency to reflect the same themes many times over. Instead of using just words, the musicality of the songs adds another level. Take a look at these ten…
A Huge List of Common Themes
Literature Themes in literature are often varied and hidden. Sometimes you can get through an entire book and not realize what the author meant. However, this is a good basic list that you can build from. Remember that some books…