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Terms for subject Literature (1061 entries)

anthology	A selection of work by different writers. Sometimes the volume will be of a particular genre, e.g. post-colonial literature, or dedicated to a particular period, e.g. metaphysical poetry.
anthropomorphism	When non-humans are given human abilities to think and speak.
anti-climax	Any incident of let-down when an anticipated climax is not realized.
anti-hero	A protagonist who exhibits unheroic characteristics.
anti-novel	An experimental type of fiction, which intentionally challenges the conventions of the traditional novel. Some possible aspects include alternative beginnings and endings.
anti-Semitic literature	Literature that disparages Jewish people or encourages racist attitudes toward them. A great deal of the religious literature produced in medieval and Renaissance Europe engaged in anti-Semitism.
antiphonal	A poem or hymn which is divided into two parts. Each part responds to or echoes the other
antithesis	An argument set up in opposition to a thesis. See oxymoron, paradox
aphorism	a short, condensed, sometimes witty saying, close in meaning to maxim or proverb
aporia	A key term in deconstruction theory. Aporia defines the point where contradictory meanings in a text cause "deconstruction" or the breakdown of a/the idea
aposiopesis	Deliberate break in a speech leaving it incomplete. This can have a powerful and intimidating effect
apostrophe	A figure of speech where an object or abstract entity is addressed
appreciation	This examination term suggests that more than just a line by line mechanical analysis of a piece of text is required, and that the candidate must show a more in-depth understanding of the effects of various techniques.
archaism	Old or outdated words or syntax which are intentionally used for effect.
Area Governor of Area 11	AG11
argument	A line of reasoning, or a summary of a plot.
Aristotle	A Greek philosopher who lived from 384 BC to 322 BC. Aristotle wrote on numerous subjects including poetry, physics, music, politics and biology. He was the student of Plato. Alongside Plato and Socrates, Aristotle is considered an important figure to the founding of Western knowledge.
2. The Shakespearean sonnet (or English sonnet)	arranged in three quatrains, where each rhyme is distinct. There is a final, rhymed couplet that creates a unifying peak to the entire sonnet. Its rhyme scheme is generally abab, cdcd, efef, gg.
Arthur Miller	American dramatist and playwright (1915 -2005) He won the Pulitzer prize for drama. Many of his plays are about the American dream.
Arthurian legend	Semi-historical narratives of a King named Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.