Lit Terms #2

Circumlocution: the use of many words where fewer would do, esp. in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

Classicism: the following of ancient Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship, esp. from the Renaissance to the 18th century

Cliché: a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

Climax: the decisive point in a narrative or drama; the pint of greatest intensity or interest at which plot question is answered or resolved .

Colloquialism: a word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation.

Comedy: originally a nondramatic literary piece of work that was marked by a happy ending; now a term to describe a ludicrous, farcical, or amusing event designed provide enjoyment or produce smiles and laughter.

Conflict: struggle or problem in a story causing tension.

Connotation: implicit meaning, going beyond dictionary definition.

Contrast: a rhetorical device by which one element (idea or object) is thrown into opposition to another for the sake of emphasis or clarity.

Denotation: plain dictionary definition .

Denouement: loose ends tied up in a story after the climax, closure, conclusion.

Dialect: the language of a particular district, class or group of persons; the sounds, grammar, and diction employed by people distinguished from others.

Dialectics: the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.

Dichotomy: a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

Diction: the style of speaking or writing as reflected in the choice and use of words. 

Didactic:having to do with the transmission of information; education.

Dogmatic:inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

Elegy:a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.

Epic:a long narrative poem unified by a hero who reflects the customs, mores, and aspirations of his nation or race as he makes his way through legendary and historic exploits, usually over a long period of time· (definition bordering on circumlocution). 

Epigram:a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way.

Epitaph:a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, esp. as an inscription on a tombstone.

Epithet:an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.

Euphemism:the use of an indirect, mild or vague word or expression for one thought to be coarse, offensive, or blunt. 

Evocative (evocation):bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.