Download King Henry VI Part 1

Sophomore Honors Lit Terms Definitions
Allegory: A story in which people, things and actions represent an idea or a generalization about life; all
allegories often have a strong moral or lesson
Alliteration: repetition of a beginning consonant sound in two or more words of phrase.
Allusion: a reference in literature to a familiar person, place or thing.
Ambiguity: The quality or state of being ambiguous: unclearness or uncertainty of meaning
Anachronism: The representation of something as existing or occurring at other than its proper historical
time.
Anaphora: the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines.
*We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the
seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall
defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the
landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall
never surrender. Churchill.
Antagonist: is the person or thing working against the protagonist, or hero of the work
***protagonist- the main character or hero of the story
Anecdote: a short summary of an interesting or humorous, of the biographical incident or even
Anacoluthon: lack of grammatical sequence; a change in the grammatical construction within the same
sentence.
*Agreements entered into when one state of facts exists -- are they to be maintained regardless of
changing conditions? J. Diefenbaker
Anti-hero: A central charactering a work of literature who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as
courage, physical prowess, and fortitude. Anti-heroes typically distrust conventional values and
are unable to commit themselves to any ideals. They generally feel helpless in a world over which
they have no control. Anti-heroes usually accept, and often celebrate, their positions as social
outcasts.
A well-known anti-hero is Yossarian in Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22.(Compare with
Antagonist, Hero, and Protagonist.)
Aphorism: a brief statement
Apostrophe: The sign used to indicate omission of a letter or letters from a word, the possessive case, and
the plurals of numbers, letters, and abbreviations.
Archetype: an original model or type after which other similar things are patterned.
Aside: Dialogue supposedly not heard by an actor in a play
Assonance: resemblance especially of vowel sounds in words.
Asyndeton -n- a condensed form of expression in which elements customarily joined by conjunctions are
presented in a series with out conjunctions.
ex: "I came, I saw, I conquered."
Cacophony/ Euphony -n- Jarring, discordant sound/agreeable sound, especially of words pleasing to the
ear.
Caesura -n- A pause in a line of verse dictated by sense or speech rhythm than metrics.
Carpe Dium- Latin meaning: Seize the day! Commonly used in lyric poems
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Catharsis -n- A purging of the emotions as a result of experiencing, especially a dramatic work of art
Characterization: The method an author uses to reveal or descrive characters and their various
personalities.
Classic: Of the literature from the time of the Greeks or Romans.
Classicism/neoclassicism: A movement or tendency in art, music, and literature to retain the
characteristics found in work originating in classical Greece and Rome. It differs from Romanticism in that
while Romanticism dwells on the emotional impact of a work, classicism concerns itself with form and
discipline.
Climax: The most intense part of a story. AS series of struggles or conflicts build a story or play towards
climax.
Colloquial: The characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation.
Confidant: A character in a drama or fiction, such as a trusted friend or servant, who serves as a device for
revealing the inner thoughts or intentions of a main character.
Conflict: The problem or struggle in a story that triggers action. There are 5 basic types of conflict:
 Interpersonal – Person vs person. This is where one character in the story has some problem with
another character in the same story.
 Person vs. Society – A character has a problem with the some element of society(school, the law,
the accepted way of doing things)
 Person vs. Self – A character has a problem deciding what to do in a certain situation.
 Person vs. Nature – A character has a problem with nature.
 Person vs. Fate a character must battle with what seems to be an uncontrollable problem.
Connotation/Denotation: The denotation of a word is it’s literal meaning. The connotations are everything
else that the word suggests or implies. For example, in the phrase the dark forest, dark denotes a relative
lack of light. The connotation is of danger, or perhaps mystery or quiet; we’d need more information to
know for sure, and if we did know with complete certainty that wouldn’t be connotation, but denotation. In
many cases connotation eventually so overwhelms a word that it takes over the denotation. For example
livid is supposed to denote a dark purple-red color like that of a bruise, but it has been used so often in the
context of extreme anger that many people have come to use livid as a synonym for rage, rather than a
connotative description of it.
Controlling image: When the image dominates and shapes the entire work, it’s called a controlling image.
Crisis: An unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty.
Denouement: The final resolution or outcome of a play or story.
Deus ex Machina: “God of a machine” – something brought out so abruptly in plot to resolve conflict.
Device used in many classical plays.
Diction: Choice/arrangement of words in a selection.
Dramatic monologue: Character speaking about his/herself as if someone else is present; words of the
speaker will reveal something about their lives; soliloquy.
Elegy: Poem or song in memory of someone’s death.
Epigram: A motto or quotation at the beginning of a book or chapter.
Epiphany – A sudden perception that causes a character to change or act in a different way.
Epistle: A letter, especially a long, formal, instructive letter; now used humorously.
Ethos/Pathos: The characteristic attitudes, habits, beliefs, etc. of an individual or group.
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Euphemism: The use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct, but considered less distasteful or
offensive than another.
Excerpt: To select or quote (a passage from a book), extract; passage selected or quoted from a book.
Existentialism-a philosophical and literary movement which emphasizes existence rather than essence and
holds man responsible for his actions which causes man to feel fear and anxiety
Figurative Language-language that goes beyond the normal meaning of the words used
Flashback-a part in any piece of literature in which interrupts the plot to show events that happened earlier
Foil- a character who is the contrast of another character
Folk Tale-Anonymous tradition originally passes down orally from generation to generation
Foreshadowing-use of clues to hint at events that will occur later in the plot
Genre- A type or category of literature or film marked by certain shared features or convention
Gothic-a term that is used much more loosely than originally intended to refer to gloomy or frightening
literature
Hamartia (Tragic Flaw)-a tragic flaw, especially a misperception, a lack of some important insight, or some
blindness that ironically results from one’s own strengths and abilities which leads to the character’s
downfall
Hubris-a negative term implying both arrogant, excessive self-pride or self confidence and also a hamartia,
a lack of some important perception or insight due to pride in one’s abilities
Imagery-language that appeals to the senses
Irony (Verbal, Situational, Dramatic)Verbal-a speaker makes a statement in which the actual meaning differs sharply from the meaning
that the words ostensibly express
Dramatic-a situation in which a narrative in which the reader knows something about present of
future circumstances that the character does not know
Situational-accidental events occur that seem oddly appropriate, such as the poetic justice of a
pickpocket getting his own pocket picked
Legend-a widely told story of the past, one that may or may not have a foundation in fact often reflecting
on a people’s identity or culture values generally with some historical truth and less emphasis on
supernatural than a myth
Melodrama-a dramatic form characterized by excessive sentiment, exaggerated motion, sensational and
thrilling action, and an artificially happy ending
Metaphor-a comparison or analogy stated in such a way as to imply that one object is another, figuratively
speaking
Metaphysical-describes the style of certain poets earlier in the 17 th century that implies the poetry is
abstract and highly complex
Motif-a conspicuous reoccurring element, such as a type of incident, a device, a reference, or verbal
formula, which appears frequently in works of literature
Mythology-a system of stories about the gods, often explicitly religious in nature, that were once believed
to be true by a specific cultural group, but may no longer be believed as literally true by their decedents
Narrative-is the act of telling a sequence of events, often in chronological order; any story involving events,
characters, and what the characters say or do
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Naturalism-a literary movement seeking to depict life as accurately as possible, without artificial distortions
of emotion, idealism, and literary convention
Oxymoron is two opposite words attached together 9ex. Pretty ugly)
Paradox is a similar to an oxymoron
Parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing:
Persona (mask) is the mask or façade presented to satisfy the demands of the situation or the environment
and not representing the inner personality of the individual; the public personality
Personification is giving human qualities to animals or objects
Plot is the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story also
called storyline.
Point of view is the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook
from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters.
Polysyndeton- The repetition of connectives or conjunctions in close succession for rhetorical effect, as in
the phrase here and there and everywhere.
Prose- A literary medium that attempts to mirror the language of everyday speech. It is distinguished from
poetry by its use of unmetered, unrhymed language consisting of logically related sentences. Prose is
usually grouped into paragraphs that form a cohesive whole such as an essay or a novel
Pun- A play on words that have similar sounds but different meanings
Realism-A nineteenth-century European literary movement that sought to portray familiar character,
situations, and settings in a realistic manner. This was done primarily by using an objective narrative point
of view and through the buildup of accurate detail. The standard for success of any realistic work depends
on how faithfully it transfers common experience into fictional forms. The realistic method may be altered
or extended, as in stream of consciousness writing, to record highly subjective experience
Rhetorical devices- A use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for
literal significance
Slice of life: n. An episode of actual experience represented realistically and with little alteration in a
dramatic, fictional, or journalistic work.
Soliloquy: Speech you make to yourself. A (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of
unspoken reflections
Stream of consciousness: Writing in which a character's perceptions, thoughts, and memories are
presented in an apparently random form, without regard for logical sequence, chronology, or syntax. Often
such writing makes no distinction between various levels of reality--such as dreams, memories, imaginative
thoughts or real sensory perception.
Style: The manner of expression of a particular writer, produced by choice of words, grammatical
structures, use of literary devices, and all the possible parts of language use. Some general styles might
include scientific, ornate, plain, emotive. Most writers have their own particular styles.
Subplot: A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or drama. Most subplots have some
connection with the main plot, acting as foils to, commentary on, complications of, or support to the theme
of, the main plot. Sometimes two opening subplots merge into a main plot.
Syllogism: A form of reasoning in which two statements are made and a conclusion is drawn from them. A
syllogism begins with a major premise ("All tragedies end unhappily.") followed by a minor premise
("Hamlet is a tragedy.") and a conclusion (Therefore, "Hamlet ends unhappily.").
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Symbolism: A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well.
Things, characters and actions can be symbols. Anything that suggests a meaning beyond the obvious.
Some symbols are conventional, generally meaning the same thing to all readers. For example: bright
sunshine symbolizes goodness and water is a symbolic cleanser.
Syntax: (Greek 'together arrangement'): a term designating the way in which words can be arranged and
modified to construct sentences. Writers characteristically use syntactic sub-ordination when they aim for a
highly formal effect, and syntactic co-ordination when they aim for a simpler, more straightforward effect.
Terza rima: A three-line stanza rhymed aba, bcb, cdc.
Theme: The main thought expressed by a work, the meaning of the work as a whole. Essay questions may
ask for discussion of the theme or themes of a work or may use the words "meaning" or "meanings."
Tone: The manner in which an author expresses his or her attitude; the intonation of the voice that
expresses meaning. Tone is described by adjectives, and the possibilities are nearly endless. Often a single
adjective will not be enough, and tone may change from chapter to chapter or even line to line.
Transcendentalism-any system of philosophy emphasizing the intuitive and spiritual above the empirical
and material
Trilogy- a group of three dramatic or literary works related in subject or theme
Understatement: A statement which lessens or minimizes the importance of what is meant. For example,
if one were in a desert where the temperature was 125 degrees, and if one describes the thermal conditions
saying "It's a little warm today." that would be an understatement.
Verisimilitude: The quality of appearing to be true or real. Something that has the appearance of
being true or real.
Vicarious Experience: Felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of
another. Endured or done by one person substituting for another.
Vignette: (French, "little vine"): A short composition showing considerable skill, especially such a
composition designed with little or no plot or larger narrative structure. Often vignettes are descriptive or
suggestive in their nature.
Villanelle: A genre of poetry consisting of nineteen lines--five tersest and a concluding quatrain. The form
requires that whole lines be repeated in a specific order, and that only two rhyming sounds occur in the
course of the poem.
Voice: Distinct from the terms PERSONA, NARRATOR and TONE, voice is associated with the basic
vision of a writer, her general attitude toward the world.
Literary Periods
Romantic Period: An international movement which flourished in Britain from circa 1770-1832, a period
that historically encompasses the American and French revolutions, the end of the European slave
trade, the birth of modern feminism and human rights, the rise of empire, and Europe's first
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ecological crises. The term can be misleading: by 'Romantic', we don't mean 'love literature'
(although there is some of that). Instead, the term comes from the idea of the medieval 'romance', a
narrative or mythic tale about an individual. Romantic literature emphasizes the power of the
imagination and the value of emotional and subjective ways of experiencing the world. Although
traditionally associated with the poetry of Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Keats, William
Wordsworth, and S.T. Coleridge, Romanticism also includes Gothic and romance novels, science
fiction, travel and adventure narratives, and a good deal of poetry written by women. Other
traditional authors include Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, William Blake, Anne Radcliffe, Robert
Southey, and William Godwin. Current hot topics include Romanticism and eco-criticism; the
sonnet revival and early women who began the Romantic movement; Romantic travel writing and
the rise of empire; Romanticism and America.
Victorian Period: This period of British history bears the name of Queen Victoria, who reigned from
1837 to 1901. Since regnal years rarely coincide perfectly with literary periods, sometimes people refer to
the Victorian period from roughly 1832 (when the Reform Bill was passed) until around 1900. Many of us
have vivid mental pictures of Victorian England: a Charles Dickens Christmas, Sherlock Holmes in London
by gaslight, headlines announcing Jack the Ripper's latest victim. large country estates where ladies make
social calls and attend lavish parties. While there is some truth in these images, this enormously long era
was primarily notable for (1) a highly productive period of achievement in art and literature; (2) a
stupendous rate of technological change: the Industrial Revolution gathers pace; (3) a huge growth in
urbanization and (4) revolutionary changes in the ways we think about ourselves as human beings (Darwin,
Marx, Freud etc).
Stages of plot:
 Exposition: In drama, the presentation of essential information regarding what has occurred prior
to the beginning of the play. In the exposition to William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," two
servants of the house of Capulet discuss the feud between their master and the house of Montague,
thereby letting the audience know that such a feud exists and that it will play an important role in
influencing the plot.
In the exposition to the film "Star Wars," Luke Skywalker sees a 3D holograph projection of the
Princess Lea warning that she is a prisoner of Darth Vader and begging for help.
 Inciting Incident: The inciting incident connects the story before the play begins to the story told
on stage.
 Rising action: The series of struggles that build a story towards climax.
 Climax: Usually the most intense point of a story.
 Falling action: Portion of the story that works out the decision arrived at during the climax.
 Resolution: The denouement, where the problems are solved
Genres
Autobiography-the story of one’s own life written or dictated by oneself
Biography-an account of a person’s life written by another
Drama-a literary composition that tells a story by means of dialogue and action
Epic-long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of
a particular society
Essay-short piece of nonfiction that examines a single subject from a limited point of view
Fable/Parable: A very brief story that teaches by means of comparison. The teacher telling the story draws
the story’s action from familiar situations. Ex. Jesus often taught in parables like the account in the bible of
The Sower and the Seed.
Farce: Literature based on a highly humorous and highly improbable plot. Ex. Arsenic and Old Lace
Novel/Novella: Is a lengthy fictional work with a story revealed by the speech, action, and thoughts of
characters. A novella is shorter than a novel but longer than a short story. Ex. To Kill a Mockingbird is a
novel and Anthem is a novella.
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Short Story: A brief fictional work with a story revealed by the speech, action, and thoughts of characters.
Ex. The Gift of the Magi
William Shakespeare’s Tragedies
Antony and Cleopatra
The story of Mark Antony, Roman military leader and triumvir, who is madly in love with Cleopatra,
Queen of Egypt
Coriolanus
The last of Shakespeare's great political tragedies, chronicling the life of the mighty warrior Caius Marcius
Coriolanus.
Hamlet
Since its first recorded production, Hamlet has engrossed playgoers, thrilled readers, and challenged actors
more so than any other play in the Western canon. No other single work of fiction has produced more
commonly used expressions.
Julius Caesar
Although there were earlier Elizabethan plays on the subject of Julius Caesar and his turbulent rule,
Shakespeare's penetrating study of political life in ancient Rome is the only version to recount the demise
of Brutus and the other conspirators.
King Lear
The story of King Lear, an aging monarch who decides to divide his kingdom amongst his three daughters,
according to which one recites the best declaration of love.
Othello
Othello, a valiant Moorish general in the service of Venice, falls prey to the devious schemes of his false
friend, Iago.
Macbeth
One of Shakespeare's most stimulating dramas. "Macbeth" is an exciting, thought-provoking, and,
ultimately, tragic story.
Romeo and Juliet
Celebrated for the radiance of its lyric poetry, "Romeo and Juliet" was tremendously popular from its first
performance. The sweet whispers shared by young Tudor lovers throughout the realm were often referred
to as "naught but pure Romeo and Juliet."
Timon of Athens
Written late in Shakespeare's career, "Timon of Athens" is often criticized as an underdeveloped tragedy.
Read the play and see if you agree.
Titus Andronicus
A sordid tale of revenge and political turmoil, overflowing with bloodshed and unthinkable brutality.
The Merchant of Venice
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
16 comedies:
Much Ado about Nothing
Taming of the Shrew
The Tempest
All’s Well That Ends Well
Troilus and Cressida
As You Like It
Twelfth Night
The Comedy of Errors
Two Gentlemen of Verona
Cymbeline
Winter’s Tale
Love’s Labour Lost
11 Tragedies:
Measure for Measure
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Antony and Cleopatra
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Coriolanus
King Henry VI Part 3
Hamlet
King Henry VIII
Julius Caesar
King John
King Lear
Richard II
Macbeth
Richard III
Othello
Romeo and Juliet
Timon of Athens
Titus Andronicus
10 Histories:
King Henry IV Part 1
King Henry IV Part 2
King Henry V
King Henry VI Part 1
King Henry VI Part 2
Grammatical Terms –
Antecendent – a word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers
Appositive - a noun phrase that renames or describes another noun phrase, with no linguistic element
intervening between them
Auxiliary verb – a supplemental verb that helps the main verb
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Linking verbs - those indicating a state of being rather than an action
Action verb - the main action in a sentence of having some kind of motion
Noun clauses - perform the same functions in sentences that nouns do
Adjective clauses - perform the same function in sentences that adjectives do, they modify nouns
Adverb clauses - show relationships such as time, cause and effect, contrast, and condition
Independent clause - a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought
Dependent - group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought
Loose / periodic sentences - a sentence in which the main clause or its predicate is withheld until the end
e.g. - Despite heavy winds and nearly impenetrable ground fog, the plane landed safely.
Phrases - two or more words in sequence that form a syntactic unit that is less than a complete sentence
Verbs
Transitive – a verb (or verb construction) that does take an object
Intransitive - a verb (or verb construction) that does not take an object
Verbals
Gerund – a noun formed from a verb
Infinitive – the uninflected form of the verb "to + verb"
Participle – a form of a verb that can function independently as an adjective
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