Glossary
Archetypes
Recurring patterns of characters, situations, themes, or symbols that represent universal human experiences and are found across various cultures and stories.
Example:
The 'hero's journey' is a common archetype seen in countless myths and stories, from Odysseus to Luke Skywalker.
Contextual Symbols
Symbols whose meaning is specific to the particular text or situation in which they appear, requiring careful interpretation of the surrounding details.
Example:
The conch shell in Lord of the Flies is a contextual symbol of order and civilization, its meaning derived entirely from its role within that specific narrative.
Extended Metaphors
A metaphor that is developed and sustained throughout a significant portion of a text, often using various related images and comparisons.
Example:
In a poem, if a writer consistently describes life as a journey, with references to paths, obstacles, and destinations across multiple stanzas, they are employing an extended metaphor.
Interpretation
The process of analyzing a text to determine its meaning, especially the deeper, non-literal meanings conveyed through literary elements.
Example:
After reading a complex poem, a student's essay might offer an interpretation of its themes, supported by textual evidence.
Metaphors
A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as,' stating that one thing *is* another to create a deeper understanding.
Example:
When a character says, 'My love is a red, red rose,' they are using a metaphor to equate their affection with the beauty and passion of a flower.
Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, involving the strategic use of language to influence or persuade an audience.
Example:
A politician's speech might employ powerful rhetoric through emotional appeals and logical arguments to sway public opinion.
Style
The distinctive way an author uses language, encompassing elements like imagery, diction, syntax, and figurative language, to create a unique voice and effect.
Example:
Ernest Hemingway's style is characterized by short, declarative sentences and minimal description, creating a terse and direct tone.
Symbolism
The use of objects, characters, or ideas to represent something else, adding layers of meaning to a text.
Example:
The recurring image of a wilting rose in a novel might be an example of symbolism, representing the decay of a relationship.
Symbols
An object, character, or idea that stands for something else, often an abstract concept, within a literary work.
Example:
In The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a powerful symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future.
Universal Symbols
Symbols that carry a widely recognized and understood meaning across different cultures and contexts.
Example:
A white dove is a universal symbol of peace and purity, understood globally without specific textual context.