Does it matter if you don't know the difference between a metaphor and a simile? Maybe not, unless knowing guarantees an "A" on a test or keeps you from feeling embarrassed during a conversation about literature.
Anyword, we haven't had a TIP TUESDAY in ages, so we'll go over some literary terms today:
- Allusion--words that make a brief reference to something in history or literature. An allusion adds meaning to your reading if you know the reference.
- Anachronism--something placed in a time period when it doesn't yet exist.
- Anagram--a word made out of the letters of another word. My favorite anagram is God and dog.
- Anecdote--a little story or description of an incident that usually has some connection to the truth and might briefly describe something such as meeting a person who made a difference in one's life. I have heard anecdote pronounced as "antidote" a number of times and it bugs the heck out of me.
- Apocalyptic--literature that predicts the future of the world (usually its ending).
- Apology--its older meaning is defense but it doesn't have to be an expression of regret.
- Aside--an actor on the stage addresses the audience but is not heard by the other actors. In a movie or TV show, it might be called "breaking the fourth wall" (an actor looks into the camera and speaks as if saying something directly to viewers).
- The Great Awakening--usually associated with Jonathan Edwards, it's a period of very emotional religion in America that was at its most prominent around 1740-1745,
Now, it's your turn: can you provide an example for any of these terms?
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Source: A Handbook to Literature by C. Hugh Holman and William Harmon.
No examples here. Brain too tired, body too annoyed, and heading to bed--LOL! But I am always glad to hear about words. ;)
ReplyDeleteI know you need regular sleep.
DeleteThe dinosaurs with political power in both your country and mine are true anachronisms. And how I wish they were extinct.
ReplyDeleteI'm familiar with all these terms except for "The Great Awakening" so thanks for that info.
ReplyDeleteI learned about The Great Awakening in a U.S. History class.
DeleteThanks for the refresher course! We all can use one from time to time. Love the knock-knock joke. I'm going to steal it :)
ReplyDeleteI stole it so you should feel free to do so.
DeleteI remember reading a book about cave people (maybe one of Jean Auel's Clan books?) and the author had the main character describing newly fallen snow on evergreen trees as being like the top of a carousel . . . would that be considered an anachronism or just a mistake that slipped through?
ReplyDeleteIt's an anachronism, but it might be one that slipped through.
DeleteI've been guilty of all the above. Lock me up.
ReplyDeleteWe're all guilty.
DeleteI need a constant refresher course in all things. I may have added some anachronism to my historical novel, quite by accident. If anyone points any out, I will claim I did it as a literary device.
ReplyDeleteA wise plan.
DeleteYou're a good teacher.
ReplyDeleteIf the Great Awakening is anything like an orgasm, I can't wait!
Love ya.
Uh, no. Definitely not.
DeleteYour anecdote/antidote example is only one of a seemingly endless list of similar goofs, like allusion and illusion, insure and ensure, etc. (On a related note, even though "adaption" is defined as a perfectly good substitute for the more preferable "adaptation", I'll never use it!)
ReplyDeleteAdaption? I don't think I've ever seen that.
DeleteWell I flunked english at school so I am clueless and need all the tips I can get
ReplyDeleteYou're not clueless. I love your blog.
DeleteHi Janie - I love anagrams ... while I often need to look terms up - yet seem to use them quite happily ... maybe I get them right, or perhaps others aren't sure either. I like EC's comment ... and I've been using 'whom' recently ... me and I: heaven alone knows - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteSometimes I learn that I've been using a term incorrectly. It's rare for someone to point it out. I don't know if people are being nice to me or they don't know what's correct.
DeleteThis was great, English is a fascinating language. So easy to learn, yet so complex. Or is it complicated? What's the difference there?
ReplyDeleteIt's complex AND complicated.
DeleteI don't need no stinkin' rules--I talk good!!
ReplyDeleteyou right good too
DeleteEver since auto correct came along, we've all been a mess. You see why we need you, Janie?
ReplyDeleteI would love a lesson on the difference between awhile and a while!
Then I think that should come up soon because it drives me crazy. Auto correct is nice when it's correct.
DeleteThe knock knock joke is priceless. I use the phrase "to whom" and my son accuses me of being outdated and archaic. I tell him I prefer the word "correct".
ReplyDeleteI also use "to whom" and sometimes people look at me as if I'm insane.
DeleteI LOVE Tip Tuesday. Thanks, Janie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us, my dear.
DeleteYes! I'm proud to say that not one of these was new to me. I must be doing my due diligence as both an author and a home school parent, eh?
ReplyDeleteI think anagrams are my favorite, because I like to play word games and those types are the common ones I play.
ReplyDeleteAnachronisms: I once read a YA book where the medieval children were making paper airplanes out of parchment paper to amuse themselves while confined to their rooms. Uh . . . nope.
Is there an antidote to the mispronunciation or usage of anecdote? If so, can you tell me a little story about it?
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed - the "anecdote" for a dreary day.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was absolutely fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat deal of great information & this can be useful some or maybe the other way.
Keep updating your blog,anticipating to get more detailed contents thanks for sharing.
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