Poetry and Drama Terms

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What is an oxymoron?

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An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, such as 'deafening silence'.

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What is a conflict in literature?

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A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external, driving the plot of a story.

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What is a paradox?

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A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory or illogical but may reveal a deeper truth, such as 'less is more'.

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What is assonance?

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Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, often used to create rhythm or enhance mood.

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What is hyperbole?

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Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, such as 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse'.

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What is a protagonist?

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The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing challenges and driving the narrative forward.

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What is an antagonist?

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An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.

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What is a foil in literature?

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A foil is a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities.

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What is dramatic irony?

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Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or humor.

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What is personification?

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Personification is a literary device where human traits are attributed to non-human entities, such as 'the wind whispered'.