Literary Terms Flashcard 2024-2025

Front

What is an archetype in literature?

Back

An archetype is a typical character, action, or situation that represents universal patterns of human nature. Examples include the Hero, the Mentor, and the Villain.

Front

Which character is NOT a typical archetype?

Back

Superman is not a typical archetype in literature or cinema.

Front

What is an allegory?

Back

An allegory is a symbolic device in which characters or events in a story represent or symbolize ideas or concepts.

Front

What is the climax of a story?

Back

The climax is the most exciting or intense part of the story, where the protagonist often undergoes a significant change.

Front

What is an anagram?

Back

An anagram is a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another, such as 'below' becoming 'elbow'.

Front

What is alliteration?

Back

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words, such as 'The quiet quetzals quibbled to the queen.'

Front

Provide an example of alliteration.

Back

An example of alliteration is 'The baby boy babbled something about Brooklyn to his babysitter.'

Front

What is the purpose of a literary archetype?

Back

Literary archetypes serve to create relatable characters and situations that resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods.

Front

What does the term 'protagonist' refer to?

Back

The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing challenges and undergoing personal growth.

Front

What is a 'theme' in literature?

Back

A theme is the central idea or message that runs throughout a literary work, often reflecting on human experiences.