Literature

Literature

Of or pertaining to the art of writing in any form or style, most especially published works.

19Categories 66119Terms

Add a new term

Contributors in Literature

Become a Contributors

Literature > General literature

dramatic monologue

Literature; General literature

A type of lyric poem in which a character (the speaker) addresses a distinct but silent audience imagined to be present in the poem in such a way as to reveal a dramatic situation ...

dramatic irony

Literature; General literature

See irony.

drama

Literature; General literature

The specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action", which is derived from "to do". The enactment of drama in theatre, ...

doggerel

Literature; General literature

A derogatory term used to describe poetry whose subject is trite and whose rhythm and sounds are monotonously heavy-handed.

didactic poetry

Literature; Poetry

Poetry designed to teach an ethical, moral, or religious lesson. Michael Wigglesworth's Puritan poem Day of Doom is an example of didactic poetry.

diction

Literature; General literature

A writer’s choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning. Formal diction consists of a dignified, impersonal, and ...

dialogue

Literature; General literature

The verbal exchanges between characters. Dialogue makes the characters seem real to the reader or audience by revealing firsthand their thoughts, responses, and emotional states.