Paradox

Definition Paradox is a statement, proposition, or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but in fact is or may be true. Etymology The English term paradox was borrowed during the mid-16th century from the Late Latin noun paradoxum, which the Latin speakers adopted from the Greek...

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Mock-epic

Definition Mock-epic (also called mock-heroic or heroi-comic) is a long narrative poem written in mock-heroic style, intended to be humorous. More specifically, mock-epic is a parody of the epic style or manner by treating a trivial subject seriously. Discussion The terms mock-epic, mock-heroic,...

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Hyperbole

Definition Hyperbole is a figure of speech through which a statement or assertion is made with an obvious exaggeration of fact. In other words, it is a way of expression that makes a person or thing better or worse, or larger or smaller than he/it really is. Etymology The term hyperbole originated...

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Allusion

Definition Allusion, in literature, is a figure of speech, which refers to a brief implied or indirect reference to a person, event, thing, or to a part of another text. In other words, allusion is an inexplicit hint to some piece of knowledge that the author presumes the reader will know. Most allusions...

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Personification

Definition Personification is a frequently employed figure of speech in literature. With this device, the human traits are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. More specifically, personification refers to treating objects and intangible things as persons without giving them human shape. Let...

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Character in Literature

Definition A character refers to a fictional person portrayed by the author in a play, novel, short story, or poetry. Sometimes animals and objects are also adopted as characters, but they are presented by means of personification. Characters play a vital role in the development of the central theme...

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Word Formation Process

Definition Word Formation Process (also called Morphological Process) is a means by which new words are produced either by modification of existing words or by complete innovation, which in turn become a part of the language. Types of Word Formation Processes Different types of word formation processes...

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Theme in Literature

Definition Theme refers to the general topic or subject, or the main idea in a literary work such as, a story, an essay, or a narrative. Some common examples of themes include: love, friendship, war, crime, punishment, death, revenge, nature, isolation, etc. Characteristics The basic characteristics...

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D.H. Lawrence Quick Facts

D.H. Lawrence 20th century English novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, and literary critic, best known for his 1928 infamous novel Lady Chatterley's Lover. Profile Birth Name: David Herbert Richards Lawrence AKA: D.H.  Lawrence Date of Birth: 11 September 1885 Place of Birth:...

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Quotations by George Orwell

GEORGE ORWELL (1903-1950), 20TH CENTURY BRITISH WRITER “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work,...

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