Glossary P

Glossary P

Pacing

The speed or rhythm at which a story or scene unfolds, often used to create tension or suspense.

  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Pantheism

    A religious or philosophical belief that identifies the divine or spiritual within all aspects of the natural world.

  • Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
  • Parables

    Short stories or allegories that convey moral or spiritual lessons through metaphor and symbolism.

  • Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
  • Paradox

    A statement or situation that contains contradictory or seemingly impossible elements.

  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Allegory vs. Symbol: Understanding Meaning (Compared)
  • Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
  • Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
  • Paradoxical expression understanding

    The ability to comprehend and interpret expressions or statements that contain contradictory or seemingly impossible elements.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Paradoxical statement

    A statement that contradicts itself but still holds some truth.

  • Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
  • Paradoxical thinking

    A type of thinking that involves holding two seemingly contradictory ideas or beliefs at the same time.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Parody

    A humorous imitation of a work of art, often exaggerating or mocking its style or content.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Literature (Explained)
  • Past events

    Events that have already occurred and are no longer happening in the present.

  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Pathetic fallacy

    The attribution of human emotions and traits to inanimate objects or nature.

  • Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
  • Pathos

    An appeal to the reader’s emotions to create a connection with the text.

  • Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
  • Perception

    The way in which something is interpreted or understood by an individual.

  • Symbol vs. Metaphor: Identifying Differences (Compared)
  • Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
  • Perfect form

    A poem that adheres to strict rules of meter, rhyme, and structure.

  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Perfect Society

    An idealized vision of a society that is free from conflict, inequality, and other social problems.

  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Performance

    The act of presenting or executing a work of art, such as a play, musical composition, or dance.

  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Personal anecdote

    A brief, personal story used to illustrate a point or convey a message.

  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Personal experience

    An event or series of events that an individual has lived through and can draw upon for writing.

  • Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
  • Personality traits

    The distinguishing qualities or characteristics of an individual’s personality.

  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Personalization

    The use of personal experiences or emotions in a poem.

  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Personal narrative

    A story told from the author’s own perspective, often based on personal experiences.

  • Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
  • Personal stories

    Narratives based on the author’s own experiences and observations.

  • Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
  • Personal storytelling

    The use of personal experiences and anecdotes to convey a message or theme in a piece of writing.

  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Personification

    A literary device in which non-human objects or animals are given human characteristics or qualities.

  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
  • Allegory vs. Symbol: Understanding Meaning (Compared)
  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
  • Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
  • Symbol vs. Metaphor: Identifying Differences (Compared)
  • Personification giving human qualities to non-human things

    A literary device in which non-human objects or animals are given human characteristics or qualities.

  • Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
  • Perspective

    The point of view or attitude from which a piece of writing is presented.

  • Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
  • Petrarchan sonnet

    A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and structure.

  • Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
  • Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)
  • Phonetic elements

    The individual sounds that make up words, including consonants and vowels.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Phonetic imitation

    The act of mimicking speech sounds to improve pronunciation.

  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Phonetic patterns

    The repetition of sounds or syllables in words to create a specific effect, such as alliteration or assonance.

  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Phonetic repetition

    The intentional repetition of sounds, such as consonants or vowels, for emphasis or effect in a poem.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Phonetics

    The study of speech sounds and their production.

  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Phonetic similarity patterns

    The use of words with similar sounds, such as alliteration or assonance, in a poem.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Phonological features

    The study of the sound system of a language, including phonemes, syllables, and stress patterns.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Phonosemantics

    The study of how sounds in language convey meaning.

  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Photographs and illustrations

    Visual aids used to enhance written communication.

  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Plosives

    Consonant sounds produced by a sudden release of air, such as “p,” “b,” and “t.”

  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Plot

    The sequence of events that make up a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)
  • Plot development

    The progression of a story’s events and characters, including the introduction of conflict and resolution.

  • Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Plot vs. Theme: Core Components (Clarified)
  • Quatrain vs. Couplets: Ballad Formats (Compared)
  • Plot device

    Plot device – A literary technique used to advance the plot, such as a cliffhanger or deus ex machina.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Plot structure

    The organization and development of a story’s events, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
  • Plot structure evaluation

    The analysis and assessment of the organization and development of a story’s plot.

  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
  • Plot twists

    Unexpected changes in the direction or outcome of a story that surprise and engage the reader.

  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Plot vs. Theme: Core Components (Clarified)
  • Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
  • Plot twists – Unexpected changes to the storyline which can create new tensions for protagonists/antagonists

    Plot twists – Unexpected changes to the storyline which can create new tensions for protagonists/antagonists.

  • Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
  • Poetic composition

    The process of creating a poem, including drafting, revising, and editing.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Poetic Devices

    Poetic Devices – Techniques used in poetry to create a desired effect, such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Quatrain vs. Couplets: Ballad Formats (Compared)
  • Refrain vs. Chorus: Ballad Repetition (Defined)
  • Rhythm vs. Meter: Ballad Framework (Explained)
  • Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)
  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Poetic devices overview

    An introduction to the various techniques used in poetry to create meaning and enhance the reader’s experience.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Poetic expression

    The use of language to convey emotion, imagery, and meaning in poetry.

  • Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
  • Poetic form

    The specific type or style of poem, such as sonnet, haiku, or free verse.

  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
  • Poetic language

    Language that is elevated, imaginative, and often metaphorical.

  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
  • Poetic language techniques

    The use of literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, and personification, in poetry.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Poetic meter

    The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem.

  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Poetic structure

    The organization and arrangement of a poem’s lines, stanzas, and other elements.

  • Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Poetic techniques

    Literary devices used in poetry, such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Poetry

    A form of literature that uses language to evoke emotion and imagery.

  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
  • Rhythm vs. Meter: Ballad Framework (Explained)
  • Poetry analysis

    The examination and interpretation of a poem’s meaning, structure, and language.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Poetry forms

    Different structures and styles of poetry, such as sonnets, haikus, and free verse.

  • Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)
  • Poetry structure

    The organization and arrangement of lines, stanzas, and other elements in a poem.

  • Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
  • Point of view

    The perspective from which a story is told.

  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
  • Allegory vs. Symbol: Understanding Meaning (Compared)
  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)
  • Point-of-view- Perspective from which narrative is told (first-person/third-person)

    Point-of-view – The perspective from which a narrative is told, such as first-person or third-person.

  • Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
  • Politeness

    The act of showing respect and consideration towards others in communication.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Politeness in language

    The use of language that is respectful and considerate towards others.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Politeness strategies

    Techniques used to show respect and deference to others in communication.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Politeness theory

    The study of how people use language to maintain social harmony and avoid conflict.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Political correctness

    The use of language and behavior that avoids offense towards marginalized groups.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Political satire

    The use of humor and irony to criticize political or social issues.

  • Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Literature (Explained)
  • Political systems

    The structures and institutions that govern and regulate political activity within a society.

  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Polysemy

    Polysemy – The ability of a word or phrase to have multiple meanings or interpretations.

  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Pop culture phenomena

    References to popular culture in literature.

  • Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Literature (Explained)
  • Popularity

    The degree to which a piece of writing or author is widely read or recognized.

  • Rhythm vs. Meter: Ballad Framework (Explained)
  • Positive interactions

    Communication exchanges that promote mutual understanding and respect between individuals.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Positive language

    Language that is optimistic, encouraging, and focuses on strengths rather than weaknesses.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Postmodernism

    A literary movement that challenges traditional narrative structures and conventions.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Postscript

    A note or message added at the end of a letter or document.

  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Postscript usage

    The addition of a note or message at the end of a letter or document.

  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Power dynamics

    The relationships and interactions between individuals or groups that involve the exercise of power and influence.

  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Praise verse

    A poem that expresses admiration or appreciation for a person, place, or thing.

  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Preface

    An introductory section of a book that provides context or background information for the reader.

  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Professionalism

    The conduct, behavior, and communication style expected in a professional setting.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Professionalism in speech

    The use of language and communication that is appropriate and respectful in a professional setting.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Prologue

    An introductory section of a literary work that provides background information or sets the stage for the story.

  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Propaganda

    Information or messaging designed to influence or manipulate public opinion, often with a political or ideological agenda.

  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Prose

    Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.

  • Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
  • Prosody

    The study of the rhythm, meter, and intonation of poetry.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Prosody assessment

    The evaluation of a poem’s rhythm, meter, and sound patterns.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Protagonist

    The main character in a literary work.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
  • Proto-language

    Proto-language – A hypothetical, reconstructed language that is the ancestor of a group of related languages.

  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Proverb

    Proverb – A short, traditional saying that expresses a common truth or piece of advice.

  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Psychological depth

    The complexity and depth of a character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

  • Plot vs. Theme: Core Components (Clarified)
  • Psychological persuasion techniques

    Methods used to influence the reader’s thoughts or actions.

  • Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
  • Psychological projection

    The use of a character’s thoughts and emotions to reveal deeper aspects of their personality and psyche.

  • Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
  • Psychological realism

    The portrayal of characters’ inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations in a realistic manner.

  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Psychological terror

    The use of fear and psychological manipulation to create a sense of horror or suspense in a work of literature.

  • Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
  • Psychological triggers

    Words or phrases that evoke an emotional response in the reader.

  • Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
  • Pun

    A play on words that uses multiple meanings or sounds of a word for humorous effect.

  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Literature (Explained)
  • Punctuation

    The use of marks such as commas, periods, and dashes to clarify meaning and structure in writing.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)