Literary Lexicon - "A" Trivia Quiz

Answer: anachronism

Anachronism, within literary discourse, pertains to the intentional or unintentional insertion of elements--be they cultural, technological, linguistic, or conceptual--that are temporally incongruous within the context of a narrative. This literary device disrupts the chronological flow of a text by introducing elements that do not align with the historical period or setting depicted. Purposeful anachronisms serve multifaceted functions, ranging from thematic reinforcement to narrative disruption and characterization.

For instance, in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," the use of a mechanical clock in ancient Rome would be an anachronism, as mechanical clocks did not exist during that period. In modern times, anachronistic elements are often seen in a negative light and many might consider the clock's inclusion to be caused by carelessness. Yet, many of Shakespeare's works can be scoured to find other similar anachronisms, and in this instance, the clock (which can be found in the assassin Brutus' garden) brings attention to itself, thereby creating an intensification of the themes and other literary elements, such as allegory or suspense, in the work.

By employing such temporal disjunctions, authors can prompt critical reflections on historical accuracy, challenge conventional interpretations of time, and imbue narratives with layers of irony and complexity.

Answer: anecdote

An anecdote refers to a brief narrative or account of an incident, often drawn from personal experience or observation, and typically used to illustrate a point or evoke a particular response from the reader. It serves as a storytelling device that adds depth and vividness to a narrative by providing concrete examples or instances that elucidate broader themes or ideas. Anecdotes are characterized by their brevity and specificity, allowing them to resonate with readers on a personal level while also contributing to the overall coherence and persuasiveness.

In the real world, anecdotes are usually shared orally amongst groups of people who are close in nature. In literature, an anecdote can be a story told by a character to other characters (such as the various anecdotes the characters of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" share with one another). It can also refer to a more general narrative anecdote in which the narrator of the novel itself goes into an anecdotal digression and tells a secondary story to the reader.

While anecdotes mainly serve the purpose of persuasion in an entertaining and effective way, it is important to note that the reliability of the narrator or character telling them needs to be taken into account. An anecdote from an unreliable narrator, for example, might be persuasive to other characters in the book, but for the reader (who knows better), it provides an instance of dramatic irony.

Answer: aphorism

An aphorism refers to a concise and often pithy statement that encapsulates a profound truth or observation about life, human nature, or the human condition. These expressions are characterized by their brevity, clarity, and universality, allowing them to convey complex ideas or moral principles in a succinct and memorable manner. Aphorisms often serve as memorable nuggets of wisdom that resonate with readers due to their insightful and thought-provoking nature.

One of the most renowned writers of aphorisms, Benjamin Franklin is said to have written, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This statement showcases Franklin's belief in the virtues of diligence, discipline, and industriousness. By advocating for the habit of going to bed and waking up early, Franklin underscores the importance of conscientious time management and the cultivation of productive habits.

Answer: alliteration

Alliteration is a literary device characterized by the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring or closely positioned words within a sentence or phrase. This deliberate repetition of sounds serves to create a rhythmic and melodious effect, enhancing the auditory effect of the text and enhancing it with a sense of harmony and cohesion. Alliteration is often employed for its aesthetic qualities, adding texture and musicality to language, and sometimes for its mnemonic function, aiding in memorization and recitation.

Alliteration may be used in both prose and poetry to great effect. In "Paradise Lost" by John Milton, we can see the lines "Behemoth biggest born of earth upheaved / His vastness: Fleeced the flocks and bleating rose". The repeated utilization of the letters "B" and "F", consonants with somewhat forceful pronunciations, add strength to the lines in addition to the pleasing qualities of the repetition itself.

Answer: apologia

An apologia refers to a formal defense or justification of one's beliefs, actions, or writings. It typically involves the articulation of arguments or explanations intended to vindicate the author's stance or perspective, often in response to criticism, controversy, or misunderstanding. An apologia serves as a rhetorical strategy employed by authors to address and refute accusations, clarify intentions, or assert the validity of their positions. This literary device can take various forms, including essays, speeches, or autobiographical narratives, and is characterized by its persuasive and argumentative nature.

A famous example of an apologia is Plato's "Apology", in which Socrates defends himself against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Through his eloquent defense, Socrates seeks to vindicate his philosophical pursuits and affirm his commitment to truth and moral integrity, thereby offering a compelling apologia for his life and teachings.

Answer: allusion

An allusion refers to a subtle or indirect reference made within a text to another literary work, historical event, mythological figure, cultural symbol, or well-known person, place, or thing. Allusions are employed by authors to enrich the depth and complexity of their writing by evoking associations, connections, or connotations that extend beyond the immediate context of the text. By drawing on shared cultural knowledge or literary traditions, allusions invite readers to engage in intertextual interpretation, recognizing and deciphering the significance of the referenced elements. These references may serve various functions, including adding layers of meaning, enhancing characterization, establishing thematic resonance, or underscoring the universality of human experience.

For instance, in T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land," the line "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" is often considered an allusion to Genesis 3:19, ("For dust you are, and to dust you shall return") and Ecclesiastes 3:20 ("all come from dust, and to dust all return"). While the poem doesn't directly state that they are taking from Biblical scenes, the reference can be picked up upon by those who have read both. Perhaps dust, in and of itself, is not fearsome, but once a reader has picked up on the allusion to the biblical meaning, the "handful of dust" comes to symbolize mortal life and the inescapable nature of death.

Answer: archaism

An archaism refers to the deliberate or non-deliberate use of words, phrases, or linguistic forms that have become obsolete or antiquated in contemporary language usage. Authors can purposefully employ archaisms to evoke a sense of antiquity, formality, or historical authenticity within their texts. By incorporating archaic language elements, writers seek to give their work a sense of timelessness, evoke specific historical periods or cultural contexts, or lend an air of literary elegance or sophistication. Archaic language can include obsolete vocabulary, syntax, grammar, or spelling conventions that may be unfamiliar or outdated to modern readers.

We can see Ernest Hemingway's intentional use of archaism in "For Whom the Bell Tolls", where he has adopted an antiquated form of speaking in English to remind the reader that the characters are in Spain, where the use of "usted" and "tu" are important distinctions. The following lines of dialogue are from the character Robert Jordan:

"Then they were walking along the stream together and he said, 'Maria, I love thee and thou art so lovely and so wonderful and so beautiful and it does such things to me to be with thee that I feel as though I wanted to die when I am loving thee.'"

Answer: anthropomorph-ism

Anthropomorphism refers to the attribution of human characteristics, behaviors, or emotions to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or natural phenomena. This literary device involves imbuing inanimate or non-human beings with human-like traits, motivations, or abilities, often for the purpose of enhancing narrative depth, creating empathy, or conveying complex themes through a distant lens. Anthropomorphism allows authors to interpret the world around them in different ways, transforming abstract concepts or natural phenomena into relatable and personified entities.

A classic example of anthropomorphism can be found in George Orwell's allegorical novella "Animal Farm", where farm animals such as pigs, horses, and sheep are depicted with distinct human-like personalities and behaviors, serving as allegorical representations of political figures and societal dynamics. By anthropomorphizing the animals and giving them a plausible distancing from their sources, Orwell is able to effectively critique human nature, power dynamics, and the corrupting influence of authority in a way that might not be possible if the characters were themselves human.

Answer: antithesis

Antithesis is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, words, or phrases within a sentence or across sentences or paragraphs. This rhetorical device involves the deliberate placement of contrasting elements to highlight their differences and create a vivid and impactful contrast. Antithesis serves to emphasize the significance of each opposing idea by setting them in opposition to one another. In simpler terms, antithesis can be understood as the presentation of contrasting concepts or ideas for the purpose of emphasis or rhetorical effect.

A notable example of antithesis can be found in Charles Dickens's novel "A Tale of Two Cities," where the famous opening line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," juxtaposes the notions of prosperity and adversity, setting the stage for the novel's exploration of contrasting themes such as love and sacrifice, chaos and order, and revolution and redemption. Through the strategic use of antithesis, Dickens not only establishes a thematic framework for his narrative but also captures the tumultuous spirit of the historical period in which the novel is set.

Answer: autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre characterized by a narrative account of a person's life, written by that individual themselves. In essence, it is a self-written account of one's own life experiences, encompassing various aspects such as personal history, significant events, relationships, and reflections on identity and growth. Autobiographies provide insights into the author's thoughts, emotions, and perspectives, offering readers a firsthand glimpse into the author's life journey. This genre is distinguished from biography, which is written by someone other than the subject.

A compelling real-world example of autobiography is "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank. This poignant and influential work chronicles Anne Frank's experiences as a Jewish teenager hiding from Nazi persecution during World War II. Through her diary entries, Anne provides a deeply personal and introspective account of her life in hiding, documenting her fears, hopes, and aspirations amidst the backdrop of the Holocaust. Anne's autobiography not only serves as a historical record of the atrocities of war but also resonates with readers on a deeply human level.