Literary Lexicon - "D" Trivia Quiz

Answer: doggerel

Doggerel refers to a form of verse characterized by its irregular rhythm, crudeness, and often trivial or poorly constructed content. It typically employs simple, awkward, or trivial rhymes and rhythms that may appear forced or comically inept. Doggerel is often used pejoratively to describe verse that lacks the sophistication and artistry typically associated with serious poetry. It can be employed deliberately for satirical or comedic effect, or it may inadvertently reflect the poet's lack of skill.

A real-world example of doggerel can be seen in the works of Ogden Nash, who famously used the form for humorous and satirical purposes. Nash's poem "The Turtle" is a playful instance: "The turtle lives 'twixt plated decks / Which practically conceal its sex. / I think it clever of the turtle / In such a fix to be so fertile." Here, Nash employs simple rhymes and a whimsical tone, characteristics of doggerel, to create a light-hearted and entertaining poem.

Answer: diction

Diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression that an author uses in their writing. This encompasses vocabulary, syntax, and figurative language, all of which contribute to the tone and mood of the work. Diction can be formal, informal, colloquial, or slang, depending on the context and the effect the author wishes to achieve. Effective diction is crucial as it influences how readers perceive and react to the text, shaping their understanding and engagement with the narrative, as well as determining its authenticity.

A real-world example of a specialized form of diction at play is in Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved." Morrison's use of poetic, vivid, and sometimes fragmented diction enhances the haunting and emotional depth of her narrative. For instance, her choice of words conveys the profound complexities of her characters' experiences and the historical setting of post-Civil War America. The diction in "Beloved" not only reflects the psychological realities of the characters but also the cultural context of African American history and identity.

Answer: dissonance

Dissonance is the deliberate use of unharmonious or jarring sounds within a piece of writing, particularly in poetry. This technique creates a sense of instability, which can evoke a particular emotional response from the reader or underscore the thematic discord in the narrative. Dissonance is often used to convey tension, conflict, or the chaotic nature of a subject matter through the cacophony of sounds that clash rather than blend smoothly.

An example of dissonance in literature is found in Wilfred Owen's poignant World War I poem "Strange Meeting." Owen uses dissonance to enhance the nightmarish quality of a soldier's encounter with an enemy combatant in the afterlife. The poem's lines such as "And by his smile, I knew that sullen hall,- / By his dead smile I knew we stood in Hell," incorporate harsh consonant sounds and an unsettling rhythm that disrupts the lyrical flow. These dissonant elements echo the horror and surrealism of war, mirroring the psychological turmoil and shattered landscapes that Owen describes.

Answer: denouement

The term "denouement" refers to the final resolution or conclusion of a narrative's plot. It follows the climax and unravels the complexities of the story, resolving any remaining conflicts and mysteries, and clarifying the fates of the characters. The denouement helps to provide closure by tying up loose ends and explaining the outcomes of earlier events, ensuring that the narrative reaches a coherent and satisfying conclusion.

A classic example of a denouement can be found in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." In this novel, the denouement occurs after the emotional climax of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy's mutual declarations of love. The subsequent chapters detail the outcomes for other characters such as Lydia Bennet, Mr. Wickham, Jane Bennet, and Mr. Bingley. Austen skillfully resolves each character's storyline, providing a comprehensive conclusion that reinforces the novel's themes of love, social status, and personal growth. Through the denouement, Austen ensures that all questions are answered and the moral implications of the characters' choices are fully explored, allowing readers to leave the story with a sense of completion and satisfaction.

Answer: dystopia

Dystopia is a literary term used to describe an imagined world or society that is flawed, oppressive, or nightmarish, often serving as a cautionary tale about current social, political, or technological trends. This genre presents a future or alternate reality where negative societal norms have become exacerbated, leading to a world that is typically characterized by totalitarian governments, environmental devastation, or extreme poverty and inequality. Dystopian narratives explore the consequences of societal choices and behaviors, illustrating the potential dangers that might result from unchecked political power or technological advancements.

A widely-discussed example of dystopian literature is George Orwell's "1984." This novel envisions a totalitarian regime that exercises absolute control over every aspect of human life, most notably through the manipulation of language and pervasive surveillance. Orwell's depiction of a society dominated by "Big Brother" serves as a dire warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and state control. Through "1984," Orwell explores themes of privacy, freedom, and truth, offering a stark vision of what might become of our world should we fail to recognize and counteract the potential abuses of power.

Answer: didactic

Didactic literature refers to a type of literature that is primarily intended to instruct or educate the reader, often imbued with a moral or ethical lesson. This genre aims not just to entertain, but to provoke thought, encourage ethical reasoning, or impart a specific set of knowledge or philosophy. Didactic literature often directly addresses the reader, employing narratives, characters, and plots that exemplify moral dilemmas and resolutions that align with the intended lesson.

A prime example of didactic literature is "Aesop's Fables." These short tales use the actions of animals to illustrate important life lessons. Each fable concludes with a moral, explicitly stated, guiding the reader toward a specific ethical truth or principle. For instance, "The Tortoise and the Hare" teaches the value of persistence and the dangers of overconfidence through the story of a slow tortoise winning a race against a fast but careless hare. Aesop's method is effective because it simplifies complex moral philosophies into memorable, accessible narratives.

Answer: double entendre

A double entendre is a literary device that employs a phrase or expression with two distinct interpretations, where one meaning is typically straightforward and the other is suggestive, risqué, or ironic. This technique relies on the ambiguity of language to offer a dual interpretation, often to humorous or provocative effect. Double entendres enhance the complexity of dialogue or narrative, allowing writers to communicate on multiple levels simultaneously.

An example of a double entendre can be found in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." In a famously witty exchange, Hamlet converses with Ophelia during the play-within-a-play scene. He asks Ophelia, "Lady, shall I lie in your lap?" When Ophelia responds, "No, my lord," Hamlet retorts, "Do you think I meant country matters?" Here, "country matters" operates as a double entendre. On one level, it could innocently refer to rural affairs or topics. However, it also phonetically mirrors a vulgar term for female genitalia, which aligns with the more bawdy and sexually suggestive undercurrent of their conversation.

Answer: dactyl

In poetic meter, a dactyl is a type of metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. This pattern creates a rhythmic, dance-like quality in poetry, offering a lively and dynamic cadence. The dactyl is particularly prevalent in classical Greek and Latin poetry but is also utilized in modern English verse to introduce variation and momentum within the poetic line.

An example of dactylic meter can be found in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Evangeline." The poem famously begins with the line: "This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks." There are multiple dactyls, but it is perhaps easiest to see them with the word "murmuring," with the emphasis falling on the first syllable followed by two lighter syllables. Longfellow's use of dactylic meter throughout the poem helps convey a melodic and natural flow.

Answer: deus ex machina

In literary terms, "deus ex machina" refers to a plot device wherein a seemingly unsolvable problem is abruptly resolved by the unexpected intervention of a new character, ability, or object. Originating from ancient Greek theater, the phrase literally translates to "god from the machine," referencing the stage machinery that would lower a god onto the stage to resolve the conflicts of the play. In modern literature and film, this device is often criticized for being a convenient but unsatisfying resolution that can undermine the story's credibility.

A well-known example of deus ex machina occurs in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." Near the climax, as Frodo and Sam are stranded on Mount Doom after the ring is destroyed, they are rescued by giant eagles who fly in unexpectedly to save them from certain death amidst the erupting volcano. This sudden rescue, while providing a dramatic and emotional conclusion, is often debated among critics and fans as a deus ex machina because it resolves the protagonist's dire predicament in an extraordinarily convenient and somewhat unanticipated manner.

Answer: digression

Digression refers to a temporary departure from the main subject or narrative in a piece of writing to explore a seemingly unrelated topic or detail. This device allows authors to provide background information, develop character depth, introduce secondary themes, or elaborate on ideas that, while not central to the main plot, enrich the reader's understanding of the story or themes. Digressions can offer insightful diversions that enhance the narrative's richness and complexity, although they risk disrupting the narrative flow if not skillfully integrated.

An example of digression can be found in Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick." Throughout the novel, Melville frequently digresses from the central plot of Ahab's quest to hunt the white whale. One famous digression is the detailed exposition on the types and classifications of whales in Chapter 32, "Cetology." Here, Melville steps away from the narrative to deliver an encyclopedic treatise on whales, which, while seemingly unrelated to the plot, serves to deepen the theme of the novel by emphasizing the vast, unknowable nature of the sea and its creatures.