Literary terms

1. M.K. Bhavnagar University Dept. Of English
NAME: Trivedi Disha Hiteshbhai
ROLL NO: 40
M.A SEM-1
BATCH OF YEAR: 2015-17
Paper No: 3 (Literary theory and criticism)
Topic: Define Literary Terms
Submitted to: M.K..B.U.Department of English

2.  Diction: Diction is the choice of language used by
the speaker or writer. selection and arrangement of
words in speech and writing.
 Students used a “Diction” in class, at home, at work with
friend.
Dryden early used the word ‘Diction’ when he said, there
appears in every part of Horace's diction or (to speak
English) in all his expressions. A kind of Nobel and bold
parity.
Example: To a friend,
“A screw-up”
To a child,
“A mistake”

3.  Plot / Conflict :
Plot is the struggle found in fiction plot may be internal
external is best seen in
1) Man in conflict with another man.
2) Man in conflict with in nature.
 Plot is also narrative of events, the emphasis falling on
causality.
Example:
“The king child and then the queen child”
is a story
“The king child and then the queen child of grief”
is a plot.

4.  Tragedy:
 Definition of tragedy…
 Tragedy is kind of drama that presents a serious subject matter
about human suffering and corresponding terrible events in a
dignified manner.
 According to Aristotle definition of tragedy.
 The tragic effect will be stronger if the hero is “better than we
are” in that he is higher than ordinary moral worth.
 In English literature we have many e.g., like,,..
 “Hamlet” By William Shakespeare,
 “Doctor Faustus” By Christopher Marlowe,
 “The White devil” By john Webster…

5. Tragic Hero:
 A tragic hero has the potential for greatness but is doomed to
fail. He is trapped in a situation where he cannot win. He
makes some sort of tragic flaw, and this causes his fall from
greatness. Even though he is a fallen hero, he still wins a moral
victory, and his spirit lives on.
 TRAGIC HEROES ARE:
 BORN INTO NOBILITY:
 RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN FATE,
 MEET A TRAGIC DEATH,
 FOR ALL TRAGIC HEROES THE AUDIENCE IS AFFECTED BY
PITY and/or FEAR.

6. Catharsis:
 Definition of Catharsis:
 Catharsis is a figure of speech in which writers use
mixed metaphors in an inappropriate way to create
rhetorical effect. Often, it is used intentionally to create
a unique expression. Catharsis is also known as an
exaggerated comparison between two ideas or objects
 Features of Catharsis:
Mixed metaphors are good examples of catharsis and
writers often use them to create rhetorical effects. They are
used to express extreme alienation or heightened emotions.
Catharsis is considered as a mistake in language as it may
change the meanings of words.

7. Example :
 ‘I do not ask much:
I beg cold comfort’…
Hamartia:
 Hamartia is a personal error in a protagonist personality
that brings about his tragic downfall in a tragedy. This
defect in a hero’s personality is also know as a ‘Tragic
flaw’.
 E.g.,,
 “To be or not to be” that is the question.

8. Criticism
Theorical
criticism
Mimetic criticism
Pragmatic
criticism
Practical criticism
Expressionism
criticism
Objective
criticism