NEA response and administration Key Terms

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other, enriching the meaning of both.

Stream of Consciousness

A narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings of a character, often disregarding conventional structure.

Theme

The central idea or message conveyed in a literary work.

Characterization

The method by which an author builds and develops characters in a narrative.

Foil

A character that contrasts with another character to highlight particular qualities.

Narrative Perspective

The angle or viewpoint from which a story is told, affecting reader interpretation.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story, often contributing to the theme.

Diction

The choice of words and style of expression that an author uses in writing, which can convey tone and character.

Narrative voice

The format or perspective from which a story is told, influencing how the reader perceives the events.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts, where one text references or echoes another, enriching meaning.

Theme

The central idea or message conveyed in a literary work.

Characterization

The process by which an author reveals the personality of a character.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other.

Metafiction

A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundary between fiction and reality.

Gothic literature

A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and an emphasis on emotion and individualism, often set in dark, mysterious locations.

Irony

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used to create humor or emphasize a point.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, enhancing the meaning of a text.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other, enriching meaning and interpretation.

Bildungsroman

A literary genre focusing on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message in a literary work.

Theme

The central idea or message conveyed in a literary work.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.