Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Lit Terms

Allusion - noun
Function: an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference

Example: The Simpsons television show constantly refers to (some may say, steals from) movies, music, literature etc. In a scene where Principal Skinner is in his office, he suddenly turns to his window and looks out at an old, spooky house while he talks about a tormented relationship with his mother. This is an allusion to the Norman Bates character in the movie Psycho.

Ambiguity - noun ( pl. -ties)
Function: uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language
Example: I can't tell you how excited I enjoyed meeting your dog

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