Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > English Language Skills
Literary Terms
Binoy:
Rhythm & Rhyme
ছন্দমিল
Definition:
The concept of ‘rhythm and rhyme’ refers to a pattern of rhymes that is created by using words that produce the same, or similar sounds. Rhythm and rhyme together refer to the recurrence of similar sounds in prose and poetry, creating a musical, gentle effect.
Example:
“I am a teapot
Short and stout;
This is my handle
And this is my spout.
When the water’s boiling
Hear me shout;
Just lift me up
And pour me out”
Binoy:
Satire
প্রহসন; ব্যঙ্গ
Definition:
The use of satire in literature refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of satire is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the satire. In general, even though satire might be humorous and may “make fun”, its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.
Example:
An example of satire in modern pop culture is the TV series Southpark that uses satire as it primary medium for drawing attention the flaws in society, especially American society at present. The scripts and writing for the show are an excellent example of satire in written form.
Binoy:
Setting
কাহিনির স্থানকাল
Definition:
In literature, the word ‘setting’ is used to identify and establish the time, place and mood of the events of the story. It basically helps in establishing where and when and under what circumstances the story is taking place.
Example:
In the first installment of the Harry Potter series, a large part of the book takes place at the protagonist, Harry’s, aunt’s and uncle’s place, living in the “muggle” (non-magical) world with the “muggle” folks, and Harry is unaware of his magical capabilities and blood. This setting establishes the background that Harry has a non-magical childhood with other “muggle” people and has no clue about his special powers or his parents and is raised much like, actually worse than, regular people, till his 11th birthday.
Binoy:
Simile
প্রত্যক্ষ তুলনা
Definition:
Similes are one of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. By using similes a greater degree of meaning and understanding is attached to an otherwise simple sentence. The reader is able to better understand the sentiment the author wishes to convey. Similes are marked by the use of the words ‘as’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’.
Example:
He is like a mouse in front of the teacher.
Binoy:
Spoonerism
ধ্বনিবিচ্যুতি
Definition:
Spoonerism refers to the practice of interchanging the first letters of some words in order to create new words or even to create nonsensical words in order to create a humorous setting. While they are often unintentional and known as a “slip of the tongue”, in literature they are welcomed as witty wordplay.
Example:
The phrase “flesh and blood” being spoken as a character as “blesh and flood” in urgency and heightened emotion.
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