Vocabulary: "Mississippi

Solo" and "Polar Dream"

November 28, 2016

theme

Noun
A message about life or human nature that usually has to be inferred from a text.
Examples of themes: unrequited love, the circle of life, coming of age, the value of
something seemingly unimportant, good vs. evil, the strangeness in family
relationships, friendship and loyalty

style
Noun
An author's style is the voice they choose to tell you their story with. It's HOW they
choose to tell you their story.
Examples of types of style include: formal, informal, journalistic, flowery, plain (there
are many more)
Here's the idea "He died" in different styles.
Formal: He has passed away.
Informal: He kicked the bucket.
Journalistic: At 11:53 pm on Tuesday, January 5, he was struck by a train.
Flowery: He has shuffled off this mortal coil.
Plain: He died.

memoir

Noun
A kind of nonfiction writing where the writer recalls actual events they've experienced.
Memoirs are usually written in first-person perspective.
Memoirs are normally conversational, personal, and describe how the author arrived at
a changed attitude or new understanding based on their experience.

figurative language

Noun
A way of using words that adds meaning or emotional impact beyond the literal
meaning of the words. Different techniques for figurative language are called "figures
of speech."

personification

Noun
Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Ex. That piece of pie is calling my name.
Ex. The flowers were begging for water.

simile

Noun
Comparing two unlike things using the words "like" or "as"
Ex. Last night, I slept like a log.
Ex. His heart was as cold as ice.

metaphor

Noun
Comparing two unlike things without using the words "like" or "as"
Ex. She was drowning in a sea of tears.
Ex. My sister is a cold-hearted snake.

imagery

Noun
Using language that appeals to the senses. Imagery can contain similes, metaphors,
and other figures of speech. You'll know it's also imagery if it creates a vivid picture in
your mind.
Ex. Like the sunflower, I yearn to turn my face to the dawn. I am waiting for the day.
Ex. I see skies of blue and clouds of white: the bright, blessed day; the dark, sacred
night. And I think to myself: what a wonderful world.