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AP English Language and Composition Literary Terms #4 Flashcards

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11214608302MetonymyA term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.0
11214615689MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.1
11214619786NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.2
11214624452OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.3
11214628319OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness." This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of oxymoron.4
11214633821ParadoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.5
11214645955ParallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition.6
11214660380ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.7
11214663517PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.8
11214667593Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.9

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