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AP English Literature Terms Flashcards

sources of definitions are The Princeton Review (TPR) and Barron's AP study guides. and class notes that Mr. Enns distributed :)

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2503422285abstractan abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research0
2503422286adagea saying/proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language1
2503422287allegorya story in which the narrative/characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical or possibly an ethical meaning2
2503422288alliterationthe repetition of one or more initial consonant in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose. writers use this for ornament or for emphasis3
2503422289allusiona reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea4
2503422290ambiguitya vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation5
2503422291anachronisma person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time/era in which the work is set6
2503422292analogya comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things7
2503422293annotationa brief explanation,summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature8
2503422294antagonista character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict9
2503422295antithesisa rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences10
2503422296aphorisma short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment11
2503422297Apollonianin contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior12
2503422298apostrophea locution that addresses a person/personified thing not present13
2503422299archetypean abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model/form14
2503422300assonancethe repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose15
2503422301ballada simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited; a long narrative poem, usually in very regular meter and rhyme, typically has a naive folksy quality16
2503422302barda poet, in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment17
2503422306Bildungsromana German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal18
2503422307blank versepoetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton. its lines generally do not rhyme19
2503422308bombastinflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects20
2503422309burlesquea work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation; a broad parody and exaggerates it into ridiculousness21
2503422310cacophonygrating, inharmonious sounds22
2503422311caesuraa pause somewhere in the middle of a verse, often (but not always marked by punctuation)23
2503422312canonthe works considered most important in national literature or period; works widely read and studied24
2503422313caricaturea grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things; a portrait that exaggerates a facet of personality25
2503422315catharsisa cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy26
2503422318climaxthe high point, or turning point, of a story/play27
2503422319novela tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. the character may develop understanding via disillusionment, education, doses of reality, or any other experiences that alter his/her emotional/intellectual maturity. e.g. Invisible Man28
2503422320conceita witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language; a startling or unusual metaphor, or a metaphor developed and expanded upon several lines29
2503422321anticlimaxthis occurs when an action produces far smaller results than one had been led to expect, it is frequently comic in effect30
2503422322antiheroa protagonist who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities31
2503422323asidea speech (usually just a short comment) made by an actor to the audience, as though momentarily stepping outside of the action on stage32
2503422324aspecta trait of characteristic, as in "an aspect of the dew drop"33
2503422325atmospherethe emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene34
2503422327cadencethe beat or rhythm of poetry in a general sense35
2503422328cantois a divider in long poems, much like chapters in a novel36
2503422329coinagea.k.a. neologism, inventing a word37
2503422330colloquialismthis is a word or phrase used in everyday conversational English that isn't a part of accepted "schoolbook" English38
2503422331controlling imagewhen an image dominates and shapes the entire work39
2503422333connotationthe suggest or implied meaning of a word/phrase40
2503422334consonancethe repetition of two or more consonant sounds within a group of words or a line of poetry41
2503422335coupleta pair of lines that end in rhyme42
2503422336heroic couplettwo rhyming lines in iambic pentameter are called this43
2503422337denotationthe literal, dictionary definition of a word44
2503422338denouementthe resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work or fiction45
2503422341dictionthe choice of words in oral and written discourse46
2503422342syntaxthe ordering and structuring of the words in a sentence47
2503422343dirgea song for the dead, its tone is typically slow, heavy, and melancholy48
2503422344dissonancethe grating of incompatible sounds in poetry49
2503422345doggerelcrude, simplistic verse, often in sing-song rhyme50
2503422346dramatic ironywhen the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not51
2503422347dramatic monologuewhen a single speaker in literature says something to a silent audience52
2503422348elegya poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing/death of something/someone of value53
2503422349elementsthe basic techniques of each genre of literature. IN SHORT STORY: characters, irony, theme, symbol, plot, setting. IN POETRY: figurative language, symbol, imagery, rhythm, rhyme. IN DRAMA: conflict, characters, climax, conclusion, exposition, rising action, falling action, props. IN NONFICTION: argument, evidence, reason, appeals, fallacies, thesis.54
2503422350ellipsisthree periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation55
2503422351empathya feeling of association or identification with an object/person56
2503422352end stoppeda term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation57
2503422353enjambmentthe continuation of a syntactic unit from one line or couplet of a poem to the next with no pause58
2503422354epican extended narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero that is generally larger than life and is often considered a legendary figure59
2503422356epitaphlines that commemorate the dead at their burial place. usually a line or handful of lines, often serious or religious, but sometimes witty and even irreverent60
2503422357epigrama concise but ingenious, witty and thoughtful statement61
2503422358euphonywhen sounds blend harmoniously; pleasing, harmonious sounds62
2503422359epithetan adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing63
2503422360eponymousa term for the title character of a work of literature64
2503422361euphemisma mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term65
2503422363exposea piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other short comings66
2503422364explicitto say or write something directly and clearly67
2503422365explicationthe interpretation/analysis of a text68
2503422366extended metaphora series of comparisons between two unlike objects that occur over a number of lines69
2503422367fablea short tale often featuring nonhuman character that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior. i.e Orwell's "Animal Farm"70
2503422368falling actionthe action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict71
2503422370farcea comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose72
2503422371figurative languagein contrast to literal language, this implies meanings. It includes devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification, etc.73
2503422372foila secondary character whose purpose is to highlight the characteristics of a main character, usually by contrast74
2503422373first person narrativea narrative told by a character involved in the story, using first-person pronouns such as "I" and "we"75
2503422374flashbacka return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present actions or circumstances i.e. Invisible Man76
2503422375foreshadowingan event or statement in a narrative that suggests, in miniature, a larger event that comes later77
2503422376footthe basic rhythmic unit of a line in poetry. it is formed by a combination of two or three syllables, either stressed or unstressed78
2503422377framea structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative79
2503422378free versea kind of poetry without rhymed lines, rhythm or fixed metrical feet80
2503422379genrea term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay81
2503422380Gothic novela novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terror pervades the action. i.e. "Frankenstein"82
2503422382hubristhe excessive pride/ambition that leads to the main character's downfall83
2503422383hyperboleexaggeration/deliberate overstatement84
2503422384humanisma belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity85
2503422385implicitto say or write something that suggests and implies but never says it directly or clearly86
2503422386in medias resLatin for "in the midst of things"; a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point87
2503422387idylla lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place88
2503422388imagea word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled or felt89
2503422389inversionswitching customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase. when done badly it can give a stilted, artificial look-at-me-I'm-poetry feel to the verse. type of syntax90
2503422390ironya mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm91
2503422392kenninga device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions/qualities, as in "ring-giver" for king and "wale-road" for ocean92
2503422393lamenta poem of sadness or grief over the death of a loved one or over some other intense loss93
2503422394lampoona satire94
2503422395light versea variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse, butt sometimes with a satirical thrust95
2503422396loose sentencea sentence that is complete before its end. follows customary word order of English sentences i.e. subject-verb-object96
2503422397periodic sentencea sentence not grammatically complete until it has reached its final phrase; sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end97
2503422398lyricpersonal, reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject; the word is used to describe tone, it refers to a sweet, emotional melodiousness98
2503422400litotesa form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity99
2503422401maxima saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth100
2503422402metaphora figure of speech that compares unlike objects101
2503422403metaphysical poetrythe work of poets, particularly those of 17th c., that uses elaborate conceits, is highly intellectual, and expresses the complexities of love and life102
2503422404meterthe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry103
2503422405metonymya figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. e.g. "The White House says..."104
2503422406modethe general form, pattern, and manner of expression of a work of literature105
2503422407montagea quick succession of images/impressions used to express an idea106
2503422408moodthe emotional tone in a work of literature107
2503422409nemesisthe protagonist's archenemy or supreme and persistent difficulty108
2503422410objectivitythis treatment of a subject matter is an impersonal/outside view of events109
2503422411subjectivitythis treatment of a subject matter uses the interior/personal view of a single observer and is typically colored with that observer's emotional responses110
2503422412onomatopoeiawords that sound like what they mean111
2503422413morala brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature112
2503422414motifa phrase, idea, event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature.113
2503422416mythan imaginary story that has become accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group/society. often used to explain natural phenomena.114
2503422417narrativea form of verse or prose that tells a story115
2503422418naturalisma term often used as a synonym for "realism"; also a view of experiences that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic116
2503422419non sequitura statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before117
2503422420novel of mannersa novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group118
2503422421odea lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful and exalted feelings toward the subject.119
2503422422omniscient narratora narrator with unlimited awareness, understanding, and insight of characters, setting, background, and all other elements of the story120
2503422423oxymorona phrase composed of opposites; a contradiction. juxtaposition of contradictory element to create a paradoxical effect121
2503422424oppositionone of the most useful concepts in analyzing literature. it means that you have a pair of elements that contrast sharply.122
2503422426parablelike a fable or an allegory, it's a story that instructs; a story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived123
2503422427paradoxa statement that seems self-contradictory yet true124
2503422428parallelismrepeated syntactical similarities used for effect125
2503422429parodyan imitation of a work meant to ridicule its style and subject126
2503422430paraphrasea version of a text put into simpler, everyday, words127
2503422431pastorala work of literature dealing with rural life128
2503422432pathetic fallacyfaulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects129
2503422433pathosthat element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow130
2503422434pentametera verse with five poetic feet per line131
2503422435personathe role/facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader, viewer, or the world at large; the narrator in a non-first-person novel132
2503422436personificationgiving an inanimate object human like qualities or form133
2503422437plotthe interrelationship among the events in a story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution134
2503422439plainta poem or speech expressing sorrow135
2503422440point of viewthe perspective from which the action of a novel in presented.136
2503422441omniscient narrator3rd person narrator who sees like God into each character's mind and understands all the action going on.137
2503422442limited omniscient narrator3rd person narrator who generally reports only what one character (usually the main) sees, and who only reports the thoughts of that one privileged character.138
2503422443objective narrator3rd person narr. who only reports on what would be visible to a camera, doesn't know what the character is thinking unless the character speaks of it.139
2503422444first person narratorthis is a narrator who is a character in the story and tells the tale from his/her POV. when the narrator is crazy, a liar, very young, or for some reason not entirely credible, the narrator is "unreliable"140
2503422445prosodythe grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry141
2503422446protagonistthe main character in a work of literature142
2503422447preludean introductory poem to a longer work of verse143
2503422448punthe usually humorous use of a word in such a way to suggest two or more meanings144
2503422449pseudonymalso called "pen name", a false name or alias used by writers. i.e Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) George Orwell (Eric Blair)145
2503422450quatriana four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem146
2503422451refraina line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem147
2503422452requiema song of prayer for the dead148
2503422453realismthe depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect149
2503422454rhetoricthe language of a work and its style; words, often highly emotional, used to convince or sway an audience150
2503422455rhetorical questiona question that suggests an answer. in theory, the effect is that it causes the listener to feel they have come up with the answer themselves151
2503422456rhapsodyan intensely passionate verse or section of verse, usually of love or praise152
2503422457rhymethe repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals, used mostly in poetry153
2503422458rhyme schemethe patterns of rhymes within a given poem i.e. abba154
2503422459rhythmthe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry. similar to meter155
2503422460romancean extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places156
2503422461sarcasma sharp, caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt157
2503422462satirea literary style used to poke fun at, attack or ridicule an idea, vice, or foible, often for the purpose of inducing change. great subjects for this include hypocrisy, vanity and greed, especially if those characteristics have become institutionalized in society158
2503422463similefigurative comparison using the words "like" or "as"159
2503422464settingthe total environment for the action in a novel/play. it includes time, place, historical milieu, and social, political and even spiritual circumstances160
2503422465sentimentala term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish161
2503422466sentimenta synonym for "view" or "feeling"; also refined and tender emotion in literature162
2503422467scansionthe act of determining the meter of a poetic line.163
2503422468sonneta popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme. two types: Shakespearean and Petrarchan164
2503422469soliloquya speech spoken by a character alone on stage. meant to convey the impression that the audience is listening to the character's THOUGHTS. unlike an aside, it is not meant to imply that the actor acknowledges the audience's presence165
2503422470stanzaa group of lines in verse, roughly analogous in function to the paragraph in prose; a group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter, rhyme, or some other plan166
2503422471stream of consciousnessa style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind, e.g. Ernest Hemingway167
2503422472stock charactersstandard or cliched character types: the drunk, the miser, the foolish girl, etc.168
2503422473suggestto imply, infer indicate. goes along with the concept of implicit169
2503422474stylethe manner in which an author uses and arranges words, shapes ideas, forms sentences and creates a structure to convey ideas170
2503422475subplota subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play, usually connected to the main plot171
2503422476subtextthe implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature172
2503422477summarya simple retelling of what you've just read. what you DON'T want to do in the Open Essay section :)173
2503422478symbolisma device in literature where an object represents an idea174
2503422479synecdochea figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part175
2503422480themethe main idea or meaning, often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built176
2503422481thesisthe main position of an argument. the central contention that will be supported177
2503422482tonethe author's attitude toward the subject being written about. it's the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work178
2503422483tragic flawin a tragedy, this is the weakness of a character in an otherwise good individual that ultimately leads to his demise179
2503422484tragedya form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish, or even death180
2503422487utopiaan idealized place. imaginary communities in which people are able to live in happiness, prosperity and peace. Sir Thomas More came up with this idea.181
2503422488verbal ironya discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words182
2503422489versea synonym for poetry. also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry183
2503422490verisimilitudesimilar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is184
2503422491versificationthe structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. i.e. monometer = 1 foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet, etc.185
2503422492villanellea French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of 19 lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes186
2503422493voicethe real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker. a verb is in the active voice when it expresses an action performed by its subject. a verb is in the passive voice when it expresses an action performed upon its subject or when the subject is the result of the action. Active: The crew raked the leaves. Passive: The leaves were raked by the crew.187
2503422494witthe quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene188
2503422495zeugmathe use of a word to modify two or more words, but used for different meanings. "He close the door and his heart on his lost love."189
2503422496anastropheinversion of the natural or usual word order190
2503422497parenthesisinsertion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence191
2503422498appositionplacing side by side two coordinate elements, the second of which serves as an explanation or modification of the first. "The mountain was the earth, her home."192
2503422499ellipsisdeliberate omission of a word or words which are readily implied by context193
2503422500asyndetondeliberate omission of conjunctions between a series of related clauses. used to produce a hurried rhythm in the sentence.194
2503422501polysyndetonthe deliberate use of many conjunctions. its effect is to slow down the rhythm of the sentence195
2503422502anaphorarepetition of the same words or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses. e.g. "I have a dream..."196
2503422503epistropherepetition of the same word or group of words at the ends of successive clauses "When we first came we were very many and you were very few. Now you are many and we are getting very few."197
2503422507antimetabolerepetition of words, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order. "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."198
2503422508chiasmusreversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses. "Exalts his enemies, his friends destroys."199
2503422512syllepsisthe use of a word understood differently in relation to two or more other words, which it modifies/governs. "The ink, like our pig, keeps running out of the pen."200
2503422514periphrasissubstitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name or of a proper name for a quality associated with the name. "They do not escape JIM CROW; they merely encounter another, not less deadly variety."201
2503422516dialecta way of speaking that is characteristic of a particular region/group of people202
2503422517epiphanyin a literary work, a moment of sudden insight/revelation that a character experiences203

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