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AP Language Literary Devices Flashcards

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3493792787AllegoryA narrative in which characters, behavior, and even the setting demonstrate multiple levels of meaning and significance. The underlying may be moral, religious, social, political, or Satiric0
3493792788AlliterationThe sequential repetition of constant sounds at the beginnings of words. (Example: Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore)1
3493792789AllusionA literary, historical, mythological, or biblical reference assumed to be well-known enough to be recognized by the reader. For instance, one might contrast the life and tribulations of Frederick Douglass to the trials of Job from the bible.2
3493792790AnalogyA comparison of two similar, yet different things, usually to clarify an action or relationship.(Example:Comparing the actions of a heart to a pump.3
3493792791AnaphoraThe regular repetition of the same words or phrases at the beginning o a successive phrases of clauses. (Example: Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all Gods children(MLK)4
3493792792AnecdoteA short simple narrative of an incident often used for humorous effect or to make a point5
3493792793AntithesisThe juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas in parallel of words or ideas. (Example: Alexander Pope reminds us that "to err is human, to forgive divine")6
3493792794Aphorisma concise, often witty statement of a principle or truth about life designed to make a point or illustrate a commonly help belief; also referred to as adage, maxim, or proverb. (Example: Spare the rod and spoil the child)7
3493792795AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity(Example:How now Brown cow?)8
3493792796AttitudeThe sense expressed by the tone of voice or mood of a piece of writing. The authors feelings toward the subject, character, events, or theme.9
3493792797CaricatureDescriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or facet of their personality.10
3493792798ClaimIn argumentation, an assertion of something as fact11
3493792799ColloquialismWords or phrases used in everyday conversation and informal writing, but often inappropriate in formal writing; the diction of common, ordinary folks, especially of a common region. (Example: Southerner's Y'all)12
3493792800ConnotationThe implied, suggested, or underlying meaning of a word or phrase because of its association in the readers mind.13
3493792801ConsonanceThe repetition of two or more consonant sounds with a change in the intervening vowels (Example: Pitter-patter, splish-splash, click-clack)14
3493792802ConventionAn accepted manner, model, or tradition (Example: William using the Convention of comedy or tragedy)15
3493792803Deductive Reasoning(Deduction)The method of argument in which specific statements and conclusions are drawn or inferred from generalities: movements from the general to the specific16
3493792804DenotationThe literal meaning of a word as defined in the dictionary17
3493792805Descriptionthe picturing in words of something or someone through detailed observation of color, motion, sound, taste, smell, and touch18
3493792806DialectThe language and speech idiosyncrasies of a specific area, region, or group. (Example: Minnesotans say "You betcha" it is not usually common and is a Minnesotan thing)19
3493792807DictionThe specific word choice an author uses to persuade or convey tone, purpose, or effect.20
3493792808DidacticWriting or speech with an instructive purpose or lesson.21
3493792809DiscourseSpoken or written language, including literary works. The four classified modes of _____ are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion.22
3493792810DissonanceHarsh or grating sounds that do not go together23
3493792811ElegyA poem or prose that laments- or mediates upon the death of - a person or persons. Sometimes it will end with words of consolation.24
3493792812EphistropheIn rhetoric, the repetition of words of a phrase at the end of a successive sentence. (Example: "If women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have the chance to work, their families will flourish)25
3493792813EpitaphWriting in praise of a dead person, most often inscribed upon the headstone.26
3493792814EthosIn rhetoric, the appeal of a text to the credibility and character of a speaker, writer, or narrator (Who is this person, and what gives them the authority?)27
3493792815EuphemismAn indirect kinder way of expressing unpleasant information in an effort to avoid business. (Example: Passed on instead of died)28
3493792816ExpositionThe immediate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot. The interpretation or analysis of a text; one or the four modes of discourse29
3493792817EulogyA speech or written message in praise of a person: an oration in honor of a deceased person.30
3493792818Extended Metaphora series of comparisons within a piece of writing. If they are consistently one concept this is also known as a conceit31
3493792819Figurative LanguageIt contains levels of meaning expressed through figures of speech such as a metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole, in order to create associations that are imaginative rather than literal32
3493792820FlashbackAn earlier even inserted into the normal chronology of the narration: also known as retrospection33
3493792821Folkloretraditional stories, songs, dances, and customs that are preserved among people, passed down from generation to generation until recorded by scholars.34
3493792822ForeshadowingThe use of a hint or clue to suggest a larger event that occurs later in the work35
3493792823GenreA type or class of literature, such as narrative, poetry, history, biography, or epic36
3493792824HomilyA sermon, but more contemporary uses include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involved37
3493792825HubrisThe excessive pride or ambition that leads a tragic hero to disregard warnings or impending doom, ultimately causing their downfall38
3493792826HyperboleDeliberate overstatement characterized by exaggerated language, usually to make a point, create humor, or draw attention. (Example: I'm starving to death)39
3493792827ImageryAny sensory detail or evocation in a work: the use of figurative language to evoke feeling, call to mind an idea, or describe an object. It involves any of the five senses to create a mental picture.40
3493792828Inductive Reasoning(Induction)The method of argument in which general statements and conclusions are drawn or inferred from specifics.41
3493792829InferenceA conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or some other specific data. It is through this process-looking at clues, learning the facts-that Sherlock Holmes was able to solve his crimes42
3493792830Interior MonologueWriting that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's mind43
3493792831IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The intended meaning is often the opposite of what is stated, often suggesting light sarcasm. It is used for many reasons, often to create poignancy or humor44
3493792832Dramatic Ironyfacts or situations are known to the reader or audience but not the characters45
3493792833Situational Ironywhen events end up the opposite of what is expected46
3493792834Verbal IronyWhat the author/narrator says is actually the opposite of what is meant47
3493792835IsocolonParallel structure in which the parallel elements are similar not only in grammatical structure but also in length. (Example: Bible admonition-"Many are called,, but few are chosen")48
3493792836JargonSpecialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group. The Computer industry has introduced much of this into our vocabulary, such as geek, crash, virus, and bug49
3493792837JuxtapositionOne thing is placed adjacent to another to create an effect reveal an attitude, or accomplish some other purpose50
3493792838LitoteA Figure of speech that emphasizes its subject to another to create an effect, reveal an attitude, or accomplish some other purpose51
3493792839Loose SentenceA sentence that is grammatically complete before its end (Example:She played the violin with a dexterity never before seen in high school)52
3493792840Metaphorone thing is pictured as if it were something else, suggesting a likeness or analogy. It is an implicit comparison or identification of one thing with another, without using Like or as.53
3493792841Metonymya figure of speech that uses the name of an object, person, or idea to represent something which is associated. (Example: The crown instead of the king)54
3493792842Mode of DiscourseThe manner in which information is presented in written or spoken form: narration, description, argumentation, exposition.55
3493792843Narrative/Narrationa feeling or ambience resulting from the tone of a piece as well as the emotional attitude and POV of the writer/narrator.56
3493792844MotifThe main theme or subject of a work elaborated on in the development of a piece; a recurrent pattern or idea.57
3493792845MoodA mode of discourse that tells a story and is based on the sequences of connected events, usually presented in a straightforward, chronological framework.58
3493792846NaturalismA literary movement that grew out of realism in France, England and the US in the late 19th/early-20th centuries: it portrays humans as having no free will driven only by the natural forces of heredity, environment,, and animalistic urges over which they have no control59
3493792847Objectivityan impersonal presentation of characters and events60
3493792848Onomatopoeiathe use of words that sound like what they mean (Example: Hiss, boom, buzz, thump)61
3493792849Oxymoroncomposed of contradictory words or phrases (Example: silent alarm, deafening silence)62
3493792850Parablea short story that teaches a moral: similar but shorter than an allegory.63
3493792851Parallelism/Parallel Structurea statement that seems contradictory or absurd but has a rational meaning. Used to attract attention or secure emphasis. (Example: fight for peace)64
3493792852Paradoxa structural arrangement of parts f a sentence, sentences, paragraphs, and larger units of composition by which one element of equal importance with another is equally developed and similarly phrased. Example from A Tale of Two Cities: it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it as the age of foolishness)65
3493792853ParodyA work that ridicules the style of another work by imitating and exaggerating its elements. (Saturday Night Live)66
3493792854Pastorala short descriptive narrative , usually a poem, about an idealized country life: also called an idyll67
3493792855PathosThe element in literature which stimulates pity or sorrow. In argument or persuasion it tends to be the evocation of pity from the reader/listener. Emotion68
3493792856Periodic sentenceA sentence that is not grammatically complete until the last phrase. (Example: Despite Austin's hatred of his sister's laziness, he still cared for her.)69
3493792857PersonaA fictional voice that a writer adopts to tell a story, determined by the subject matter and audience.70
3493792858PersonificationThe attribution of human qualities to a nonhuman or inanimate object. (Example: Once again the heart of America is heavy. The spirit of America weeps for a tragedy that denies the very meaning of our land)71
3493792859PersuasionOne of the four modes of discourse, it is a form of argumentation in which the language is intended to convince through appeals to reason or emotion.72
3493792860Point of ViewThe perspective from which a story is presented. In nonfiction, it requires the reader to establish the historical perspective of what is being said. (5 Types)73
3493792861First Person NarratorNarration is provided by a character in the story who related the actins through their own perspective, also revealing their thoughts74
3493792862Limited Omniscient NarratorThird person narration which reports the thoughts of only one character and generally only what one character sees75
3493792863Objective Narratorthird person narration which only reports what would be visible to a camera. thoughts and feelings are only reveals if they are spoken76
3493792864Omniscient Narratorthird person narration, where "he" "she" and they" is able to see into each characters mind and understand all the action.77
3493792865Stream of Consciousness NarratorLike a first person narration, but instead placing the reader inside the characters had, making the reader privy too continuous, chaotic flow of disconnected, half-formed thoughts an impressions in the characters mind.78
3493792866ProseThe ordinary form of written language without metrical structure, in contrast to verse and poetry79
3493792867Protagonistthe main character of literary work80
3493792868Rhetoricatttemps to describe nature and life without idealization and with alteration to detail. (Example: Walden Pond)81
3493792869RealismThe art of using language to persuade in writing or speaking. Involves, writers purpose, consideration of audience, exploration of the subject, arrangement and organization of ideas, style and tone of expression, and form.82
3493792870Rhetorical ModesArgumentation, description, exposition, narration83
3493792871Rhetorical QuestionAsked simply for the sake of stylistic effect, it s a question not expected to be answered84
3493792872RomanticismA literary, artistic, and philosophical movement that began in the 18th century. Focal points are imagination, emotion and freedom.85
3493792873SarcasmA form of verbal irony in which apparent praise is actually critical. It can be light and gently poke fun t someone/something, or can be harsh and cruel86
3493792874SatireA literary work that hold up to human failings to ridicule and censure.87
3493792875SimileA direct explicit cmparison of one thing to another, usually the words like or as to make direct comparison between two essentially different objects, actions, or qualities.88
3493792876Speakerthe voice of a work; an author may speak as himself/herself or as a fictitious persona89
3493792877Stereotypea character who represents a trait that is usually attributed to a particular social or racial group and who lacks individuality90
3493792878Stylethe manner in which a writer characteristically combines and arranges words, shapes ides, an utilizes syntax and structure. It is the distinctive manner of expression that represents that author's typical writing ______.91
3493792879SubjectivityA personal representation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions92
3493792880Symbolismthe use of a person, place, thing, event, or pattern that figuratively represents or stands for someone else. Often the thing or idea represented is more abstract or general than this, which is concrete93
3493792881Synecdochea figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole94
3493792882Syntaxthe way words are put together to form phrases, clauses, and sentence. it is a sentence structure and how it influences the way a reader perceives a particular piece of writing. Another word choice for diction95
3493792883Themethe central or dominant idea, message or focus of a literary work, it is the overall statement the piece makes about its subject96
3493792884Tonethe attitude the author/narrator takes toward a subject, character, audience, or theme. It s the overall tenor of a piece of writing based o particular stylistic devices employed by the writer97
3493792885Unitythe quality of a piece of writing, also known as coherence98
3493792886Voicethe way a literary work conveys an author's attitude, the source of the words is either acknowledged or unacknowledged. it is the speaker's or narrator's particular take of an idea based on a particular passage and how al elements of the style of the piece come together to express their feelings99

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