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AP Literature Definitions Flashcards

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10339712351Allegorythe expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence0
10339712352Alliterationthe repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (such as wild and woolly, threatening throngs)1
10339713028Allusionan implied or indirect reference especially in literature2
10339713029Analogya comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect3
10339713618AnecdoteBrief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an individual4
10339713619AntagonistOpponent who struggles against or blocks the hero, or protagonist, in a story.5
10339714088Apostrophecalling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person, or to a place or thing, or a personified abstract idea. If the character is asking a god or goddess for inspiration it is called an invocation. [Josiah Holland ---"Loacöon! Thou great embodiment/ Of human life and human history!" "By Jove" "O, what light through window breaks"6
10339714089Assonancethe repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds especially in words that are together.7
10339714614ballada narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing8
10339715443colloquialism / vernacular / local colora local or regional dialect expression9
10339716825Connotationsomething suggested by a word or thing10
10339716826Couplettwo successive lines of verse forming a unit marked usually by rhythmic correspondence, rhyme, or the inclusion of a self-contained utterance11
10339719309Dialecta regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language12
10339719310Dictionchoice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness13
10339719902Elegya song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead14
10339720485epica long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero15
10339720486Epitheta characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing16
10339721222Expositiona setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)17
10339721223Fablea legendary story of supernatural happenings18
10339722350Foilis a character who contrasts with another character - usually the protagonist— to highlight particular qualities of the other character.19
10339722351Foreshadowingan indication of what is to come20
10339723710Imagerythe product of image makers or vivid descriptions in order to create a picture of the scene/ description21
10339723711moodconscious state of mind or predominant emotion22
10339724447motifa dominant idea or central theme23
10339724448Onomatopoeiathe naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it24
10339725246oxymorona combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements25
10339725247Paradoxa statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true26
10339725842Personificationattribution of personal qualities; especially : representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form27
10339727140Reliable/unreliable narratoris a narrator whose credibility has been seriously compromised.28
10339727730Objective / subjective povSubjective information or writing is based on personal opinions, interpretations,points of view, emotions and judgment. It is often considered ill-suited for scenarios like news reporting or decision making in business or politics. Objective information or analysis is fact-based, measurable and observable.29
10339728062Punthe usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound30
10339728384Protagonist/antagonistis the main character in a drama. Technically, there can only be one protagonist in a drama, though writers often use the word in reference to two or more central characters. The opposite is the main character's chief31
10339728824Legenda story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable32
10339728825Caricatureexaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics33
10339729919Narrative conventionrefers to the elements and techniques employed by the writer to make meaning in a story. They include such things as characters, setting, plot and point of view.34
10339729920Dramatic conventionis a set of rules which both the audience and actors are familiar with and which act as a useful way of quickly signifying the nature of the action or of a character.35
10339730399enjambment / enjambed linethe continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.36
10339730400end stopped(of verse) having a pause at the end of each line.37
10339731244Satirea literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn38
10339731245Similea figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as39
10339731772Soliloquy / monologuea poem, discourse, or utterance of a character in a drama that has the form of a monologue or gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections40
10339731773Stereotypea widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.41
10339732244Suspenseis the intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. It basically leaves the reader holding their breath and wanting more information.42
10339732245Symbolcan take many forms including: A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning. The actions of a character, word, action, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story.43
10339732695Theme tonein written composition, is an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. Tone is generally conveyed through the choice of words, or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject. Every written piece comprises a central theme or subject matter.44
10339732696Meteris a unit of rhythm in poetry, the pattern of the beats. It is also called a foot. Each foot has a certain number of syllables in it, usually two or three syllables.45
10339733175Blank verseis a literary device defined as un-rhymingverse written in iambic pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line (pentameter); where, unstressed syllables are followed by stressed ones, five of which are stressed but do not rhyme.46

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