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AP Literature Lit terms #10 Flashcards

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9042849978ProtagonistThe main character in a story; more than one character may be important enough to be called "main," or no character seems to qualify. In those cases, figuring out whether there is a main character and who it is may be an interesting and even difficult interpretive job.0
9042870741PunA play on words wherein a word is used to convey two meanings at the same time. The line below, spoken by Mercutio in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is an example of a pun. Mercutio has just been stabbed , knows he's dying and says: "Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man."1
9042909553RhetoricThe art of speaking or writing effectively; skill in the eloquent use of language.2
9042922481Rhetorical DeviceDevice used to produce effective speaking or writing.3
9042929280Rhetorical QuestionA question solely for effect, with no answer expected. By the implication that the answer is obvious, it is a means of achieving an emphasis stronger than a direct statement.4
9042945887Rhyme SchemeA pattern of rhyming words in a stanza.5
9042950354RhymeSimilarity or likeness of sound; may be internal (withing a segment of writing) or at the ends of lines of verse in poetry.6
9042969129Round CharacterA fully developed character; character who is complex, multi-dimensional, and convincing.7
9042977943SarcasmThe caustic and heavy use apparent praise.8
9042988679SatireA piece of literature designed to ridicule the subject of the work. While satire can be funny, its aim is not to amuse, but to arouse contempt. Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" satirize the English people, making them seem dwarfish in their ability to deal with large thoughts, issues, or deeds. Satire arouses laughter or scorn as a means of ridicule and derision, with the avowed intention of correcting human faults.9

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