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AP Literature Review Terms Flashcards

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9630173753allegorystory or poem that can be used to reveal a hidden meaning The representation of abstract ideas or principals by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.0
9630173754alliterationbeginning of same letter or sound in closely connected words The repitition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a line of poetry1
9630173755allusionindirect of passing reference Reference to someone or something that is known from history literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or another branch of culture. An indirect reference to something (usually in literature)2
9630173756anaphorarepetition in first part of a sentence , to have an artistic meaning Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines in a poem.3
9630173757antagonista hostile person who is opposed to another character The protagonist's adversary4
9630173758apostrophethe figure of speech used to address an imaginary character When a character speaks to a character or object that is not present or is unable to respond5
9630173759approximate rhymewords in rhyming pattern that sound alike6
9630173760asidewhen a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by other actors on the stage7
9630173761assonancerepetition of vowel sounds8
9630173762blank versepoetry written in meter without an ending rhyme Name for unrhymed iambic pentameter. An iamb is a metrical foot in which an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable. In iambic pentameter there are five iambs per line making ten syllables.9
9630173763cacophonyblend of unharmonious sounds10
9630173764caesurapause in the middle of a line11
9630173765catharsisthe release of emotions through art (emotional cleanse)12
9630173766round charactercharacter who has complex personality: contradicted person13
9630173767dynamic characterchanges throughout the story, through major conflict14
9630173768static characterperson who doesn't change throughout story keeps same personality15
9630173769characterizationprocess of revealing characters personality16
9630173770climaxpoint where conflict hits its highest point17
9630173771comedydrama that is amusing or funny18
9630173772conflictstruggle between opposing forces19
9630173773connotationsecondary meaning to a word20
9630173774consonancerepetition of same consonant in words close together21
9630173775couplettwo rhyming lines in a verse22
9630173776denotationthe literal meaning of a word23
9630173777denouementfinal outcome of the story24
9630173778deus ex machinaresolution of a plot by chance or coincidence25
9630173779direct presentation of characterauthor telling the reader how a character is and what actions it will do further in the story26
9630173780double rhymerhyme where the repeated vowel is in the second last syllable of words involved (ex; born scorn)27
9630173781dramatic expositionprose commentaries, to provide background information about the characters and their world28
9630173782end rhymerhymes occurring at the end of line29
9630173783English sonneta sonnet rhyming ababcdcdededgg30
9630173784epiphanywhen a character receives a spiritual insight into they life31
9630173785euphonysmooth choice and arrangement of sounds32
9630173786extended figureA figure of speech sustained or developed through a considerable number of lines or through a whole poem.33
9630173787falling actionEvents after the climax, leading to the resolution34
9630173788feminine rhymelines rhymed by their final two syllables Term that refers to an unstressed extra syllable at the end of a line of iambic pentameter35
9630173789figurative languageLanguage that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.36
9630173790figure of speecha way of saying something other than the ordinary way37
9630173791formexternal pattern or shape of a poem38
9630173792free versePoetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme39
9630173793hamartiatragic flaw which causes a character's downfall40
9630173794imageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)41
9630173795indirect presentation of characterthe personality of a character is revealed by what he or she does or says42
9630173796internal rhymeA word inside a line rhymes with another word on the same line43
9630173797ironyA contrast between expectation and reality44
9630173798verbal ironyA figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant45
9630173799dramatic ironyIrony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.46
9630173800irony of situationrefers to an occurrence that is contrary to what is expected or intended47
9630173801italian sonnetA sonnet consisting of an octave with the rhyme pattern abbaabba, followed by a sestet with the rhyme pattern cdecde or cdcdcd48
9630173802masculine rhymeA rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable Stressed extra syllable at the end of a line49
9630173803melodramaa play based upon a dramatic plot and developed sensationally50
9630173804metaphorA comparison without using like or as51
9630173805metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it52
9630173806motivationA need or desire that energizes and directs behavior53
9630173807narratorPerson telling the story First Person - The narrator is a character in the story Third Person Objective: The narrator does not tell what anyone is thinking; the "fly on a wall" Third Person Limited: The narrator is able to tell the thoughts of one of the characters Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is able to tell the thoughs of any character54
9630173808onomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.55
9630173809hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor56
9630173810oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.57
9630173811paradoxA contradiction or dilemma58
9630173812personificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes59
9630173813omniscient point of viewThe point of view where the narrator knows everything about the characters and their problems - told in the 3rd person.60
9630173814third person limited point of viewnarrator tells the story from only one character's pov61
9630173815first person point of viewa character in the story is actually telling the story himself/herself62
9630173816objective point of viewa narrator who is totally impersonal and objective tells the story, with no comment on any characters or events.63
9630173817protagonistMain character64
9630173818rhythmA regularly recurring sequence of events or actions.65
9630173819rhyme schemeA regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem66
9630173820rising actionEvents leading up to the climax67
9630173821sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt68
9630173822satireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.69
9630173823settingThe context in time and place in which the action of a story occurs.70
9630173824simileA comparison using "like" or "as"71
9630173825soliloquyA long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage72
9630173826sonnet14 line poem73
9630173827stanzaA group of lines in a poem74
9630173828stream of consciousnessprivate thoughts of a character without commentary75
9630173829syllabic verseVerse measured by the number of syllables rather than the number of feet per line.76
9630173830symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else77
9630173831synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa78
9630173832synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")79
9630173833themeCentral idea of a work of literature80
9630173834toneAttitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character81
9630173835tragedyA serious form of drama dealing with the downfall of a heroic or noble character82
9630173836truncationUtilizing a melody with part of the end omitted.83
9630173837understandmentthe deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it actually is; a deliberate under-emphasis84
9630173838verseA single line of poetry writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme85
9630173839AmbiguityWhen an author leaves out details or information or is unclear about an event so the reader will use his/her imagination to fill in the blanks.86
9630173840AnecdoteA shore story or joke told at the beginning of a speech to gain the audience's attention.87
9630173841Anti-climaticWhen the ending of the plot in poetry or prose is unfulfilling or lackluster88
9630173842AntithesisBalancing words, phrases, or ideas that are strongly contrasted, often by means of grammatical structure89
9630173843AntiheroCentral character who lacks all the qualities traditionally associated with heroes. May lack courage, grace, intelligence, or moral scruples90
9630173844AnthropomorphismAttributing human characteristics to an animal or inanimate object91
9630173845ClimaxThe turning point in the plot or the high point of action92
9630173846Colloquial LanguageInformal, conversational language. Typically phrases that are indicative of a specific region.93
9630173847ConceitAn elaborate metaphor that compares two things that are startlingly different.94
9630173848ConnotationAn idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or thing - Bat = evil95
9630173849ConventionAn understanding between a reader and a writer about certain details of a story that does not need to be explained96
9630173850CoupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem.97
9630173851DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing,especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.98
9630173852DictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing99
9630173853DenouementThe final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot.100
9630173854DoppelgangerThe alter ego of a character- the suppressed side of one's personality that is usually unaccepted by society.101
9630173855ElegyA poem or song composed especially as a lament for a deceased person.102
9630173856Emotive LanguageDeliberate use of language by a writer to instill a feeling or visual.103
9630173857EnjambmentA line having no pause or end punctuation but having uninterrupted grammatical meaning continuing into the next line.104
9630173858EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society105
9630173859EpilogueA short poem or speech spoken directly to the audience following the conclusion of a play, or in a novel the epilogue is a short explanation at the end of the book which indicates what happens after the plot ends.106
9630173860EpiphanySudden enlightenment or realization, a profound new outlook or understanding about the world usually attained while doing everyday mundane activities.107
9630173861EpistolaryUsed to describe a novel that tells its story through letters written from one character to another.108
9630173862EpithetA word or phrase preceding or following a name which serves to describe the character. Ex: Alexander the Great.109
9630173863EuphemismA mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing The act of substituting a harsh, blunt, or offensive comment for a more politically accepted or positive one110
9630173864EuphonyA succession of words which are pleasing to the ear. These words may be alliterative, utilize consonance, or assonance and are often used in poetry but also seen in prose111
9630173865FableA usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as characters animals that speak and act like humans112
9630173866FarceA type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly, far-fetched situations113
9630173867FlashbackWhen a character remembers a past event that is relevant to the current action of the story.114
9630173868Flat CharacterA literary character whose personality can be defined by one or two traits and does not change over the course of the story. Flat characters are usually minor or insignificant characters115
9630173869FoilA character that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another116
9630173870FolkloreThe traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally.117
9630173871ForeshadowingClues in the text about incidents that will occur later in the plot, foreshadowing creates anticipation in the novel118
9630173872HeroineA woman noted for courage and daring action or the female protagonist119
9630173873Hubrisused in Greek tragedies, refers to excessive pride that usually leads to a hero's downfall120
9630173874HyperboleA figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or comic/dramatic effect.121
9630173875IllocutionLanguage that avoids meaning of the words. When we speak, sometimes we conceal intentions or sidestep the true subject of a conversation. Writing illocution expresses two stories, one of which is not apparent to the characters, but is apparent to the reader. For example, if two characters are discussing a storm on the surface it may seem like a simple discussion of the weather, however, the reader should interpret the underlying meaning that the relationship is in turmoil, chaos, is unpredictable, As demonstrated the story contains an underlying meaning or parallel meanings122
9630173876In medias resA story that begins in the middle of things123
9630173877InversionIn poetry is an intentional digression from ordinary word order which is used to maintain regular meter. For example, rather than saying "the rain came" a poem my say "came the rain". Meter can be formed by the insertion or absence of a pause.124
9630173878IronyWhen one thing should occur, is apparent, or in logical sequence but the opposite actually occurs. Example: A man in the ocean might say, "Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink."125
9630173879JuxtapositionPoetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one another, creating an effect of surprise and wit126
9630173880Litotes(pronounced almost like "little tee") - a form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. Litote is the opposite of hyperbole. Examples: "Not a bad idea," "Not many," "It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain" (Salinger, Catcher in the Rye).127
9630173881Local Colora term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting, including its customs, clothing, dialect and landscape.128
9630173882Memoiran account based on the author's personal experiences129
9630173883MetaphorA comparison between two objects with the intent of giving clearer meaning to one of them. Often forms of the "to be" verb are used, such as "is" or "was", to make the comparison130
9630173884MotifA recurrent image word phrase represented object or action that tends to unify the literary work or that may be elaborated into a more general theme131
9630173885First Person Point of Viewa character in the story is actually telling the story himself/herself132
9630173886Third Person Objective Point of ViewThe narrator is an outsider who can report only what he or she sees and hears. This narrator can tell us what is happening, but he can't tell us the thoughts of the characters.133
9630173887Third Person Omniscient Point of ViewPoint of view in which an all-knowing narrator who is privy to the thoughts and actions of any or all characters.134
9630173888Third Person Limited Point of ViewThis type of point of view presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all remaining characters135
9630173889NovellaA shorter fictional prose narrative that ranges from 50-100 pages in length.136
9630173890Neutral LanguageLanguage opposite from emotive language as it is literal or even objective in nature.137
9630173891Oblique RyhmeImperfect rhyme scheme138
9630173892Odea lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner and written in varied or irregular meter139
9630173893OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. If you note examples of onomatopoeia in an essay passage, note the effect.140
9630173894ParableA simple story that illustrates a moral or religious lesson141
9630173895ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author's expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.142
9630173896Poetic JusticeIs a term that describes a character "getting what he deserves: in the end, especially if wat he deserves is punishment. The prest form of poetic justice results when one character pots against another but ends up being caught in his or her own trap.143
9630173897Prologuea separate introductory section of a literary or musical work144
9630173898PunA play on words. In an argument, a pun usually calls humorous attention to particular point. He kept waving at the princess. He was a devoted fan.145
9630173899RefrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.146
9630173900RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.147
9630173901Rites of PassageAn incident which creates tremendous growth signifying a transition from adolescence to adulthood.148
9630173902ResolutionEnd of the story where loose ends are tied up149
9630173903StyleThe consideration of style has two purposes: (1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other We can analyze and describe an author's personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's style reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental, or realist movement.150
9630173904UnderstatementA statement that says less than what is meant151

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