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AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5465895011symbolSomething that means more than what it is (a dove symbolizes peace, a tree symbolizes life).0
5465901215allegoryA narrative or description that has a second meaning beneath the surface (in Animal Farm, the animals represent people in the Russian Revolution).1
5466193409metaphorA comparison of two unlike things.2
5466197370extended metaphorThe meaning is used throughout the entire work (in the Road not Taken, choices is used throughout the entire poem).3
5466204205implied metaphorThe meaning isn't directly mentioned (the two roads were the same, but the author regrets taking one).4
5466215564named metaphorYou name both things being compared (my love is like a red, red rose).5
5466218130simileComparing two things using like or as.6
5466220745personificationGiving human attributes to an animal, object, or concept. It needs a verb (love is punishing).7
5466228979anthropomorphismAnimals or objects are given complete human personalities (in Zootopia, the fox and bunny speak and act like humans).8
5466235074apostropheWhen a character in a poem speaks to something that isn't actually there or alive. The thing that they are talking to isn't able to respond (someone may speak to the wind or love).9
5466986788metonymy/synechdocheSubstituting a word or a part of something for something else (when somebody says that Wall Street is doing well, they are actually referring to the stock market).10
5467001544simileComparing two unlike things using "like" or "as".11
5467003644extended simileA simile that extends through the entire work.12
5467009437paradoxA contradictory statement that contains some truth (no one goes to the restaurant anymore because it is too crowded).13
5467022047oxymoronTwo words that contradict each other (jumbo shrimp). An oxymoron is very short.14
5467275712hyperboleAn exaggeration or an overstatement.15
5467280798understatementIt makes something out to be lesser than it is (opposite of an exaggeration).16
5467285405verbal ironySaying the opposite of what you mean (sarcasm).17
5467298167dramatic ironyThe reader or audience knows more than the character or speaker.18
5467301077situational ironyWhen the opposite of what is expected happens (sit coms).19
5467315634clichéA commonly repeated statement (the phrase is overused).20
5467328459punA play on words, humor is implied ("lettuce leave" = let us leave).21
5467339646dictionThe choice of words that creates tone.22
5467341337denotationThe dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word.23
5467348475connotationThe implied meaning of a word.24

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