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AP Language Vocab Unit 2 Flashcards

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4908328017Emulate (verb)To copy or mimic someone or something.0
4908328018Serendipitous (adjective)Very lucky or fortunate.1
4908328019Avidity (noun)Passion or eagerness; enthusiasm.2
4908328020Pervade (verb)To spread through or fill (typically the air in an environment).3
4908328021Haply (adverb)By accident or chance.4
4908328022Ungainly (adjective)Awkward or clumsy.5
4908328023Unremitted (adjective)Continued; not allowed to slacken.6
4908328024Tarry (verb)To stay in one place for a prolonged period of time; to linger.7
4908328025Churlish (adjective)Rude or mean-spirited.8
4908328026Psalmody (noun)The singing of sacred songs and rituals.9
4908328027Attenuated (adjective)Unnaturally thin; emaciated.10
4908328028Ebb (verb)To move away or recede.11
4908328029Imbibe (verb)Assimilate or absorb.12
4908328030Disconsolate (adjective)Unhappy, sad, or dreadful.13
4908328031Prudence (noun)The quality or state of being wise and cautious; having good judgment.14
4908328032Ardor (noun)Passion; fervor.15
4908328033Obdurate (adjective)Stubborn or obstinate.16
4908328034Succor (noun/verb)Assistance or aid; to give assistance or support.17
4908328035Remonstrance (noun)A strong protest against something or someone.18
4908328036Vociferous (adjective)Loud, forceful or overly expressive.19

AP Literature Review Flashcards

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9860481427Lyricexpresses a speaker's personal thoughts and feelings0
9860481428Sonnet14 line lyric poem, fixed rhyme scheme, fixed meter (usually 10 syllables per line)1
9860481429Odea lyric poem that is serious and thoughtful in tone and has a very precise, formal structure2
9860481430Blank verseunrhymed iambic pentameter3
9860481431Free verseno fixed meter or rhyme4
9860481432Epica long narrative poem celebrating the adventures and acheivements of a hero5
9860481433Dramatic monologuecharacter "speaks" through the poem; a character study6
9860481434Elegypoem which expresses sorow over a death of someone for whom the poet cared, or on another solemn theme7
9860481435Ballada form of verse, often a narrative story and set to music8
9860481436Villanelleconsisting of five tercets and one quatrain, with only two rhymes9
9860481437Meterregularized rhythm of stressed and unstressed syllables; accents occur at approx. equal intervals of time10
9860481438Cacophonyharsh, non-melodic, unpleasant sounding arrangement of words11
9860481439Conceitan extended witty, paradoxical, or startling metaphor12
9860481440Assonancerepetition at close intervals of vowel sounds13
9860481441Ironyincongruity or discrepancy between the implied and expected; verbal, dramatic, situational14
9860481442Paradoxstatement or situation containing seemingly contradictory elements15
9860481443Repetitionthe simple repetition of a word, within a sentence or a poetical line16
9860481444Iambic pentameter70% of verse is written this way; ten syllables per line, following an order of unaccented-accented syllables17
9860481445Scansionanalysis of a poem's meter: the dividing of verse (lines of poetry) into feet by indicating accents and counting syllables to determine the meter of a poem18
9860481446Foottwo or more syllables that together make up the smallest unit of rhythm in a poem19
9860481447Stanzaa group of lines forming a unit in a poem20
9860481448Caesuraa natural pause in the middle of a line, sometimes coinciding with punctuation21
9860481449Enjambmentdescribes a line of poetry in which the sense and grammatical construction continues on to the next line22
9860481450Rhyme/rimerepetition of end sounds23
9860481451End rhymeoccurs at the end of lines24
9860481452Internal rhymerepetition of sounds within a line (but not at the end of the line)25
9860481453Couplettwo successive lines which rhyme, usually at the end of a work26
9860481454Tercetthree-line stanza27
9860481455Metaphorimplied or direct comparison28
9860481456Rhyme schemea pattern of rhymes formed by the end rhyme(aa,bb,cc)29
9860481457Consonancerepetition at close intervals of final consonant sounds30
9860481458Symbolismwhen a concrete object or image represents an abstract idea31
9860481459Oxymoroncompact paradoxl two successive words contradict each other32
9860481460Iamba metrical foot of two syllables, one short(unstressed) and one long(stressed)33
9860481461Quatrainfour-line stanza34
9860481462Cinquainfive-line stanza35
9860481463Sestetsix-line stanza36
9860481464Personificationgiving a non-human the characteristics of a human37
9860481465Apostrophesomeone absent, dead, or imagianary, or an abstraction, is being addressed as if it could reply38
9860481466Metonymysymbolism; one thing is used as a substitute for another with which it is closely identified (the White House)39
9860481467Synecdochesymbolism; the part signifies the whole, or the whole the part (all hands on board)40
9860481468Hyperboleexaggeration, overstatement41
9860481469Litotesunderstatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite42
9860481470onomatopoeiause of words which mimic their meaning in sound43
9860481471Euphonypleasant, easy to articulate words44
9860481472Similecomparison using 'like' or 'as'45
9860481473Slant rhyme/half rhymewords with similar but not identical sounds46
9860481474Alliterationrepetition at close intervals of initial consonant words47
9860481475Imageryrepresentation through language of a sensory experience48
9860481476Allusionmakes reference to another piece of literature, a person, or event in history, sports, television, etc.49
9860481477Tonewriter's attitude toward the audience or subject, implied or related directly50
9860481478Point of Viewperspective from which a story is told51
9860481479Settingthe time and place of the action of the work52
9860481480Figurative LanguageLanguage enriched by word meanings and figures of speech (i.e., similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole)53
9860481481Jargonterminology that relates to a specific activity, profession or group54
9860481482Motifdetail within the story that repeats itself throughout the work55
9860481483Sestinaconsists of six 6-line stanzas, concluding with a 3-line "envoi" which incorporates all the line-ending words;rather than simply rhyming, the actual line-ending words are repeated in successive stanzas in a designated rotating order56
9860481484Stylethe elements that make a writer unique; i.e. vocabulary, diction, syntax, etc57
9860481485Interior monologuethinking in words, also known as inner voice, internal speech, or stream of consciousness58
9860481486Antagonistsomeone who offers opposition59
9860481487MaximA succinct formulation of a fundamental principle; saying60
9860481488Rhetoricthe art or technique of persuasion through the use of oral, visual, or written language.61
9860481489Rhetorical modepatterns of organization aimed at achieving a particular effect in the reader; Narration and Description, Process, Cause/Effect, Comparison/Contrast, Illustration, Argumentative and Persuasive, Definition, and Classification/Division62
9860481490Pathosa style that has the power to evoke feelings63
9860481491Romanticisma return to nature and to belief in the goodness of humanity; the rediscovery of the artist as a supremely individual creator; the development of nationalistic pride; and the exaltation of the senses and emotions over reason and intellect64
9860481492Gothic Novelgenre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance65
9860481493Limericka humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba66
9860481494Themethe main idea or message found in the work67
9860481495Syntaxsentence structure68
9860481496Grotesquea character or location that is irregular, extravagant or fantastic in form69
9860481497Connotationwhat a word suggests beyond its surface definition70
9860481498Euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept71
9860481499Allegorycharacters are symbols, has a moral72
9860481500Foila character that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, and so highlights various facets of the main character's personality73
9860481501Parablea brief, succinct story, in prose or verse, that illustrates a moral or religious lesson74
9860481502Protagonistmain character75
9860481503Homilyan inspirational saying or platitude, usually refers to religious readings76
9860481504Prosewritten or spoken language that does not use any particular rhythm77
9860481505AtmosphereThe mood the reader gets from the setting, the characterization and the tone of the narrator.78
9860481506Pastoralrural subjects79
9860481507Versimilituderealistic writing80
9860481508Extended metaphoruses an entire poem to develop a single metaphor81
9860481509Heroic couplettraditional form for English poetry, commonly used for epic and narrative poetry; lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme in pairs (aa, bb, cc)82
9860481510Parallelismpresents coordinating ideas in a coordinating manner83
9860481511Satireliterary tone used to ridicule or make fun of human vice or weakness, often with the intent of correcting, or changing, the subject of the satiric attack84
9860481512Ambiguityunclear meaning85
9860481513Dictionword choice86
9860481514Parody(lampoon) a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke some affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject87
9860481515Denotationbasic definition or dictionary meaning of a word88
9860481516Inversion/anastropheInversion of the normal syntactic order of words, for example: To market went she89
9860481517Rhyme royalseven-line iambic pentameter stanza rhyming ababbcc90
9860481518Novellafictional, prose narrative longer than a novelette but shorter than a novel91
9860481519Renaissanceideals of kingship92
9860481520Colloqialisman expression not used in formal speech, or writing: y'all, gonna93
9860481521Moodthe atmosphere suggested by the structure and style of the poem94
9860481522SyllogismEX: All girls play soccer. I am a girl. Therefore, I play soccer.95
9860481523Local colorfiction or poetry that focuses on specific features including characters, dialects, customs and topography - of a particular region96
9860481524Stream of conciousnessthe thoughts and feelings of a character as they occur97
9860481525Foreshadowinghinting at things to come98

AP LITERATURE TERMS Flashcards

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9571522838Antagonista person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.0
9571522839Charactera person in a novel, play, or movie.1
9571522840Dictionthe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.2
9571522841Dynamic charactera literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude.3
9571522842External conflictstruggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force such as nature or another character, which drives the dramatic action of the plot.4
9571522843Figurative languagelanguage that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.5
9571522844First person p.o.vdescribes the perspective from which the story is told. This implies that the narrator is a character within the story and is describing the events as they occur to him or her.6
9571522845Flat characterare two-dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work.7
9571522846Foilis a character who contrasts with another character —usually the protagonist— to highlight particular qualities of the other character8
9571522847Alliterationthe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. "She sells seashells down by the sea-shore"9
9571522848Allusionan expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.10
9571522849Ambiguitythe quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness. Ex. Sarah gave a bath to her dog wearing a pink t-shirt. Ambiguity: Is the dog wearing the pink t-shirt?11
9571522850Anadiplosisthe repetition of a word or words in successive clauses in such a way that the second clause starts with the same word which marks the end of the previous clause. "They call for you: The general who became a slave; the slave who became a gladiator; the gladiator who defied an Emperor. Striking story."12
9571522851Anastrophethe inversion of the usual order of words or clauses. Ex. Excited the children were when Santa entered the room.13
9571522852Antithesisa figure of speech in which an opposition or contrast of ideas is expressed by parallelism of words that are the opposites of, or strongly contrasted with, each other. "hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins "Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing."14
9571522853Aphorisma pithy observation that contains a general truth "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."All for one and one for all.15
9571522854Apostropheis a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing."Twinkle, twinkle, little star,/How I wonder what you are./Up above the world so high,/Like a diamond in the sky."16
9571522855Appositiongrammatical construction in which two usually adjacent nouns having the same referent stand in the same syntactical relation to the rest of a sentence.ex. John, my friend, likes to eat chocolates.17
9571522856Approximate/slant rhymeIt is also called an imperfect rhyme, slant rhyme, near rhyme or oblique rhyme. It can be defined as a rhyme in which the stressed syllables of ending consonants match, however the preceding vowel sounds do not match. "If love is like a bridge/or maybe like a grudge.."18
9571522857Assonancethe repetition of the sound of a vowel or diphthong in non rhyming stressed syllables near enough to each other for the echo to be discernible. "Hear the mellow wedding bells"19
9571522858Audiencethe assembled spectators or listeners at a public event, such as a play, movie, concert, or meeting.20
9571522859Cacophonya harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. "I detest war because cause of war is always trivial."21
9571522860Caesuraa break between words within a metrical foot. "I hear lake water lapping || with low sounds by the shore..."22
9571522861Carpe diemTheme in classical literature that the reader should make the most out of life and should enjoy it before it ends. "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin!"23
9571522862Chiasmusa rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form. "Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You."24
9571522863Climaxthe highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something; culmination. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—/I took the one less traveled by,/And that has made all the difference.25
9571522864Conceituses an extended metaphor that compares two very dissimilar things. "Oh stay! three lives in one flea spare/ Where we almost, yea more than married are./This flea is you and I, and this/ Our marriage-bed and marriage-temple is"26
9571522865Connotationan idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. A dove implies peace or gentility.27
9571522866Consonancerepetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter-28
9571522867Couplettwo lines of verse, usually in the same meter and joined by rhyme, that form a unit./"Blessed are you whose worthiness gives scope,/Being had, to triumph; being lacked, to hope."29
9571522868Denotationthe literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. Gay-literally means "lighthearted and carefree." Only more recently has it come to be a reference for homosexuality.30
9571522869Ellipsisthe omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues. . . . I was standing beside his bed and he was sitting up between the sheets, clad in his underwear, with a great portfolio in his hands. "Beauty and the Beast...Loneliness...Old Grocery House...Brook'n Bridge...."31
9571522870End-stopped linewhen a line of poetry ends with a period or definite punctuation mark, such as a colon.32
9571522871English/Shakespearean/Elizabethan sonnetthree quatrains and a couplet follow this rhyme scheme: abab, cdcd, efef, gg33
9571522872Enjambment(in verse) the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.34
9571522873Epithetthe application of a word or phrase to someone that describes that person's attributes or qualities. Catherine the Great/Richard the Lion-Heart/The Great Emancipator/The Piano Man35
9571522874Euphonythe tendency to make phonetic change for ease of pronunciation. "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,/Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;36
9571522875Exact rhymerepetition of the same stressed vowel sound as well as any consonant sounds that follow the vowel. Ex. cat and hat37
9571522876Extended metaphora comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph, or lines in a poem. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?/It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!/Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,/Who is already sick and pale with grief."38
9571522877Eye rhymea similarity between words in spelling but not in pronunciation love and move.39
9571522878Hyperboleexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.It was so cold I saw polar bears wearing jackets40
9571522879Iambic pentameterda DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM ex. When I do count the clock that tells the time41
9571522880Internal rhymea rhyme involving a word in the middle of a line and another at the end of the line or in the middle of the next. ex. While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,/As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. "42
9571522881Ironythe use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning "Go ask his name: if he be married. My grave is like to be my wedding bed."43
9571522882Isocolonsuccession of sentences, phrases, and clauses of grammatically equal length. "What the hammer? what the chain?/In what furnace was thy brain?44
9571522883italian/Petrarchan sonneta sonnet consisting of an octave rhyming abba abba and a sestet rhyming in any of various patterns (such as cde cde or cdc dcd)45
9571522884Litotesironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary "Indeed, it is not uncommon for slaves even to fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior goodness of his own over that of the others."46
9571522885Metaphora figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. "She is all states, and all princes, I."47
9571522886Metonymythe substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant. suit for business executive, or the track for horse racing.48
9571522887Octavea poem or stanza of eight lines; an octet.49
9571522888Onomatopoeiathe formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., cuckoo, sizzle ). slam, splash, bam, babble, warble, gurgle, mumble and belch.50
9571522889Oxymorona figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction ex. faith unfaithful kept him falsely true51
9571522890Paradoxstatement that contradicts itself and still seems true somehow. "I must be cruel to be kind."52
9571522891Parallelismsentence are grammatically the same, or are similar in construction. Ex. I came, I saw, I conquered53
9571522892Parenthesisa word, clause, or sentence inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage that is grammatically complete without it, in writing usually marked off by curved brackets, dashes, or commas. "—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture/I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident/the art of losing's not too hard to master/though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster"54
9571522893Pathetic fallacythe attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in art and literature. "I wandered lonely as a cloud/That floats on high o'er vales and hills,"55
9571522894Periphrasisuse of excessive and longer words to convey a meaning which could have been conveyed with a shorter expression. Ex. Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open / To his unmast'red importunity.56
9571522895Personificationthe attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. Ex. the Sun smiled at us57
9571522896Polyptotonrhetorical repetition of the same root word. However, each time the word is repeated in a different way. "The Greeks are strong, and skillful to their strength, fierce to their skill, and to their fierceness valiant ..."58
9571522897Polysyndetonconjunctions (e.g. and, but, or) are used repeatedly in quick succession, often with no commas, even when the conjunctions could be removed."Let the white folks have their money and power and segregation and sarcasm and big houses and schools and lawns like carpets, and books, and mostly-mostly-let them have their whiteness."59
9571522898Quatraina stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes.60
9571522899Quartetsomething related with 4?61
9571522900Rhetorical questiona question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. Ex. If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?62
9571522901Sponderea foot consisting of two long (or stressed) syllables. "Break, break, break,/On thy cold grey stones, O Sea!63
9571522902Sonnetpoem of fourteen lines, usually in iambic pentameter, that has one of two regular rhyme schemes64
9571522903Stanzaa group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; a verse.65
9571522904Synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa "His eye met hers as she sat there paler and whiter than anyone in the vast ocean of anxious faces about her."66
9571522905Terceta set or group of three lines of verse rhyming together or connected by rhyme with an adjacent tercet.67
9571522906Zeugmaa figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses "She lowered her standards by raising her glass,/Her courage, her eyes and his hopes."68
9571617206Aestheticsmterm given to a movement, a cult, a mode of sensibility. Fundamentally, it entailed the point of view that art is self-sufficient and need serve no other purpose than its own ends. I69
9571631721Allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.70
9571638077Analogya comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.71
9571641286Anapesta metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable.72
9571646356Anaphorathe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.73
9571657228Anastrophethe inversion of the usual order of words or clauses.74
9571664104Antanaclasisphrase or word is repeatedly used, though the meaning of the word changes in each case.75
9571670934Anthimerainvolves using one part of speech as another part of speech, such as using a noun as if it were a verb: "The little old lady turtled along the road."76
9571677567Anti-heroa central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes.77
9571688246Antimetabolea phrase or sentence is repeated, but in reverse order.78
9571692986Antistropherhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same words at the end of consecutive phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs.79
9571706893Asidewhen a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by the other actors on the stage80
9571717300Asyndetonthe omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.81
9571720448BalanceA balanced sentence is made up of two segments which are equal, not only in length, but also in grammatical structure and meaning.82
9571726059Balladpoem that is typically arranged in quatrains with the rhyme scheme ABAB. Ballads are usually narrative, which means they tell a story. Ballads began as folk songs and continue to be used today in modern music83
9571737088Black Humora form of humor that regards human suffering as absurd rather than pitiable, or that considers human existence as ironic and pointless but somehow comic.84
9571744502Blank Verseverse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameter.85
9571751256Blocking AgentA person, circumstance, or mentality that prevents two potential lovers from being together romantically.86
9571756982BrachylogiaConcision of speech or writing; thus also any condensed form of expression87
9571779536CatalystAn event or person causing a change.88
9571787028Catastrophefinal action that completes the unraveling of the plot in a play, especially in a tragedy. Catastrophe is a synonym of denouement89
9571790232Catharsisemotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress.90
9571794102Chorusa group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation91
9571798773cinquainis a verse of five lines that do not rhyme.92
9575346255Comedia d'ell artea form of theatre characterized by masked "types" which began in Italy in the 16th century and was responsible for the advent of the actresses and improvised performances based on sketches or scenarios.93
9575349425Comedy of mannersa comedy that satirizes behavior in a particular social group, especially the upper classes94
9575351956complicationAn intensification of the conflict in a story or play.95
9575356396Epicis a long, serious, poetic narrative about a significant event, often featuring a hero. Before the development of writing, epic poems were memorized and played an important part in maintaining a record of the great deeds and history of a culture96
9575364137Lyric poemis a collection of verses and choruses, making up a complete song, or a short and non-narrative poem. A lyric uses a single speaker, who expresses personal emotions or thoughts. Lyrical poems, which are often popular for their musical quality and rhythm, are pleasing to the ear, and are easily put to music.97
9575368818Dramatic monologuea poem in the form of a speech or narrative by an imagined person, in which the speaker inadvertently reveals aspects of their character while describing a particular situation or series of events.98
9575373300Odeis a form of poetry such as sonnet or elegy. You have often read odes in which poets praise people, natural scenes, and abstract ideas. It is highly solemn and serious in its tone and subject matter, and usually is used with elaborate patterns of stanzas.99
9575377376Free verseis a literary device that can be defined as poetry that is free from limitations of regular meter or rhythm, and does not rhyme with fixed forms100
9575379741Concrete Poema poem whose meaning is conveyed through its graphic shape or pattern on the printed page; also called shaped verse101
9575381699HaikuShort japanese poem with the element of cutting102
9575384128Limerickcomedic poem103
9575388438Terza rimaThree line poetry that forms a stanza or complete poem104
9575390250Villanellenineteen-line poetic form consisting of five tercets followed by a quatrain105
9575391962Conventional symbolsigns or sign systems that signify a concept or idea that all members of a group understand based on a common cultural understanding.106
9575394542Cosmic ironythe idea that fate, destiny, or a god controls and toys with human hopes and expectations; also, the belief that the universe is so large and man is so small that the universe is indifferent to the plight of man107
9575397684Dactylmetrical foot, or a beat in a line, containing three syllables in which first one is accented followed by second and third unaccented syllables (accented/unaccented/unaccented) in quantitative meter such as in the word "humanly"108
9575401981DadaismA European artistic and literary movement (1916-1923) that flouted conventional aesthetic and cultural values by producing works marked by nonsense, travesty, and incongruity.109
9575405450Dark romanticsis a literary subgenre of Romanticism. From its very inception in the late eighteenth century, Romanticism's celebration of euphoria and sublimity had been dogged by an equally intense fascination with melancholia, insanity, crime, the grotesque and the irrational.110
9575408218dead metaphora figure of speech which has lost the original imagery of its meaning due to extensive, repetitive, and popular usage.111
9575412295denouenmentthe final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.112
9575416417deux ex machinais Latin calque from Greek, meaning "god from the machine". The term has evolved to mean a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new event, character, ability or object.113
9608522978Dialecta variety of a language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar, and vocabulary, and by its use by a group of speakers who are set off from others geographically or socially.114
9608535143Dialogueconversation between two or more persons.115
9608548106Dimetera line of verse consisting of two metrical feet.116
9608552144Donneea subject or theme of a narrative. a basic fact or assumption.117
9608570313Dramatic Ironya literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.118
9608572179Edwardianperiod of British history covers the brief reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and is sometimes extended in both directions to capture long-term trends from the 1890s to the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era.119
9608580919Elegya poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.120
9608592026Elizabethan ageepoch in the Tudor period of the history of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Historians often depict it as the golden age in English history.121
9608596284End rhymewhen a poem has lines ending with words that sound the same. An example of end rhyme is the poem, Star Light, Star Bright.122
9608600656Envoya short stanza at the end of a poem such as ballad used either to address an imagined or actual person or to comment on the preceding body of the poem.123
9608616635Epanalepsisis a figure of speech in which the beginning of a clause or sentence is repeated at the end of that same clause or sentence, with words intervening. The sentence "The king is dead, long live the king!"124
9608624430Epigrama rhetorical device that is a memorable, brief, interesting, and surprising satirical statement.125
9608633103Episodiaan interlude or section alternating with the stasimon, especially in tragedy, varying in number from three to six and containing the main action of the drama.126
9608645188Epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.127
9608652978Epitapha phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.128
9608660092Existentialisma philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.129
9608664661Exodusthe founding myth of Israel, telling how the Israelites were delivered from slavery by their god Yahweh and therefore belong to him through the Mosaic covenant.130
9608672963Expositiona device used in television programs, films, literature, poetry, plays and even music. It is the writer's way to give background information to the audience about the setting and the characters of the story.131
9608681461expressionistica modernist movement, initially in poetry and painting, originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas.132
9608685374farcea literary genre and type of comedy that makes use of highly exaggerated and funny situations aimed at entertaining the audience133
9608692908feminine rhymea rhyme between stressed syllables followed by one or more unstressed syllables (e.g., stocking / shocking, glamorous / amorous .).134
9608699839feminist criticismfiction or nonfiction which supports the feminist goals of defining, establishing and defending equal civil, political, economic and social rights for women135
9608707677fixed formPoems that have a set number of lines, rhymes, and/or metrical arrangements per line.136
9608721781flashback137

AP English Literature & Composition Vernacular Flashcards

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9650898944All​egoryAn allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples.0
9650898945AlliterationAlliteration is a literary device where words are used in quick succession and begin with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Alliterations are also created when the words all begin with the same letter. Alliterations are used to add character to the writing and often add an element of 'fun' to the piece..1
9650898946AllusionAn allusion is a figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.2
9650898947AnalogyAn analogy is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create understanding regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.3
9650898948AnecdoteThe word anecdote, phonetically pronounced an.ik.doht, means a short verbal accounting of a funny, amusing, interesting event or incident. The story is usually a reminiscence from the teller's life but at best is a related story of fact, as opposed to a contrived work of fiction.4
9650898949AnthropomorphismAnthropomorphism can be understood to be the act of lending a human quality, emotion or ambition to a non-human object or being. This act of lending a human element to a non-human subject is often employed in order to endear the latter to the readers or audience and increase the level of relativity between the two while also lending character to the subject.5
9650898950AntithesisAn antithesis is used when the writer employs two sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity to one another. Whether they are words or phrases of the same sentence, an antithesis is used to create a stark contrast using two divergent elements that come together to create one uniform whole. An antithesis plays on the complementary property of opposites to create one vivid picture. The purpose of using an antithesis in literature is to create a balance between opposite qualities and lend a greater insight into the subject.6
9650898951AphorismAn aphorism is a concise statement that is made in a matter of fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal truth. Aphorisms are often adages, wise sayings and maxims aimed at imparting sense and wisdom. It is to be noted that aphorisms are usually witty and curt and often have an underlying tone of authority to them.7
9650898952ArchetypeAn archetype is a reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. Archetypes are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning.8
9650898953AssonanceAssonance refers to repetition of sounds produced by vowels within a sentence or phrase. In this regard assonance can be understood to be a kind of alliteration. What sets it apart from alliterations is that it is the repetition of only vowel sounds. Assonance is the opposite of consonance, which implies repetitive usage of consonant sounds.9
9650898954AsyndetonAsyndeton refers to a practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence, while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase. Asyndeton as a literary tool helps in shortening up the implied meaning of the entire phrase and presenting it in a succinct form. This compact version helps in creating an immediate impact whereby the reader is instantly attuned to what the writer is rying to convey. This helps in creating a strong impact, such sentences have greater recall worth since the idea is presented in a nutshell.10
9650898955BildungsromanThis is a very popular form of storytelling whereby the author bases the plot on the overall growth of the central character throughout the timeline of the story. As the story progresses, the subject undergoes noticeable mental, physical, social, emotional, moral, and often spiritual advancement and strengthening before the readers' eyes. It has often been seen that the protagonist begins with views, aims and dreams that are in contrast to the other character's in the story and then fights his or her way through to achieve them.11
9650898956CacophonyA cacophony in literature refers to the use of words and phrases that imply strong, harsh sounds within the phrase. These words have jarring and dissonant sounds that create a disturbing, objectionable atmosphere.12
9650898957CharacterizationCharacterization in literature refers the step by step process wherein an author introduces and then describes a character. The character can be described directly by the author or indirectly through the actions, thoughts, and speech of the character.13
9650898958ChiasmusChiasmus is a figure of speech containing two phrases that are parallel but inverted to each other.14
9650898959ConflictIt is a literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims or dreams. The conflict is a discord that can have external aggressors or can even arise from within the self. It can occur when the subject is battling his inner discord, at odds with his surroundings or it may be pitted against others in the story.15
9650898960ConnotationConnotations are the associations people make with words that go beyond the literal or dictionary definition. Many words have connotations that create emotions or feelings in the reader.16
9650898961ConsonanceConsonance refers to repetition of sounds in quick succession produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. The repetitive sound is often found at the end of a word. Consonance is the opposite of assonance, which implies repetitive usage of vowel sounds.17
9650898962DictionDiction is the distinctive tone or tenor of an author's writings. Diction is not just a writer's choice of words it can include the mood, attitude, dialect and style of writing. Diction is usually judged with reference to the prevailing standards of proper writing and speech and is seen as the mark of quality of the writing. Can also mean the selection of certain words or phrases that become peculiar to a writer.18
9650898963DoppelgangerThe term is derived from the German language and literally translates into 'double walker'. It refers to a character in the story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character. Doppelgangers of the main characters usually bear the ability to impersonate the original but have vastly different spirits and intentions. The doppelganger usually has a different appearance but an earthly soul and supernatural hoodwinking abilities that allow it to fool other unsuspecting characters.19
9650898964EpilogueEpilogues are an inherent part of any story or poem and are essential to the structure of any written form. The epilogue is an important literary tool that acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose of an epilogue is to add a little insight t o some interesting developments that happen once the major plot is over. Epilogues often act as a teaser trailer to any possible sequels that might be created later. Sometimes the epilogue is used to add a little bit about the life or future of the main characters after the story itself has unfolded and wrapped up. Epilogues can be written in a number of ways: sometimes the same narrative style as adopted in the story is continued while at other times one of the characters might take up the narrative or speak one to one with the audience.20
9650898965Euphemism'The term 'euphemism' is used to refer to the literary practice of using a comparatively milder or less abrasive form of a negative description instead of its original, unsympathetic form. This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes and things "embarrassing". The purpose of euphemisms is to substitute unpleasant and severe words with more genteel ones in order to mask the harshness.. The use of euphemisms is sometimes manipulated to lend a touch of exaggeration or irony in satirical writing.21
9650898966EuphonyThe literary device "euphony" refers to the use of phrases and words that are noted for possessing an extensive degree of notable loveliness or melody in the sound they create. The use of euphony is predominant in literary prose and poetry, where poetic devices such as alliterations, rhymes and assonace are used to create pleasant sounds. Euphony is the opposite of cacophony, which refers to the creation of unpleasant and harsh sounds by using certain words and phrases together.22
9650898967FlashbackFlashback is a literary device wherein the author depicts the occurrence of specific events to the reader, which have taken place before the present time the narration is following, or events that have happened before the events that are currently unfolding in the story. Flashback is used to create a background to the present situation, place or person.23
9650898968FoilA foil is another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes.24
9650898969ForeshadowingThe literary device foreshadowing refers to the use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Foreshadowing is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.25
9650898970HubrisHubris, in this day and age, is another way of saying overly arrogant. You can tell the difference of hubris and just regular arrogance or pride by the fact that the character has seemed to allow reality slip away from them. The character portraying hubris, also commonly referred to as hybris, may have just gained a huge amount of power and the false belief that they are "untouchable". This term hubris used to have a slightly different meaning and was a very negative subject back in ancient Greek. It used to be closely related to a crime in Athens. In writing and literature hubris is generally considered a "tragic flaw" and it is saved for the protagonist. The reason for this is because at the end of the story you should be able to see that it is this flaw that brings the "bad guy" down.26
9650898971HyperboleA hyperbole is a literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the basic crux of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. The purpose of hyperbole is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point. Such sentences usually convey an action or sentiment that is generally not practically/ realistically possible or plausible but helps emphasize an emotion.27
9650898972Internal rhymeIn literature the internal rhyme is a practice of forming a rhyme in only one lone line of verse. An internal rhyme is also known as the middle rhyme because it is typically constructed in the middle of a line to rhyme with the bit at the end of the same metrical line.28
9650898973InversionThe term 'inversion' refers to the practice of changing the conventional placement of words. It is a literary practice typical of the older classical poetry genre. In present day literature it is usually used for the purpose of laying emphasis this literary device is more prevalent in poetry than prose because it helps to arrange the poem in a manner that catches the attention of the reader not only with its content but also with its physical appearance; a result of the peculiar structuring.29
9650898974IronyThe use of irony in literature refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Often irony is used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.30
9650898975JuxtapositionJuxtaposition is a literary device wherein the author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them. This literary device is usually used for etching out a character in detail, creating suspense or lending a rhetorical effect.31
9650898976LitotesLitotes are figures of rhetoric speech that use an understated statement of an affirmative by using a negative description. Rarely talked about, but commonly used in modern day conversations, litotes are a discreet way of saying something unpleasant without directly using negativity. Sometimes called an ironical understatement and/or an avoidance of a truth which can be either positive or negative.32
9650898977MalapropismMalapropism in literature refers to the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement. Malapropism is used to convey that the speaker or character is flustered, bothered, unaware or confused and as a result cannot employ proper diction. A trick to using malapropism is to ensure that the two words (the original and the substitute) sound similar enough for the reader to catch onto the intended switch and find humor in the result.33
9650898978MetaphorMetaphors are one of the most extensively used literary devices. A metaphor refers to a meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another. In a metaphor, one subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities and shared traits. The first subject, which is the focus of the sentences is usually compared to the second subject, which is used to convey a degree of meaning that is used to characterize the first. The purpose of using a metaphor is to take an identity or concept that we understand clearly (second subject) and use it to better understand the lesser known element (the first subject).34
9650898979MetonymyMetonymy in literature refers to the practice of not using the formal word for an object or subject and instead referring to it by using another word that is intricately linked to the formal name or word. It is the practice of substituting the main word with a word that is closely linked to it.35
9650898980MoodThe literary device 'mood' refers to a definitive stance the author adopts in shaping a specific emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work. It refers to the mental and emotional disposition of the author towards the subject, which in turn lends a particular character or atmosphere to the work. The final tone achieved thus is instrumental in evoking specific, appropriate responses from the reader.36
9650898981MotifThe literary device 'motif' is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.37
9650898982Negative CapabilityThe use of negative capability in literature is a concept promoted by poet John Keats, who was of the opinion that literary achievers, especially poets, should be able to come to terms with the fact that some matters might have to be left unsolved and uncertain.38
9650898983OnomatopoeiaThe term 'onomatopoeia' refers to words whose very sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict. In other words, it refers to sound words whose pronunciation to the actual sound they represent.39
9650898984OxymoronOxymoron is a significant literary device as it allows the author to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner. An oxymoron is an interesting literary device because it helps to perceive a deeper level of truth and explore different layers of semantics while writing.40
9650898985ParadoxA paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness of paradoxes lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glance, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight.41
9650898986Periodic StructureIn literature, the concept of a periodic structure refers to a particular placement of sentence elements such as the main clause of the sentence and/or its predicate are purposely held off and placed at the end instead of at the beginning or their conventional positions. In such placements, the crux of the sentence's meaning does not become clear to the reader until they reach the last part. While undeniably confusing at first, a periodic structure lends a flair of drama and romanticism to a sentence and is greatly used in poetry.42
9650898987PeriphrasisThe term 'periphrasis' refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. The use of this literary device can be to embellish a sentence, to create a grander effect, to beat around the bush and to draw attention away from the crux of the message being conveyed.43
9650898988PersonificationPersonification refers to the practice of attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals.44
9650898989PlotThe plot usually refers to the sequence of events and happenings that make up a story. There is usually a pattern, unintended or intentional, that threads the plot together. The plot basically refers to the main outcome and order of the story. There is another kind of plot in literature as well; it refers to the conflict or clash occurring as a part of the story. The conflict usually follows 3 regular formats: a) characters in conflict with one another b) characters in conflict with their surroundings and c) characters in conflict with themselves.45
9650898990Point of viewPoint of view is the manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story. Simply put, the point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. The point of view is instrumental in manipulating the reader's understanding of the narrative. In a way, the point of view can allow or withhold the reader access into the greater reaches of the story. Two of the most common point of view techniques are the first person, where the story is told by the narrator from his or her standpoint and the third person wherein the narrator does not figure in the events of the story and tells the story by referring to all characters and places in the third person with third person pronouns and proper nouns.46
9650898991PolysyndetonPolysyndeton refers to the process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another. Opposed to the usual norm of using them sparsely, only where they are technically needed. The use of polysyndetons is primarily for adding dramatic effect as they have a strong rhetorical presence.47
9650898992PortmanteauIn literature, this device refers to the practice of joining together two or more words in order to create an entirely new word. This is often done in order to create a name or word for something by combining the individual characteristics of 2 or more other words.48
9650898993PunsPuns are a very popular literary device wherein a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings. This is generally done to the effect of creating humor or irony or wryness. Puns can also refer to words that suggest meanings of similar-sounding words. The trick is to make the reader have an "ah!" moment and discover 2 or more meanings.49
9650898994Rhyme schemeThe rhyme scheme is the practice of rhyming words placed at the end of the lines in the prose or poetry. Rhyme scheme refers to the order in which particular words rhyme. AB/AA.50
9650898995SatireThe use of satire in literature refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of satire is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the satire. In general, even though satire might be humorous and may "make fun", its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.51
9650898996SettingIn literature, the word 'setting' is used to identify and establish the time, place and mood of the events of the story. It basically helps in establishing where and when and under what circumstances the story is taking place.52
9650898997SimileSimiles are one of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. By using similes a greater degree of meaning and understanding is attached to an otherwise simple sentence. The reader is able to better understand the sentiment the author wishes to convey. Similes are marked by the use of the words 'as' or 'such as' or 'like'.53
9650898998StanzaThe term stanza refers to a single, related chunk of lines in poetry. It basically refers to one unit or group of lines, which forms one particular faction in poetry. The most basic kind of stanza is usually 4 lines per group, with the simplest rhyme scheme "a-b-a-b" being followed.54
9650898999Stream of consciousnessThe phrase 'stream of consciousness' refers to an uninterrupted and unhindered collection and occurrence of thoughts and ideas in the conscious mind. In literature, the phrase refers to the flow of these thoughts, with reference to a particular character's thinking process. This literary device is usually used in order to provide a narrative in the form of the character's thoughts instead of using dialogue or description.55
9650899000SuspenseSuspense is 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. The amount of intensity in a suspenseful moment is why it is hard to put a book down. Without suspense, a reader would lose interest quickly in any story because there is nothing that is making the reader ask, "What's going to happen next?" In writing, there has to be a series of events that leads to a climax that captivates the audience and makes them tense and anxious to know what is going to happen.56
9650899001SymbolA symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.57
9650899002SynecdocheA synecdoche is a literary devices that uses a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa. It is somewhat rhetorical in nature, where the entire object is represented by way of a fraction of it or a fraction of the object is symbolized by the whole.58
9650899003SynesthesiaWhile the term synesthesia literally refers to a medical condition wherein one or many of the sensory modalities become joined to one another, in literature it refers to the depiction of a strong connection, link or bond between the different senses. Characters in literature are sometimes described to be experiences synesthesia. Synesthesia is the conflation of the senses.59
9650899004SyntaxSyntax in literature refers to the actual way in which words and sentences are placed together in the writing. Usually in the English language the syntax should follow a pattern of subject-verb-object agreement but sometimes authors play around with this to achieve a lyrical, rhythmic, rhetoric or questioning effect. It is not related to the act of choosing specific words or even the meaning of each word or the overall meanings conveyed by the sentences.60
9650899005ThemeThe theme of any literary work is the base that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece. The theme links all aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject. The theme can be an enduring pattern or motif throughout the literary work, occurring in a complex, long winding manner or it can be short and succinct and provide a certain insight into the story.61
9650899006ToneThe tone of a literary work is the perspective or ​attitude that the author adopts ​with regards to a specific character, place or development. Tone can portray a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous. Tone helps the reader ascertain the writer's feelings towards a particular topic and this in turn influences the reader's understanding of the story.62
9650899007TragedyIn literature, the concept of tragedy refer to a series of unfortunate events by which one or more of the literary characters in the story undergo several misfortunes, which finally culminate into a disaster of 'epic proportions'. Tragedy is generally built up in 5 stages: a) happy times b) the introduction of a problem c) the problem worsens to a crisis or dilemma d) the characters are unable to prevent the problem from taking over e) the problem results in some catastrophic, grave ending, which is the tragedy culminated.63
9650899008UnderstatementThis literary device refers to the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.64
9650899009VerisimilitudeVerisimilitude tends to be based around the appearance or proximity to being real, or the truth. It was a large part of the work of Karl Popper, and can be used in a variety of different ways to describe something, as well. It is a way of implying the believability or likelihood of a theory or narrative. However, just because something can be described as having Verisimilitude does not mean that it is true, only that merely appears to or seems to be true.65
9650899010VerseThe literary term 'verse' is used to refer to any single, lone line of a poetry composition. A metrical writing line is known as verse. The word can however, also refer to a stanza or any other part of the poetry.66

AP Literature Quotes Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9644123775Kite Runner: Hassan says this to Amir - futhers the theme of true loyalty, and solidifies a brothera thousand times over0
9644160235Kite Runner: Baba says this to Amir near his birthday - the story line of Amir's guiltthere is only one sin, and that is theft... when you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth1
9644177209Kite Runner: Amir says this during the Kite festival - foreshadowIt may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime2
9644210563Kite Runner: The beginning paragraphBecause the past claws its way out3
9644228736Kite Runner: said by AmirLife goes on, unmindful of beginning, end...crisis or catharsis, moving forward like a slow, dusty carvan of nomads4
9644240513Kite Runner: General Taheri Jan says this afterblood is a powerful thing, bachem, never forget that5
9644468046Kite Runner: Motifs- atonement - familiar ties - Guilt makes the heart heavy6
9644327068Great Gatsby: final scene, Nick narrationSo we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past7
9644327069Great Gatsby: Daisy says this about her dauhgterI hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool8
9644329695Great Gatsby: Gatsby says this about himselfYou see I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad things that happened to me9
9644329696Great Gatsby: Nick says this about Gatsby's party guestsThere are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired10
9644333742Great Gatsby: GatsbyCan't repeat the past? Why of course you can11
9644435118Gatsby Motifs- dreams - lost love - The things we can't have - Haves and the Have nots12
9644485969Great Gatsby: Sitting on the dock-green light on the dock13
9644336059Great Gatsby: Nick says about Daisy and GatzIt takes two to make an accident14
9644488642Things Fall Apart"There is no story that is not true, The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others15
9644518534Things Fall ApartWhen a man is at peace with his gods and ancestors, his harvest will be good or bad according to the strength of his arm16

AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9860460342Similea figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (as brave as a lion)0
9860460343Metaphorfig of speech which makes an implicit implied or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics (he is the black sheep of the family)1
9860460344personificationfigure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes (the wind whistled)2
9860460345imageryfigurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses (it was a dark and dim forest)3
9860460346allusionbrief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance (don't act like a Romeo in front of her)4
9860460347paradoxa statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth (i can resist anything but temptation)5
9860460348hyperbolea figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis (my homework took me 1000 hours)6
9860460349apostrophewriter or a speaker, using an apostrophe, detaches himself from the reality and addresses an imaginary character in his speech (busy old fool, unruly sun, why dost thou thus...)7
9860460350conceitfigure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors aka extended metaphor (my life is like a video game, people seem to be playing with it)8
9860460351symbolismuse of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense (dove = peace)9
9860460352motifobject or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work, explored by author (NOT THEME: central idea or message)10
9860460353first person narrativestory from the first-person perspective: the viewpoint of a character writing or speaking directly about themselves11
9860460354third person narrative omniscientform of third-person narration in which the teller of the tale, who often appears to speak with the voice of the author himself, assumes an omniscient (all-knowing) perspective on the story being told12
9860460355third person limitedFocussing a third-person narration through the eyes of a single character (includes thoughts of that character)13
9860460356third person editorial narrativethird person narrative but biased14
9860460417third person neutral narrativewhen the narrator is a fly on the wall that knows all and gives no opinion15
9860460357third person objectivenarration not describing the feelings or thoughts of any characters but, rather, just the exact facts of the story16
9860460358narrative voicetells whose eyes the reader sees a story through17
9860460359tragic herohero is the protagonist of a tragedy in Drama literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction18
9860460360soliloquyan act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.19
9860460361monologuea long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program20
9860460362satirethe use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues21
9860460363ironythe expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect (someone trips, you laugh, and then you trip)22
9860460364foilcharacter whose personality, attitude, or physical characteristics is opposite of another character23
9860460365direct characterizationprocess by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets24
9860460366indirect characterizationRevealing a fictitious character's personality through his/her actions, speech, appearance, etc25
9860460367gothica genre or mode of literature and film that combines fiction and horror, death, and at times romance26
9860460368realismattempts to represent familiar things as they are27
9860460369naturalisma literary movement that emphasizes observation and the scientific method in the fictional portrayal of reality28
9860460370determinismphilosophical position that for every event, including human interactions, there exist conditions that could cause no other event the doctrine that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will "no free will"29
9860460371connotationan idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning30
9860460372denotationthe literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests31
9860460373dictionthe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing32
9860460374syntaxthe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language33
9860460375metonymythe substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant (suit = businessman, the white house, crown)34
9860460376synecdochefigure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa (she is the main breadwinner)35
9860460377declarative sentencestates an idea (.)36
9860460378exclamatory sentencestates idea with emotion (!)37
9860460379interrogative sentenceasks questions (?)38
9860460380imperative sentencegives orders or directions (. or !)39
9860460381asyndetondeliberate omission of conjunctions in a series of related clauses (I came I saw I conquered she was young, she was pure, she was new, she was nice)40
9860460382polysyndetonthe process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another (here and there and everywhere)41
9860460383repetitionwhen words or phrases are repeated in a literary work, often used in poetry or song, and it is used to create rhythm and bring attention to an idea or used in speech, as a rhetorical device to bring attention to an idea.42
9860460384parallelismgrammatical or structural similarity between sentences or parts of a sentence (Alice ran into the room, into the garden, and into our hearts like father like son easy come easy go)43
9860460385anaphoraliterary and rhetorical device in which a word or group of words is repeated at the beginning of two or more successive clauses or sentences (we shall...we shall... etc oh lord... oh lord...)44
9860460386enjambmentrun on line when one line of poetry ends without a pause and must continue into the next line to complete its meaning ("the broad sun is sinking down in its tranquility")45
9860460387caesuraa pause within a line of poetry, possibly by punctuation or not (the name is bond. James Bond)46
9860460388alliterationthe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (cute cat came crawling cross the crazy colored carpet)47
9860460389assonancein poetry, the repetition of the sound of a vowel or diphthong in non-rhyming stressed syllables near enough to each other for the echo to be discernible (men sell the wedding bells go and mow the lawn i feel depressed and restless)48
9860460390consonancestylistic literary device identified by the repetition of identical or similar consonants in neighboring words whose vowel sounds are different (the ship has sailed to the far off shores)49
9860460391rhythmpattern of stressed and unstressed beats50
9860460392footcombination of stressed and unstressed syllables51
9860460393iambic footconsists of one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (away - a is unstressed, way is stressed)52
9860460394trochaic footconsists of two syllables, the first one stressed and the second unstressed (DAN-ger)53
9860460395anapestic footEach foot has two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable (like the LEAVES of the FORest when SUMmer is Green)54
9860460396dactylic footmetrical foot that consists of three syllables wherein the first two syllables are stressed and the last one is unstressed such as stressed/stressed/unstressed pattern (Half a league, Half a league, Half a league Onward)55
9860460397spondaic footmetrical foot that consists of two stressed syllables (WESTWARD toward the neighboring forest... burning, singing in the SUNSHINE)56
9860460398meterunit of rhythm in poetry, the pattern of the beats mono - 1 di - 2 tri - 3 tetra - 4 penta - 5 hexa - 6 hepta - 7 octo - 857
9860460399terminal half footan extra syllable at the end of a line of poetry that strays from the pre established meter58
9860460400free versetype of poetry that does not contain patterns of rhyme or meter59
9860460401english/shakespearean sonneta sonnet consisting of three quatrains and a couplet with a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg in iambic pentameter60
9860460402italian/petrarchan sonneta sonnet consisting of an octave rhyming abba abba and a sestet rhyming in any of various patterns (as cde cde or cdc dcd)61
9860460403voltaoccurs between the octet and sestet in a Petrarchan sonnet and sometimes between the 8th and 9th or between the 12th and 13th lines of a Shakespearean sonnet or turn, is a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and/or emotion62
9860460404couplettwo lines of verse, usually in the same meter and joined by rhyme, that form a unit63
9860460405heroic coupleta rhyming couplet that uses a meter called iambic pentameter ("Whan that aprill with his shoures soote / The droghte of march hath perced to the roote.")64
9860460406tercetcomposed of three lines of poetry, forming a stanza or a complete poem haikus!65
9860460407quatrainstanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes66
9860460408sesteta stanza or a poem of six lines; specifically : the last six lines of an Italian sonnet67
9860460409octaveverse form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter (in English poetry) or hendecasyllables (in case of Italian poetry)". or. "Any stanza in a poem, formed of eight lines, and can follow any meter (rhymed or un-rhymed) and could be of any line length".68
9860460410terza rimaa rhyming verse stanza form that consists of an interlocking three-line rhyme scheme A-B-A, B-C-B, C-D-C, D-E-D69
9860460411end rhymerhyme of the terminal syllables of lines of poetry (once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary)70
9860460412refraingroup of lines repeated at intervals throughout a poem, generally at the end of the stanza (The art of losing isn't hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster... Lose something every day. Accept the fluster of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing isn't hard to master though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.)71
9860460413rhyme schemethe ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem or verse.72
9860460414end rhymeis defined as when a poem has lines ending with words that sound the same73
9860460415internal rhymea rhyme involving a word in the middle of a line and another at the end of the line or in the middle of the next74
9860460416slant rhymealso called an imperfect rhyme, near rhyme or oblique rhyme. It can be defined as a rhyme in which the stressed syllables of ending consonants match, however the preceding vowel sounds do not match75

AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7282706627deride(verb) To make fun of or scoff at; ridicule0
7282710712parsimonious(adjective) Excessively frugal or sparing, miserly1
7282713200blithe(adj) Lightheartedly joyful or cheerful2
7282715341stoic(adj) unmoved by joy or grief and willing to submit3
7282717538commiserate(verb) To feel or express pity for another4
7282720863poignant(adj) Deeply affecting (moving) the emotions; keenly distressing5
7332578728elucidate(verb) to clarify by illustration, explanation, or interpretation6
7332580728philistine(adj) smugly commonplace or conventional7
7332582720timorous(adj) full of fear8
7336090351duplicity(noun) deception by pretending9
7384011213peruse(verb) to examine or study; scrutinize10
7384014566nettle(verb) to imitate, annoy, or provoke11
7403036173decorous(adj) behaving in a respectful, correct manner (ex: Queen of England)12
7403040935berate(verb) to scold harshly; upbraid; censure13
7476183913reticent(adj) disposed to be silent or not speak freely; reserved14
7476188346oedipal(adj) having emotions, usually unconscious, involving the desire of a child, male child, to possess sexually the parent of the opposite sex while leaving out the parent of the same sex15
7476200006pragmatic(adj) emphasizing practicality and realistic consequences16
7476203722recalcitrant(adj) resisting authority or control; rebellious, refractory17
7553870919meet(adj) suitable; fitting; proper18
7553878190syntax(noun) formation of sentences and phrases from words19
7553890149extemporaneous(adj) not planned ahead of time; impromptu; spontaneous20
7553895568regale(verb) to give lavish pleasure to; delight; amuse21
7553901286dally(verb) to act playfully; to waste time22
7630024362misogynistic(adj) having or showing a hatred and distrust of women23
7630026663inimical(adj) adverse in tendency or effect; unfavorable; harmful24
7630030435sordid(adj) dirty or filthy; morally shameful (sleazy)25
7630034731equanimity(noun) composure, dignified calmness26
7630037442sardonic(adj) characterized by bitter or scornful derision, mocking, cynical, sneering, sarcastic27
7703608468obsequious(adj) humbly or overly attentive, as to a person in authority; fawning; syncophantic28
7703613572complicit(adj) associated with or participating in a questionable act or crime29
7703617894agrarian(adj) of or relating to rural or agricultural matters; pastoral30
7703623871anachronism(noun) something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, especially a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time31
7757863416ambivalent(adj) having simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings towards an object, person, or action32
7757869878conciliatory(adj) intended to placate or reconcile, assuaging33
7757878567undulant(adj) resembling waves in occurrence, appearance, or motion34
7774022597variegated(adj) varied in appearance or color, marked with patches or spots of different colors35
7774025999congenial(adj) agreeable, suitable, or pleasing in nature or character36
7855182231homage(noun) respect or reverence paid or rendered37
7855183865trifle(noun) something of little importance or value38
7855185671glib(adj) readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so39
7855191357bereft(adj) deprived of; lacking40
7855194011wont(adj) accustomed; used (usually followed by "the")41
7929934911proclivity(noun) natural propensity or inclination; predisposition42
7929939055redress(verb) to set right; remedy or repair43
7929940509pedant(noun) one who shows off one's learning or scholarship ostentatiously44
7929943068insidious(adj) working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner45
7929944785titillation(noun) a tingling feeling of excitement46
8006699043surreptitious(adj) obtained, done, made, etc by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine47
8006713695ennui(noun) a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest48
8006719528acerbic(adj) harsh or severe, as of temper or expression49
8006722713disapprobation(noun) disapproval50
8006724256pious(adj) having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations51
8078614722embroil(verb) to involve oneself in trouble, conflict, or argument52
8078621039sagacious(adj) wise (clever)53
8078632898ineffable(adj) not to be spoken bc of it's sacredness, unutterable54
8078637535felicitous(adj) aptly expressed; possessing the ability to express in a suitable fitting manner55
8078645101redolent(adj) odorous or smelling (of)56
8207004306penultimate(adj) next to the last57
8207006267belie(verb) to mislead or misrepresent58
8207009405ostracize(verb) to exclude from a group by common consent59
8207011039convalescent(noun) a person who is recovering from illness60
8207014724temerity(noun) reckless boldness; rashness61
8207017711abate(verb) to put an end to; to decrease in amount, number, or degree62
8303847815morose(adj) sullenly, melancholy63
8303850865affable(adj) agreeable and good-natured64
8303853369culpable(adj) worthy or deserving of blame as for a wrongful act65
8303856834sanguine(adj) cheerfully optimistic, hopeful or confident; reddish, ruddy; having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful66
8303864081petulant(adj) irritable, impatient, or sullen in a peevish or capricious way67
8657823933recapitulateto review with brief summary68
8657827872deprecating(adj) tending to diminish or disparage69
8657829810contrite(adj) repentent; regretful70
8657831791quaff(verb) to drink a beverage, probably booze71
8657837053audacious(adj) daring or adventurous72
8657838751suppliant(adj) asking humbly and earnestly; beseeching73
8657841436dote(verb) to pamper adoringly and attentively; coddle74
8657844020irascible(adj) easily provoked to anger, surly75
8657846158prognosticate(verb) to forecast or predict from present indications or signs; prophecy76
8657850423enmity(noun) a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred77
8657862962inexorably(adverb) in and unyielding, unalterable manner (unrelentingly)78
8657883870pliant(adj) bending readily; flexible79
8747859204perfidybetrayal80
8747861985garmlous(adj) excessively talkative in a rambling manner, especially about trivial matters81
8747866249impasse(noun) a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock82
8747890273hackneyed(adj) made commonplace or trite; stale; banal83
8747898124inundate(verb) to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge84
8900966104fawn(verb) to show affection (as a dog to a master); to favor in a cringing or flattering manner85
8900973583effusive(adj) gushing; characterized by unrestrained talking86
8900977155trepidation(noun) tremulous fear, alarm or agitation; perturbation87
9059633847impede(verb) to interfere with the progress of; hinder; obstruct88
9059638084sycophant(noun) person who uses flattery to win favor from individuals wielding influence; toady89
9059645094diatribe(noun) an angry/bitter attack in speech or writing90
9059648327munificent(adj) characterized by great generosity91
9059651465insolent(adj) showing disrespect or contempt through behavior or language92
9059658068fatuous(adj) foolish or inane, especially in an unconscious, complacent manner93
9059661784churlish(adj) rude or surly; of or relating to peasants94
9059664886cadge(verb) to sponge off of (another person) (freeload or mooch)95
9219127109lucid(adj) clear minded, easily understood, bright or shiny96
9219131236laudatory(adj) containing or expressing praise97
9219135659consummate(adj) complete or perfect, supremely skilled, superb98
9219140521acumen(noun) mental keenness and acuteness, discernment99
9219145348abberative(noun) deviation from the normal or usual100
9219161907obfuscate(verb) to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy101
9219164356myriad(adj) of an indefinitely great number; countless102
9219169813flagging( adj) characterized by a decline in spirit, interest, or attention103
9372965008onerous(adj) oppressive or burdensome104
9372966871supercilious(adj) displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference105
9372971978gauche(adj) lacking social polish; tactless106
9372973937expedient(adj) appropriate to a purpose107
9372975978innocuous(adj) harmless; benign; inoffensive108
9372979273impudent(adj) characterized by offensive boldness109
9372981652coquettish(adj) girlish flirtatious110
9372989043vitiate(verb) to impair the quality of; make faulty;spoil111
9372991069importune(verb) to beg for something urgently or persistently112
9372995514banal(adj) drearily commonplace and often predictable113
9498732442slipshod(adj) careless, untidy, or slovenly114
9498734076derogatory(adj) disparaging; belittling115
9498737069incendiary(adj) used or adapted for setting property on fire116
9498740546bemused(adj) to cause to be bewildered; absent minded117
9652321286pretentious(adj) having or creating a deceptive outer appearance118
9652324818aloof(adj) distant physically or emotionally119
9652328419moribund(adj) on the verge of extinction or termination120
9652335068mollified(adj) calmed in temper or feeling, soothed121
9652337233ponderous(adj) of great weight; heavy122
9652340072phlegmatic(adj)) not?? easily excited to action; apathetic123
9652344482reprehensible(adj) deserving rebuke or censure; blameworthy124
9652346720copious(adj) large in quantity or number125
9652352006nebulous(adj) hazy, vague, indistinct126

AP LITERATURE VOCAB Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9647973536AccordantAgreeing or compatable0
9647976726AccoutermentsPersonal clothing and accessories1
9647979104DeportmentA persons behavior or mannors2
9647986622Expositiona comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory3
9648008407Impugndispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question.4
9648012303Imputeto attribute or ascribe5
9648012304Parapeta low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.6
9648016384Pertinacitythe quality of being pertinacious; persistence.7
9648021499Temperanceabstinence from alcoholic drink. moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking.8
9648021500Viandsan item of food9
9648023502Brevityconcise and exact use of words in writing or speech10
9648023503Copiousabundant in supply or quantity11
9648025853Gouta drop or spot, especially of blood, smoke, or flame12
9648025854Habilimentsclothing13
9648029096Irksomeirritating;annoying14
9648029097Ponderousdull; slow and clumsy because of heavy weight15
9648034522Scrupulousvery concerned to avoid doing wrong16
9648034523Sundryvarious items not important enough to be mentioned individually17
9648038343Timorousshowing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.18
9648038389Transcendentbeyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience.19

AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9679918374Solemndeeply respectful0
9679919195Apatheticindifferent due to a lack of energy1
9679920553CynicalDistrusting of people's motives2
9679921730Callousinsensitive or unsympathetic3
9679923710Quizzicalodd, comical4
9679926063Hyperboleoverstatement using exaggerated language5
9679927772IronyA contrast between what is stated and what is meant6
9679930429AphorismStatement of truth7
9679932639PersonificationGiving human qualities to a nonhuman object of idea8
9679936332IdiomExpression where intent is not known through literal meaning9
9679941983MotifRecurring device in a novel relating to an important theme10
9679944210AllusionLiterary, historical, religious or mythological reference11
9679946149Litoteconscious understatement12
9679949470MetonymySpeech when a common feature is used to designate something13
9679952251SatireA literary work that criticizes society for the sake to improve it14
9679955563Oxymoroncombining two contradictory words15
9679956927vernacularlanguage spoken in a certain region or area16
9679958442conceitextended metaphor used throughout a literary work17
9679959775VoiceSource of words in a story18
9679961146ImageryUse of figurative language to evoke a feeling19
9679963127AnecdoteA brief story or tale20
9679967208GenreA type of class of literature21
9679968594Antithesisdirect opposite of22
9679969871ApothropheDirect address to something not living23
9679971771Themeessential message of a story24

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