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Final lit terms review AP Lit April Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4175566681allusiona reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art within a piece of literature0
4175568760aphorisma general truth or observation about life, usually stated concisely and pointedly1
4175571745apostrophewhen an absent person, an abstract concept, or an important object is directly addressed.2
4175574154archetypethe term applied to an image, a descriptive detail, a plot pattern, or a character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion, or folklore and is, therefore, believed to evoke profound emotion because it touches the unconscious memory and thus call into play illogical but strong responses(see the archetype handout for specifics)3
4175575619colloquialisman expression used in informal conversation but not accepted universally in formal speech or writing. It lies between the upper level of dignified formal, academic, or "literary" language and the lower level of slang (y'all, buzz off, wanna, gonna)4
4175578002connotationall the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests (as opposed to denotation)5
4175579492denotation,the dictionary definition of a word (as opposed to connotation)6
4175583659deus ex machinathe employment of some unexpected and improbable incident in a story or play to make things turn out right7
4175584956detailsthe facts given by the author or speaker as support for the attitude or tone8
4175586611euphemisma device where an indirect expression replaces a direct one for the purpose of eliminating unpleasantness9
4175588262flat characterhas only one or two personality traits. S/he is one-dimensional and can be summed up by a single word or phrase.10
4175589494round characterhas more dimensions to his or her personality. S/he is complex and multi-faceted, like real people.11
4175589495dynamic characterundergoes change during the work12
4175592011static charactersstays the same throughout the work13
4175592012foilany person or sometimes an object that through strong contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another14
4175593449idioma use of words, a grammatical construction peculiar to a given language or an expression that cannot be translated literally into a second language (it's raining cats and dogs)15
4175594774juxtapositionplacing two or more things side by side for comparison or contrast: not in parallel structure16
4175597665litotea form of understatement in which a thing is affirmed by stating the negative of its opposite (EX: a million dollars is not a little amount)17
4175597666metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: The soldier led with his gun.18
4175600002motifa recurring element in a work that supports the narrative elements19
4175601612paradoxapparently self-contradictory statement, the underlying meaning of which is revealed only by careful scrutiny. The purpose of a this is to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought20
4175601613pathosthe quality in a work of literature that arouses a feeling of pity, tenderness, or sorrow in a reader21
4175603866personaliterally, a mask. The term is widely used to refer to a "second self" created by an author and through whom the narrative is told. It may be a narrator as in Huckleberry Finn.22
4175603867rhetorical shifta change from one tone, attitude, etc. Look for key words like but, however, even though, although, yet, and so on.23
4175607080synaesthesiais the mixing of the senses.24
4175607081synechdoche,part of something is used to stand for the whole thing. Example: The soldier led with his heart.25
4175608857vernacularthe everyday spoken language of people in a particular locality, and writing that imitates or suggests such language; word choice26
4175609842zeugmawhen two different words that sound exactly alike are yoked together; when a preposition or verb has two or more objects on different levels EX: He had holes in his jeans and holes in his confidence.27
4175612215absoluteis a group of words consisting of a noun or pronoun, and "ing" or "ed" verb form, and any related modifiers. They modify the whole sentence rather than a particular part of it. They are always set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma or pair of commas (or dashes) because they are parenthetical elements.28
4175612216anaphoraone of the devices of repetition in which the same expression is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences29
4176251676antithesisinvolves a direct contrast of structurally parallel word groupings, generally for the purpose of contrast Example: "We think in generalities, but we live in details." (Alfred North Whitehead)30
4176257680asyndetona condensed form of expression in which elements customarily joined by conjunctions are presented in series without the conjunctions. Example: Caesar's "Veni, vedi, vici"—"I came, I saw, I conquered."31
4176259771balanced sentencea sentence in which the clauses are parallel—that is matched in grammatical structure. When used carefully, they can be especially effective in alerting readers to a strong comparison between two ideas. Example: Scratch a lover, and find a foe. Dorothy Parker32
4176261980chiasmusA verbal pattern (a type of antithesis) in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first with the parts reversed. Example: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." Shakespeare33
4176264870cumulative (loose sentence)it begins with the main clause and then adds more modifiers to explain, amplify or illustrate. They parallel the way we naturally think. Cumulative They accumulate information as they proceed. Loose because they are not tightly structured. Example: Education has no equal in opening minds, instilling values, and creating opportunities.34
4176264871periodic sentenceOpposite of the cumulative sentence. Saves the main clause for just before the end(the period) of the sentence. This sentence creates suspense for the reader by reserving the important information for the end. Example: In opening minds, instilling values, and creating opportunities, education has no equal.35
4176266486polysyndetonthe use of sentences, clauses, phrases, or words in coordinate constructions and linked by coordinating conjunctions. Employing many conjunctions between clauses, often slowing the tempo or rhythm36
4176268189syntaxthe arrangement of words in a sentence; sentence structure37
4176268190blank verseverse written in unrhymed, iambic pentameter38
4176268191couplettwo consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme.39
4176270049free verseunrhymed poetry not written in a regular rhythmical pattern or meter. It seeks to capture the rhythms of speech40
4176270050sonneta fourteen-line lyric poem usually written in rhymed iambic pentameter a. Shakespearean/English sonnet—a sonnet which consists of three quatrains and a couplet. The most common rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef gg. b. Petrarchan/Italian sonnet—a sonnet which consists of an octave and a sestet with the rhyme scheme being abbaabba cdecde. There is usually a pronounced tonal shift between the octave and sestet as well.41
4176272027lyric poemverse that expresses the personal observations and feelings of a single speaker42
4176272028open formbasically free verse, no rhyme or rhythm43
4176385030closed formmust have rhyme and/or rhythm44
4176274499enjambmentthe continuation of the sense and grammatical construction of a verse or couplet on to the next verse or couplet. In other words, the line is not end-stopped, but wraps around to the next line.45
4176274500inversiona change in normal word order (The Yoda syntax)46
4176276376cacophonya harsh, unpleasant combination of sound.47
4176276377euphonypleasing sounds.48
6485189001Telegraphic sentenceShort, concise sentence with no frills. Example: Truth prevails. Love wins.49
6485189002Omniscient point of viewA type of third-person narration where the narrator knows and sees multiple perspectives50

AP Language Final Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6860254376AntanaclasisRepetition of a similar word in a sentence w/ different meanings; word is repeated in two or more than two different senses0
6860254377AnthimeriaCreation of neogolism by using one part of speech in place of another1
6860254378AntithesisTwo opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect2
6860254379Apostrophespeaking to an abstract idea or something that cannot be present3
6860254380AnastropheInversion of the natural or usual word order4
6860254381Anaphorathe repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences5
6860254382Epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences6
6860254383EpithetBrief, descriptive phrases used to characterize people or things.7
6860254384EpitaphA brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone8
6860254385ProsopopoeiaAn absent or imaginary person is represented as speaking9
6860254386Anthropomorphismthe attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.10
6860254387PersonificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes11
6860254388Allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning12
6860254389AllusionA reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art13
6860254390SimileA comparison using "like" or "as"14
6860254391MetaphorA comparison without using like or as15
6860254392IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.16
6860254393ParadoxA statement that contradicts itself17
6860254394JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts18
6860254395OxymoronContradictory terms appear in conjunction19
6860254396Alliterationthe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.20
6860254397Synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa21
6860254398Metonymythe substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant22
6860254399Polysyndetonthe use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural23
6860254400AsyndetonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words24
6860254401Polyptotonrepetition of words derived from the same root25
6860254402AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.26
6860254403FoilA character who acts as a contrast to another character27
6860254404ZeugmaUses one word to modify two other words two different ways28
6860254405AntimetaboleA phrase or sentence is repeated in reverse order29
6860254406ChaismusTwo or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures30
6860254407AndiplosisRepetition of the last word of a repeating clause31
6860254408SynesthiaAppealing to more than one sense32
6860254409red herring fallacyAn irrelevant topic is presented in order to divert attention from an original issue33
6860254410Straw Man FallacyMisinterpreting someone's argument to make it easier to attack34
6860254411Ad Hominem FallacyAttacking someone's personal traits to undermine their argument35
6860254412Post Hoc FallacyBecause one thing occurred after another, it must have occurred as a result of it36
6860254413Hasty GeneralizationA fallacy in which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence.37
6860254414Card Stackingpropaganda technique involving the use of showing one-sided information38
6860254415Begging the QuestionA fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt.39
6860254416non sequituran idea that does not follow logically40
6860254417eponyma person for whom something, such as a city, building, or street, has been named41
6860254418HubrisExcessive pride that brings a characters downfall42
6860254419Hamartiaa fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.43
6860254420ErotemaA question that is asked without needing an answer44
6860254421Homilya sermon45
6860254422Understatementthe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.46

AP Literature and Composition Vocabulary Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8725762391abnegationself-denial, rejection in favor of others0
8725762392acquiesceto agree, to favor, to accept1
8725762393acrimonysharp animosity, harshness, or bitterness2
8725762394acumensuperior mental qualities, keen insight3
8725762395aplombgreat poise, confident composure4
8725762396assuageappease, satisfy, make less intense5
8725762397bedizenornament in a showy, gaudy, vulgar manner6
8725762398bucolicpastoral, idyllically rural; of or relating to shepherds7
8725762399caliberdegree of merit, degree of mental capacity8
8725762400candidfrank, outspoken, sincere9
8725762401captiousfault-finding, exaggerating trivial defects10
8725762402charlatanimpostor, fraud11
8725762403cohortcompanion, a group of warriors or soldiers12
8725762404credulitygullibility, readiness to believe without evidence13
8725762405cupiditygreed, lust for wealth, excessive desire14
8725762406dilatorydelaying, procrastinating, inclined to waste time15
8725762407effusivedemonstrative, overflowing emotion16
8725762408elationgreat joy or gladness, high spirits17
8725762409enjoindirect someone to do something, to prohibit or forbid18
8725762410explicateexplain, make plain, make clear19
8725762411abrogateabolish or treat as non-existent20
8725762412anachronisticset in the wrong time, misdated21
8725762413ardorfervor, zeal, passion22
8725762414auspiciousfavorable, attended by good23
8725762415boorishrude, unmannerly24
8725762416chastisediscipline, punish25
8725762417cogentto the point, relevant26
8725762418conflagrationlarge, destructive fire or war27
8725762419coruscatesparkle, gleam28
8725762420coterieclique, select group of people29
8725762421decrybelittle, to condemn openly30
8725762422diatribetirade, criticism31
8725762423ebullienthigh spirited, joyously unrestrained32
8725762424enervateweaken, exhaust, deprive of strength33
8725762425eruditelearned, showing profound knowledge of34
8725762426exoneratefree from blame, relieve from responsibility35
8725762427fetidstinking, having an offensive odor36
8725762428fomentinstigate, attempt to stir up public opinion37
8725762429garrulouswordy, rambling, excessively talkative38
8725762430gregarioussociable, fond of company39
8725762431codicilsupplement to a will, a legal change to a will40
8725762432copiousabundant, plentiful41
8725762433diametricaldirect opposite, absolute reverse42
8725762434disburseexpend, distribute43
8725762435doltblockhead, stupid person44
8725762436duplicitydeceitfulness, deceptiveness45
8725762437effetedecadent, sterile, worn out46
8725762438equineof, relating to, or resembling horses or the horse family47
8725762439exculpateabsolve, free from blame48
8725762440expeditehasten, dispatch, quicken49
8725762441extemporizeto do in a makeshift way, to deliver impromptu50
8725762442fallibleliable to err, likely to fail or to make a mistake51
8725762443fatuousinane, silly, unreal52
8725762444furtivestealthy, sly, shifty53
8725762445gaucheawkward, tactless, lacking social grace54
8725762446germanerelevant, pertinent55
8725762447honesharpen, whet, file, grind56
8725762448immutableunchangeable, unalterable57
8725762449iniquitoussinful, wicked, vicious58
8725762450kudosglory, a praising remark for exceptional achievement59
8725762451avaricegreed, cupidity60
8725762452calumnyslander, lies to damage another's reputation61
8725762453consonantin agreement, in harmony62
8725762454dearthscarcity, shortage, lack63
8725762455debaclesudden collapse, a flood, a failure64
8725762456elandash, distinctive and stylish elegance65
8725762457elegya lament for the dead66
8725762458galvanizestartle into sudden activity, to coat with zinc67
8725762459histronicsacting, theatricals68
8725762460illicitunlicensed, unlawful69
8725762461inanepointless, silly, foolish70
8725762462intrinsicinnate, true, natural, inherent71
8725762463levitylightness of character, excessive frivolity72
8725762464lucidclear, bright, shining73
8725762465mercurialactive, lively, erratic74
8725762466paradoxseeming self-contradiction that's true, a statement opposing accepted opinion75
8725762467pathospity, evoking compassion76
8725762468pensivereflective, meditative, dreamily thoughtful77
8725762469penuriouspoor, impoverished78
8725762470plethoraexcess, abundance, state of being overfull79
8725762471impoliticunwise, injudicious80
8725762472incarnadineblood-red, crimson, flesh color81
8725762473indigenousnative, natural, innate82
8725762474indigentdestitute, impoverished, needy83
8725762475ineffableinexpressible, unutterable, indescribable, taboo84
8725762476inuretoughen, harden, habituate85
8725762477irascibletesty, touchy, irritable86
8725762478laudpraise, extol, acclaim, to glorify87
8725762479limpidclear, transparent, lucid, serene88
8725762480lithepliant, flexible, supple89
8725762481loquaciousvery talkative, garrulous90
8725762482ludricouslaughable, ridiculous, funny because of obvious absurdity91
8725762483lugubriousmournful, dismal, gloomy, excessively sorrowful92
8725762484malfeasancewrongdoing, official misconduct, illegal deed93
8725762485maligndefame, slander94
8725762486morassmarsh, bog, swamp95
8725762487mundanecommon, ordinary, everyday96
8725762488pariahoutcast, Untouchable97
8725762489patrimonyheritage from one's father or other ancestor, legacy98
8725762490pecuniaryfinancial, monetary, relating to money99
8725762491abatementthe act of putting an end to, a deduction100
8725762492altruisticunselfish concern for the welfare of others101
8725762493analogouscomparable, similar102
8725762494aquilinehooked like an eagle's beak, having characteristics like an eagle103
8725762495austeritystrict economy, without adornment; a state of great self-denial104
8725762496brevityshortness, conciseness, terseness105
8725762497castigatecriticize or punish severely106
8725762498deplorablesad, pitiable, lamentable107
8725762499dodderingtrembling, shaking with old age, to progress in a feeble manner108
8725762500ennuiboredom, weariness, dissatisfaction109
8725762501eyrienest of a bird of prey, a home110
8725762502jocularitystate of being playful, jesting, characterized by joking111
8725762503mandatecommand, authorize, decree112
8725762504maudlinmawkish, tearfully sentimental113
8725762505metedole, measure out, allot114
8725762506peregrinationtravel from one place to another, journey115
8725762507prodigiousenormous, extraordinary in size or degree116
8725762508saturatefill up completely117
8725762509temerityfoolish boldness, fearless, daring118
8725762510vacuousstupidly blank or empty119
8725762511iconoclastdestroyer of images of idols, attacker of traditions120
8725762512impeccablefaultless, irreproachable121
8725762513inexorablerelentless, unyielding122
8725762514inferconclude, to derive by reasoning, to guess, speculate123
8725762515insipidpointless, flat, dull124
8725762516integralentire, whole, essential125
8725762517invidiousoffensive, obnoxious126
8725762518laconicconcise, expressing much in a few words127
8725762519lethargicdrowsy, sluggish, vagrant128
8725762520malignantharmful, dangerous129
8725762521martialwarlike, pertaining to war130
8725762522misanthropyhatred or dislike of mankind131
8725762523mollifypacify, appease, reduce132
8725762524ominousthreatening, portentous133
8725762525omniscientall-knowing, infinite awareness134
8725762526ostracismbanishment, exile, exclusion135
8725762527panegyricformal eulogy, or commendation136
8725762528paradigmmodel, pattern, standard137
8725762529parsimoniousstingy, excessively frugal.138
8725762530peripateticwandering, roving, vagrant139
8725762531affraypublic fight or riot, quarrel, or brawl140
8725762532apothegmshort, pithy saying, terse remarks141
8725762533decrementloss, decrease142
8725762534incongruouslacking harmony or agreement143
8725762535salaciouslustful, lecherous, obscene144
8725762536sartorialof or about tailors or tailoring145
8725762537soliloquytalking as is alone; utterance by a person talking to himself146
8725762538sordiddirty, vile147
8725762539stringentstrict, severe, exacting148
8725762540supplantremove, replace, overthrow149
8725762541taciturnuncommunicative, habitually silent150
8725762542tepidlukewarm, moderately warm151
8725762543truculentsavage, cruel, fierce152
8725762544unctuoussuave, smug, excessively pious153
8725762545venalmercenary, corruptible, able to be bribed154
8725762546verbosewordy, loquacious, lack of incisiveness or precision155
8725762547vernacularcommon, native language156
8725762548viragoa shrew; ill-tempered woman157
8725762549voraciousgreedy, immoderate, insatiable158
8725762550tediumboredom, ennui, dullness159
8725762551inciteprovoke, arouse, goad160
8725762552insulardetached, isolated, having a narrow point of view161
8725762553intrepidfearless, dauntless, fortitude162
8725762554manumissionfreeing, release from slavery163
8725762555moribunddying, stagnant, on the verge of extinction164
8725762556nescientignorant, agnostic, lack of knowledge165
8725762557obfuscateconfuse, cloud, make obscure166
8725762558placebosubstance having no pharmaceutical effect167
8725762559proliferationexcessive rapid spread168
8725762560pusillanimouscowardly in spirit, fearful169
8725762561reconditedeep, difficult, profound, little known170
8725762562sanctimonioushypocritical show of piety or righteousness171
8725762563similitudelikeness, resemblance, comparison172
8725762564soporificof or about sleep, drowsy173
8725762565supineinactive, passive, lying on the back174
8725762566tactiletangible, perceptible to the touch175
8725762567temporalsecular, transitory of this world, limited by time176
8725762568ungulatehoof like, of or about horses177
8725762569vapidinsipid, spiritless, inane178
8725762570zenithacme, highest point179
8725762571antipathyaversion, habitual repugnance180
8725762572wanediminish, abate, decrease181
8725762573encomiumeulogy, formal expression of high praise182
8725762574cacophonousharsh, discordant, unpleasant183
8725762575ambivalenthaving opposing feelings or desires184
8725762576puissantpowerful, potent, mighty185
8725762577bellicosepugnacious, ready to fight186
8725762578amenableagreeable, answerable187
8725762579cavilharp, nitpick, raise minor objections188
8725762580commodiousspacious, roomy189
8725762581desultorydisconnected, random, lacking in order190
8725762582discreetjudicious, tactful, diplomatic191
8725762583emanateemit, send forth, flow out192
8725762584didactictoo inclined to teach, preach, or lecture193
8725762585ephemeraltransitory, short-lived, fleeting194
8725762586fecklessfeeble, ineffective, worthless195
8725762587heinoushateful, odious, abominable196
8725762588piquantpungent, spicy, provocative197
8725762589obstreperousunruly, uncontrolled, vociferous, clamorous198
8725762590discreteseparate, distinct, detached from others199

AP languages Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5730815614turkishaltaic0
5730815615mongolianaltaic1
5730815616uzbek, kazakhaltaic2
5730815617tartar, azerbaijani, uyghuraltaic3
5730815618finnish, finnic, urgic, magyarUralic4
5730815619arabicafro asiatic5
5730815620hebrewafro asiatic6
5730815621EnglishInfo european west germanic7
5730815622AfrikaansInfo european west germanic8
5730815623Romanian, Italian, Spanish, FrenchInfo European Romance9
5730815624Haitian creoleIndo European romance10
5730815625portugueseindo european romance11
5730815626Russian, Ukrainian, Slovak, Czech, POLISH, bulgarianBalto Slavic12
5730815627Hindi, Bengali, LahndaIndo Iranian13
5730815628Indonesianaustronesian14
5730815629Javanese, Malay, Indonesianaustronesian15
5730815630VietnameseAustro asiatic16
5730815631Mandarinsino tibetan17
5730815632Tai, ZhuangTai Kadai18
5730815633Kongo, Yoruba, IgboNiger congo19
5730815634TamilDravidian20

AP Language Flashcards

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8962998697Deterrence (n)the action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.0
8963008952Deter (v)my parents deter me from trying cigarettes. To discourage, prevent from doing1
8963014146deterrent (adj)the pain of it should be deterrent enough yo never make the mistake twice.2
9348825302disparity (n)a great difference.3
9348832271gross (adj)extremely noticeable because of inexcusable badness.4
9348844465implausible (adj)seeming unbelievable.5
9348853745Ubiquitous (adj)present or occurring everywhere.6
9643460144truculent(adj.) eager for a fight; fierce (syn.) vitriolic; aggressive; combative.7
9643489283Constitute(v.) to amount to; to equal something or to be a part of or make up a whole. (syn.) equate, embody, is or combine, add up to, comprise.8
9643519840mediocrity(n.) lack of quality or excellence (syn.) averageness, commonness.9
9643540134impertinent(n.) rude; ill-mannered (syn.) disrespectful, brash, impolite, insolent10
9643588698unassailable(adj.) not able to be denied or attacked (syn.) undeniable, irrefutable, impenetrable, unconquerable.11
9696196709asyndetonomit conjunctions in list General uses: speed up the rhythm of speech. reflect12
9696218656polysyndetonlots of conjunction, slow down speech13
9696239347Personificationputting human characteristics on object.14
9696297760repetitionbalanced sentences, repeated beginning of sentence.15

APES Ch 3 Flashcards

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5053170341EcologyScientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment0
5063509490SpeciesA group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.1
5063510707PopulationA group of organisms of the same species populating a given area2
5063510708BiotaAll of the organisms that live in a region3
5063511933Biotic communityAssemblage of organisms that live together in a defined area4
5063511934AbioticAny nonliving component of an environment5
5063512861EcosystemA biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.6
5063514101EcotoneThe transition from one type of habitat or ecosystem to another, such as the transition from a forest to a grassland.7
5063528581LandscapeA region that includes several interacting ecosystems8
5063528582BiomesVery large regions of the earth, names for the climatic conditions and for the predominant vegetation; examples are marine, tropical rain forest, and desert9
5063530466BiosphereConsists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.10
5063530467ConditionsAbiotic factors that vary in time and space but are not used up by organisms11
5063531715ResourcesBiotic and abiotic factors that are consumed by organisms12
5063533511OptimumThe condition or amount of any factor or combination of factors that will produce the best result. For example, the amount of heat, light, moisture, nutrients, and so on that will produce the best plant growth.13
5063533512Range of toleranceThe range of conditions within which an organism or population can survive and reproduce-for example, the range from the highest to the lowest temperature that can be tolerated. Within the range of tolerance is the optimum, or best, condition.14
5063535753Limits of toleranceThe extremes of any factor (e.g. temperature) that an organism or population can tolerate and still survive and reproduce.15
5063535754Zones of stressPoint between optimal range and limits of tolerance where the conditions are suboptimal. The species survives but does not thrive.16
5063537295Limiting factorA factor primarily responsible for determining the growth or reproduction of an organism or a population. The limiting factor in a given environment may be a physical factor such as temperature or light, a chemical factor such as a particular nutrient, or a biological factor such as a competing species.17
5063537296Law of limiting factorsThe law stating that a system may be limited by the absence or minimum amount (in terms of that needed) of any required factor.18
5063539546SynergismsThe phenomenon whereby two factors acting together have a greater effect than would be indicated by the sum of their effects separately-as, for example, the sometimes fatal mixture of modest doses of certain drugs in combination with modest doses of alcohol19
5063541269HabitatThe specific physical area in which an organism lives.20
5063543389NicheFull range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives and the way in which the organism uses those conditions21
5066662126MatterAny gas, liquid or solid that occupies space and has mass.22
5066662127AtomsThe smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element23
5066662128ElementsPure substance, cannot be broken down into anything simpler24
5066664602MoleculeThe smallest unit of two or more atoms forming a compound. A molecule has all the characteristics of the compound of which it is a unit.25
5066664603CompoundA substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds26
5066665790AtmosphereThe thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth. Nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are major gases, while many minor gasses are also present in trace amounts.27
5066665791HydrosphereThe water on Earth, in all of it liquid and solid compartments: oceans, rivers, lakes, ice and groundwater.28
5066665792LithosphereThe Earth's crust made up of rocks and minerals.29
5066667582MineralAny hard, brittle, stonelike material that naturally occurs in Earth's crust. All minerals consist of various combinations of positive and negative ions held together by ionic bonds. A pure mineral, or crystal, is one specific combination of elements. Common rocks are composed of mixtures of two or more minerals.30
5066670502OrganicAll living things and products that are uniquely produced by living things. All chemical compounds or molecules, that contain carbon.31
5066670503InorganicNot formed from living things or the remains of living things32
5066683383Natural organic compoundsCarbon containg compounds that make up living things33
5066685618Synthetic organic compoundsSubstances manufactured from organic chemicals (carbon-based) such as pesticides, cleaning compounds, and plastics. Known by the difficulty with which they degrade in the environment.34
5066685619EnergyThe capacity to do work. Common forms of energy are light, heat, electricity, motion, and the chemical bond energy inherent in compounds such as sugar, gasoline, and other fuels.35
5066685630Kinetic energyThe energy inherent in motion or movement, including molecular movement (heat) and the movement of waves (hence radiation and therefore light).36
5066687725Potential energyThe ability to do work that is stored in some chemical or physical state. for example, gasoline is a form of potential energy because the ability to do work is stored in the chemical state and released as the fuel is burned in an engine.37
5066687726Chemical energyThe potential energy that is contained in certain chemicals; most importantly, the energy that is contained in organic compounds such as food and fuels and that they may be released through respiration or burning.38
5066689089calorieA fundamental unit of energy. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius. All forms of energy can be converted to heat and measured in calories. Calories used in connection with food are kilocalories, or "big" calories, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 liter of water 1 degree Celsius.39
5066693737The Law of Conservation of EnergyEnergy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transferred and transformed. Also called the first law of thermodynamics40
5066753750First law of thermodynamicsEnergy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transferred and transformed. Also called the law of conservation of energy41
5067563661Second Law of thermodynamicsWhen energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is degraded into lower quality energy (usually heat) which escapes from the system.42
5066759406EntropyA degree of disorder; increasing entropy means increasing disorder.43
5066759407OxidationA chemical reaction that generally involves a breaking down of some substance through its combining with oxygen. Burning and cellular respiration are examples of oxidation. In both cases organic matter is combined with oxygen and broken down into carbon dioxide and water.44
5066761351ProducersIn an ecosystem, those organisms (mostly green plants) that use light energy to construct their organic constituents from organic compounds45
5066761352ConsumersIn an ecosystem, those organisms that derive their energy from feeding on other organisms or their products.46
5066762909PhotosynthesisThe chemical process used by plants and other autotrophs to capture light energy and use it to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is released as a by-product.47
5066768233EnzymesProteins that promote the synthesis or breaking of chemical bonds48
5066768234Cell respirationThe chemical process that occurs in all living cells whereby organic compounds are broken down to release energy required for life processes. For respiration, higher plants and animals require oxygen and release carbon dioxide and water as waste products, but certain microorganisms don't require oxygen.49
5066770092Biogeochemical cycleProcess in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another; examples: carbon and nitrogen cycle50
5066770093Hydrologic cycleThe cycle through which water in the hydrosphere moves; includes such processes as evaporation, precipitation, and surface and groundwater runoff51
5066771664DetritusNonliving organic maters such as remains of dead organisms, feces, fallen leaves, dead wood.52
5066774585Organic phosphatePhosphate bonded to an organic molecule53
5067066227Nonreactive nitrogenThe main reservoir of nitrogen as nitrogen gas in the atmosphere (N2)54
5066777719Reactive nitrogenAll forms of nitrogen in ecosystems that are usable by organisms, as opposed to the nonreactive nitrogen in the form of nitrogen gas (N2)55
5066779742Nitrogen FixationThe chemical processes by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into compounds such as nitrates (NO3) or ammonia (NH3) that can be used by plants to build amino acids and other nitrogen-containing organic molecules.56
5066779743DenitrificationProcess by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas57
5066786935Nitrogen CascadeThe effects on the atmosphere, terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems, and human health due to breaking the triple bond in molecular nitrogen (N2) and creating reactive nitrogen (Nr)58

AP Language Tone List #2 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6296654859admonitorygiving or conveying a warning or reprimand0
6296654860acerbicacidic in temper, mood, or tone; sharp and forthright1
6296654861angst-riddenconsumed by anxiety and fear2
6296654862authoritativecommanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed3
6296654863aversehaving an active feeling of repugnance or distate4
6296654864benignof a gentle disposition; showing kindness and gentleness; of a mild type or character5
6296654865callousfeeling no emotion or sympathy for others; completely uncaring6
6296654866clinicalefficient and unemotional; coldly detached7
6296654867consolinggiving comfort at a time of grief or disappointment8
6296654868credulousready to believe with little proof; gullible9
6296654869deferentfull of respect or esteem due a superior or elder; showing regard for another's wishes10
6296654870exasperatedfeeling irritation or annoyance; aggravated11
6296654871exultantfilled with or expressing great joy or triumph; jubilant12
6296654872narcissisticloving one's own body or self; egoistic; egocentric13
6296654873pessimistictending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen14
6296931264memorize a quote to use in argument essays15

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9876950613AllegoryA narrative or description having a second or symbolic meaning beneath the surface one0
9876950614AllusionA reference, explicit or implicit, to something in previous literature or history1
9876950615AnecdoteA short account of an interesting or humorous incident2
9876950616Artistic unityThat condition of a successful literary work whereby all its elements work together for the achievement of its central purpose3
9876950617CacophonyA harsh, discordant, unpleasant-sounding choice and arrangement of sounds4
9876950618EuphonyA smooth, pleasant-sounding choice and arrangement of sounds5
9876950620ImageryThe representation through language of sensory experience6
9876950621MoodHow the reader feels about the text while reading.7
9876950623ProseNon-metrical language; the opposite of verse8
9876950624ThemeThe main idea, or message, of a literary work. Themes often explore timeless and universal ideas and may be implied rather than stated explicitly.9
9876950625ToneThe writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject matter10
9876950628Symbol (literary)Something that means more than what it is; an object, person, situation, or action that in addition to its literal meaning suggests other meanings as well, a figure of speech which may be read both literally and figuratively.11
9876950629VerseMetrical language; the opposite of prose12
9876950630VoiceThe distinctive style or manner of expression of an author or a character in a book13
9876950635DeuteragonistThe second most important character, after the protagonist, often a foil or eventual antagonist14
9876950636Direct presentation of characterA method of characterization in which the author, by exposition or analysis, tells us directly what a character is like, or has someone else in the story do so15
9876950637Dynamic characterA character (sense 1) who during the course of a story undergoes a permanent change in some aspect of character (sense 2) or outlook.16
9876950638Flat characterA character (sense 1) whose character (sense 2) is summed up in one or two traits17
9876950639FoilA character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight various features of that other character's personality, throwing these characteristics into sharper focus.18
9876950641HubrisOverbearing and excessive pride19
9876950642Indirect presentation of characterThat method of characterization in which the author shows us a character in action, compelling us to infer what the character is like from what is said or done by the character20
9876950644Round characterA character (sense 1) whose character (sense 2) is complex and many sided.21
9876950645Static characterA character who is the same sort of person at the end of a story as at the beginning.22
9876950646Stock characterA stereotyped character.23
9876950647Tragic FlawA flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin or sorrow24
9876950648AsideA brief speech in which a character turns from the person being addressed to speak directly to the audience; a dramatic device for letting the audience know what a character is really thinking or feeling as opposed to what the character pretends to think or feel25
9876950649ColloquialInformal, conversational language26
9876950650Dialogue(1) Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative. (2) A literary work written in the form of a conversation.27
9876950651DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary28
9876950652DictionWord choice29
9876950653EuphemismSubstituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for a harsh, blunt, or offensive one30
9876950654Figure of speechBroadly, any way of saying something other that the ordinary way; more narrowly (and for the purposes of this class) a way of saying one thing and meaning another.31
9876950655HyperboleA figure of speech in which exaggeration is used in the service of truth32
9876950656InvectiveDenunciatory or abusive language.33
9876950657Monologue(1) A dramatic soliloquy. (2) A literary composition in such form34
9876950658ProverbA short, pithy saying that expresses a basic truth or practical precept35
9876950661Soliloquya device often used in drama where by a character relates his or her thoughts and feelings to him/herself and to the audience without addressing any of the other characters.36
9876950664ExpositionThe part of a play (usually at the beginning) that provides the background information needed to understand the characters and the actions.37
9876950669Denouement (Also called the resolution)the conclusion of the story. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a sense of catharsis for them and the reader. Sometimes a hint as to the characters' future is given38
9876950670IronyA situation, or a use of language, involving some kind of incongruity or discrepancy. Three kinds of irony are distinguished in this class:39
9876950671Dramatic ironyAn incongruity of discrepancy between what a character says or thinks and what the reader knows to be true (or between what a character perceives and what the author intends the reader to perceive).40
9876950672Irony of situationA situation in which there is an incongruity between appearance and reality, or between expectation and fulfillment, or between the actual situation and what would seem appropriate.41
9876950673Verbal ironyA figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant42
9876950674Epistolary novelA novel written as a series of documents.43
9876950675First person point of viewThe story is told by one of its characters, using the first person.44
9876950678In medias res (into the middle of things)is a Latin phrase denoting the literary and artistic narrative technique wherein the relation of a story begins either at the mid-point or at the conclusion, rather than at the beginning, establishing setting, character, and conflict via flashback and expository conversations.45
9876950679Limited omniscient point of viewThe author tells the story, using the third person, but is limited to a complete knowledge of one character in the story and tells us only what that one character thinks, feels, sees, or hears.46
9876950680Linear structureA plot that follows a straight-moving, cause and effect, chronological order47
9876950681Objective point of viewThe author tells the story, using the third person, but is limited to reporting what the characters say or do; the author does not interpret their behavior or tell us their private thoughts or feelings.48
9876950682Omniscient point of viewThe author tells the story, using the third person, knowing all and free to tell us anything, including what the characters are thinking or feeling and why they act as they do49
9876950684Nonlinear structureis when the plot is presented in a non-causal order, with events presented in a random series jumping to and from the main plot with flashbacks or flashforwards; or in any other manner that is either not chronological or not cause and effect, for example, in medias res.50
9876950686Stream of consciousnessNarrative which presents the private thoughts of a character without commentary or interpretation by the author51
9876950687Unreliable narratora narrator whose credibility has been seriously compromised. Unreliable narrators are usually first-person narrators.52
9876950688AnticlimaxA sudden descent from the impressive or significant to the ludicrous or inconsequential53
9876950692Deus ex machina (god from the machine)The resolution of a plot by use of a highly improbable chance or coincidence (so named from the practice of some Greek dramatists of having a god descend from heaven at the last possible minute—in the theater by means of a stage machine—to rescue the protagonist from an impossible situation).54
9876950693Indeterminate endingAn ending in which the central problem or conflict is left unresolved55
9876950694InversionA reversal in order, nature, or effect56
9876950697ParadoxA statement or situation containing apparently contradictory or incompatible elements57
9876950699Plot manipulationA situation in which an author gives the plot a twist or turn unjustified by preceding action or by the characters involved58
9876950700Plot deviceAn object, character, or event whose only reason for existing is to advance the story. Often breaks suspension of disbelief.59
9876950701PrologueAn introduction or a preface, esp. a poem recited to introduce a play60
9876950702Red herringa literary tactic of diverting attention away from an item or person of significance61
9876950703SceneA subdivision of an act in a dramatic presentation in which the setting is fixed and the time continuous62
9876950705Suspension of DisbeliefAn unspoken agreement between writer and reader: "I agree to believe your make-believe if it entertains me."63
9876950706SubplotA plot subordinate to the main plot of a literary work64
9876950707SurpriseAn unexpected turn in the development of a plot65
9876950711Scornful comedyA type of comedy whose main purpose is to expose and ridicule human folly, vanity, or hypocrisy66
9876950713FarceA type of comedy that relies on exaggeration, horseplay, and unrealistic or improbable situations to provoke laughter67
9876950714Escapist literatureLiterature written purely for entertainment, with little or no attempt to provide insights into the true nature of human life or behavior.68
9876950717Interpretive literatureLiterature that provides valid insights into the nature of human life or behavior69
9876950719Novela book of long narrative in literary prose.70
9876950720Novella (also called a short novel)a written, fictional, prose narrative longer than a novelette but shorter than a novel.71
9876950721ParableA simple story illustrating a moral or religious lesson72
9876950723ApostropheA figure of speech in which someone absent or dead or something nonhuman is addressed as if it were alive and present and could reply73
9876950724ConnotationWhat a word suggests beyond its basic definition; a word's overtones of meaning74
9876950725DenotationThe basic definition or dictionary meaning of a word75
9876950726EkphrasisThe poetic representation of a painting or sculpture in words76
9876950727Epigram(1) A short, witty poem expressing a single thought or observation. (2) A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement.77
9876950728Extended figure (also knows as sustained figure)A figure of speech (usually metaphor, simile, personification, or apostrophe) sustained or developed through a considerable number of lines or through a whole poem78
9876950729Figurative languageLanguage employing figures of speech; language that cannot be taken literally or only literally79
9876950730Figure of speechBroadly, any way of saying something other that the ordinary way; more narrowly (and for the purposes of this class) a way of saying one thing and meaning another80
9876950731JuxtapositionPositioning opposites next to each other to heighten the contrast81
9876950732MetaphorA figure of speech in which an implicit comparison is made between two things essentially unlike82
9876950733MetonymyA figure of speech in which some significant aspect or detail of an experience is used to represent the whole experience83
9876950734OnomatopoeiaThe use of words that supposedly mimic their meaning in their sound (for example, boom, click, plop).84
9876950735PersonificationA figure of speech in which human attributes are given to an animal, an object, or a concept85
9876950736RhythmAny wavelike recurrence of motion or sound86
9876950737SentimentalityUnmerited or contrived tender feeling; that quality in a story that elicits or seeks to elicit tears through an oversimplification or falsification of reality87
9876950738SimileA figure of speech in which an explicit comparison is made between two things essentially unlike. The comparison is made explicit by the use of some such word or phrase as like, as, than, similar to, resembles, or seems88
9876950739SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole. In this class it is subsumed under the term Metonymy.89
9876950740SyntaxWord organization and order.90
9876950741AlliterationThe repetition at close intervals of the initial consonant sounds of accented syllables or important words (for example, map-moon, kill-code, preach-approve)91
9876950742AnapestA metrical foot consisting of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable (for example, understand)92
9876950743Anapestic meterA meter in which a majority of the feet are anapests93
9876950744Approximate rhyme (also known as imperfect rhyme, near rhyme, slant rhyme, or oblique rhyme)A term used for words in a rhyming pattern that have some kind of sound correspondence but are not perfect rimes (for example, arrayed-said)94
9876950745AssonanceThe repetition at close intervals of the vowel sounds of accented syllables or important words (for example, hat-ran-amber, veinmade).95
9876950746Ballad meterStanzas formed of quatrains of iambs in which the first and third lines have four stresses (tetrameter) and the second and fourth lines have three stresses (trimeter). Usually, the second and fourth lines rhyme (abcb), although ballad meter is often not followed strictly.96
9876950747Blank versePoetry with a meter, but not rhymed, usually in iambic pentameter97
9876950748ConsonanceThe repetition at close intervals of the final consonant sounds of accented syllables or important words (for example, bookplaque-thicker)98
9876950749CoupletTwo successive lines, usually in the same meter, linked by rhyme99
9876950750DactylA metrical foot consisting of one accented syllable followed by two unaccented syllables (for example, merrily)100
9876950751Dactylic meterA meter in which a majority of the feet are dactyls101
9876950752End rhymeRhymes that occur at the ends of lines102
9876950753End-stopped lineA line that ends with a natural speech pause, usually marked by punctuation — the opposite of enjambment103
9876950754Enjambment Or run-on line,a line which has no natural speech pause at its end, allowing the sense to flow uninterruptedly into the succeeding line — the opposite of an end-stopped line104
9876950755English (or Shakespearean) sonnetA sonnet rhyming ababcdcdefefgg. Its content or structure ideally parallels the rhyme scheme, falling into three coordinate quatrains and a concluding couplet; but it is often structured, like the Italian sonnet, into octave and sestet, the principal break in thought coming at the end of the eighth line.105
9876950756Feminine rhymeA rhyme in which the stress is on the penultimate (second from last) syllable of the words (picky, tricky)106
9876950757FootThe basic unit used in the scansion or measurement of verse. A foot usually contains one accented syllable and one or two unaccented syllables107
9876950758Free verseNonmetrical verse. Poetry written in free verse is arranged in lines, may be more or less rhythmical, but has no fixed metrical pattern or expectation108
9876950759Half rhyme(Sometimes called slant rhyme, sprung, near rhyme, oblique rhyme, off rhyme or imperfect rhyme), is consonance on the final consonants of the words involved109
9876950760Heroic coupletPoems constructed by a sequence of two lines of (usually rhyming) verse in iambic pentameter. If these couplets do not rhyme, they are usually separated by extra white space.110
9876950761IambA metrical foot consisting of one unaccented syllable followed by one accented syllable (for example, rehearse)111
9876950762Iambic meterA meter in which the majority of feet are iambs, the most common English meter112
9876950763Internal rhymeA rhyme in which one or both of the rhyme-words occur within the line113
9876950764Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnetA sonnet consisting of an octave rhyming abbaabba and of a sestet using any arrangement of two or three additional rhymes, such as cdcdcd or cdecde114
9876950765Masculine rhyme (also known as single rhyme)A rhyme in which the stress is on the final syllable of the words (rhyme, sublime)115
9876950766Meter Regularized rhythm;an arrangement of language in which the accents occur at apparently equal intervals in time116
9876950767Octave(1) An eight-line stanza. (2) The first eight lines of a sonnet, especially one structured in the manner of an Italian sonnet117
9876950768Perfect rhymeA rhyme in which is when the later part of the word or phrase is identical sounding to another. Types include masculine and feminine, among others.118
9876950769PentameterA metrical line containing five feet119
9876950770Quatrain(1) A four-line stanza. (2) A four-line division of a sonnet marked off by its rhyme scheme.120
9876950771RefrainA repeated word, phrase, line, or group of lines, normally at some fixed position in a poem written in stanziac form121
9876950772RhymeThe repetition of an identical or similarly accented sound or sounds in a work. Lyricists may find multiple ways to rhyme within a verse.122
9876950773End rhymeshave words that rhyme at the end of a verse-line. Internal rhymes have words that rhyme within it.123
9876950774Rhyme schemeAny fixed pattern of rhymes characterizing a whole poem or its stanzas124
9876950775ScansionThe process of measuring verse, that is, of marking accented and unaccented syllables, dividing the lines into feet, identifying the metrical pattern, and noting significant variations from that pattern125
9876950776Sestet(1) A six-line stanza (2) The last six lines of a sonnet structured on the Italian model126
9876950777SpondeeA metrical foot consisting of two syllables equally or almost equally accented (for example, true-blue).127
9876950778StanzaA group of lines whose metrical pattern (and usually its rhyme scheme as well) is repeated throughout a poem128
9876950779SyntaxThe arrangement of words to form phrases, clauses and sentences; sentence construction129
9876950780Terza RimaA three-line stanza form borrowed from the Italian poets. The rhyme scheme is: aba, bcb, cdc, ded, etc.130
9876950781TetrameterA metrical line containing four feet131
9876950782TrimeterA metrical line containing three feet132
9876950783Triple meterA meter in which a majority of the feet contain three syllables. (Actually, if more than 25 percent of the feet in a poem are triple, its effect is more triple than duple, and it ought perhaps to be referred to as triple meter.) Anapestic and dactylic are both triple meters.133
9876950784Trochaic meterA meter in which the majority of feet are trochees134
9876950785TrocheeA metrical foot consisting of one accented syllable followed by one unaccented syllable (for example, barter)135
9876950786Ballada narrative folk song. The ballad is traced back to the Middle Ages. Ballads were usually created by common people and passed orally due to the illiteracy of the time. Subjects for ballads include killings, feuds, important historical events, and rebellion.136
9876950787ElegyA type of literature defined as a song or poem, written in elegiac couplets, that expresses sorrow or lamentation, usually for one who had died.137
9876950788EpicA long poem in a lofty style about the exploits of heroic figures. These often come from an oral tradition of shared authorship or from a single, high-profile poet imitating the style.138
9876950789Lyrica song-like poem written mainly to express the feelings of emotions or thought from a particular person, thus separating it from narrative poems. These poems are generally short, averaging roughly twelve to thirty lines, and rarely go beyond sixty lines. These poems express vivid imagination as well as emotion and all flow fairly concisely.139
9876950790Narrative poemA poem that tells a story. A narrative poem can come in many forms and styles, both complex and simple, short or long, as long as it tells a story. A few examples of a narrative poem are epics, ballads, and metrical romances.140
9876950792SonnetA fixed form of fourteen lines, normally iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme conforming to or approximating one of two main types—the Italian or the English141
9876950791OdeUsually a lyric poem of moderate length, with a serious subject, an elevated style, and an elaborate stanza pattern. The ode often praises people, the arts of music and poetry, natural scenes, or abstract concepts.142

AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8872753371ChiasmusIn poetry, a type of rhetorical balance in which the second part is syntactically blanaced against the first, but with parts reversed Example: "Do i love b/c you're beautiful? Or are you beautiful b/c i love you?"0
8872753372ColloquialismA word or phrase in everyday use in conversation and informal writing but is inappropriate for formal situations Example: yeet, skrt, bro1
8872753373ConceitAn elaborate metaphor that compares two things that are startlingly different Example: extended metaphor2
8872753374DialectA way of speaking where both the grammar and vocabulary are different based off a social group or geographical area Example: y'all3
8872753375DidacticForm of fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking Example: fairytales4
8872753376ElegyA poem of mourning, usually about someone who dies5
9211778123Allegorystory or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. ex. Animal Farm6
9211785344Allusionreference to someone or something that is known from history, literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or another branch of culture. An indirect reference to something7
9211791442Ambiguitydeliberately suggesting two or more different, and sometimes conflicting, meanings in a work. An event or situation that may be interpreted in more than one way- - this is done on purpose by the author, when it is not done on purpose, it is vagueness, and detracts from the work.8
9211801435AnaphoraRepetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent. Ex. Because of your smile Because of your touch Because of your love9
9211828858AnastropheInversion of the usual, normal, or logical order of the parts of a sentence. Purpose is rhythm or emphasis or euphony. It is a fancy word for inversion10
9211833698AnecdoteBrief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an individual11
9211838068AntithesisBalancing words, phrases, or ideas that are strongly contrasted, often by means of grammatical structure.12
9211863462AnthropomorphismPersonification13
9211868971Aphorismbrief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life, or of a principle or accepted general truth.14
9211877724BalanceConstructing a sentence so that both halves are about the same length and importance. Sentences can be unbalanced to serve a special effect as well.15
9211885650Indirect Characterizationthe author reveals to the reader what the character is like by describing how the character looks and dresses, by letting the reader hear what the character says, by revealing the character's private thoughts and feelings, by revealing the characters effect on other people (showing how other characters feel or behave toward the character), or by showing the character in action. Common in modern literature16
9211887283Direct Characterizationthe author tells us directly what the character is like: sneaky, generous, mean to pets and so on. Romantic style literature relied more heavily on this form.17
9211898316Epanalepsisdevice of repetition in which the same expression (single word or phrase) is repeated both at the beginning and at the end of the line, clause, or sentence. Voltaire: "Common sense is not so common."18
9211904931Epigrapha quotation or aphorism at the beginning of a literary work suggestive of the theme.19
9211909584EpistropheDevice of repetition in which the same expression (single word or phrase) is repeated at the end of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences (it is the opposite of anaphora). Ex. See no evil Hear no evil Speak no evil20
9211928268Epithetnickname21
9211932443Explicationact of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text, usually involves close reading and special attention to figurative language.22
9211942559Hypotacticsentence marked by the use of connecting words between clauses or sentences, explicitly showing the logical or other relationships between them. Ex. I am tired because it is hot.23
9211961071Inversionex. have I instead of I have was she instead of she was24
9211970741Juxtapositionpoetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one another, creating an effect of surprise and wit. Ezra Pound: "The apparition of these faces in the crowd;/ Petals on a wet, black bough." Juxtaposition is also a form of contrast by which writers call attention to dissimilar ideas or images or metaphors. Martin Luther King: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."25

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