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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

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8333699914allegorystory conveying a meaning other than the literal; abstract principles represented by characters or figures0
8333715180antecedentword, phrase, or clause that a pronoun replaces1
8333775301bildungsromannovel tracing the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the main character usually from childhood to maturity2
8333794252canonworks of a writer3
8333795943catharsisemotional release of an audience at the end of a successful tragedy4
8333824734colloquialisminformal speech5
8333828408connotationimplied meaning of a word6
8333832729denotationliteral meaning of a word, dictionary definition7
8333841049dictionword choice8
8333844618farceextremely broad humor9
8333848052foilcharacter that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to emphasize the other character's traits10
8333862538foreshadowingevent or statement that suggests a future event11
8333876727hubrisexcessive pride that leads to a protagonist's downfall12
8333887082hyperboleexaggeration or overstatement, opposite of understatement13
8333927171implicitimplied meaning, opposite of explicit14
8333931074metaphoranalogy that states one thing is another15
8333945487motifrecurring or dominant element in a work16
8333968035objectivityimpersonal view of events17
8333987158paradoxseemingly apparent contradiction which is accurate on closer inspection18
8334001175parallelismrepeated words, phrases, clauses, or grammatical structure used for effect19
8334009626personificationgiving human qualities or form to inanimate objects20
8334019155protagonistmain character21
8334024022satiregenre which ridicules its subject by exposing flaws, often to provoke or prevent change22
8334046443simile"weak" metaphor, often uses "like" or "as"23
8334060947subjectivitypersonal view of events24
8334064481symbolword, place, character, or object that means something beyond what it is on a literal level25
8334078849syntaxword order26
8334083553themecentral idea of a work27
8334088146tragic flawweakness of an otherwise good or great individual that leads to his/her downfall28

AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

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8469319687IncarcerateTo put in prison0
8469319688VacuousEmptied or lacking content1
8469319689BrazenShameless or imprudent2
8469319690JubilantShowing great joy, satisfaction or triumph; rejoicing; exultant3
8469319691PresumptuousOverstepping do bounds (as of propriety where courtesy) : Taking liberties4
8469319692PecuniaryConsisting of or measured in money5
8469319693LicentiousLacking legal or moral restraints; especially: disregarding sexual restraints6
8469319694MuseTo become absorbed insight; especially: to turn something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively7
8469319695SubversiveA systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within8
8469319696LassitudeA condition of wariness or frailty9
8469319697AsceticismPracticing self denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline10
8469319698DintForce; power11
8469319699EnvoyA minister plenipotentiary accredited to a foreign government who ranks between an ambassador and a minister resident12
8469319700DefrayTo provide for the payment of13
8469319701CrassHaving or indicating such grossness of mind as precludes delicacy and discrimination14
8469319702BeguileTo lead by deception15
8469319703AllocateTo apportion for a specific purpose or two particular persons or things16
8469319704EnjoinsTo direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition17
8469319705OscillateTo swing backward and forward like a pendulum: to move or travel back-and-forth between two points18
8469319706InterloperAn illegal or unlicensed trader19

AP Literature Vocab Words Flashcards

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8378519106Accoutermentsnecessary equipment0
8378528748Assailto assault verbally or physically1
8378542596Citadelfortress2
8378553243Corrugatedridged3
8378559488Declivitydownward slope4
8378563635Demureshy5
8378568797Destituteutterly lacking6
8378574762Docileeasily managed7
8378578363Effluviumslightly visible vapor, bad smell8
8378587983Emulsionliquids that don't mix9
8378617675Fallowunused land10
8378622920Fatuousfoolish11
8378622921Feralwild12
8378628608Fetidfoul smelling, stinky13
8378633628Goadto prod14
8378637578Imperiousoverbearing, dictatorial15
8378649560Imperturbablecalm16
8378655453Lecherouslustful17
8378655454Litheflexible18
8378658931Lucentshining19
8378662283Rakishsexually unrestrained20
8378667171Dissipateto fade21
8378672471Gauntextremely thin22
8378677493Pallburial cloth, eerie silence23
8378684912Paradoxcontradictory statement24
8378688280Nebulousvague25
8378698917Ostracizeto exclude26
8378708760Penitentsorry27
8378713675Pinnaclehighest point28
8378718957Piquedto irritate29
8378731471Putrescentdisgusting30
8378746534Prostrateface down31
8378750568Rivuletsmall stream32
8378754342Slavishslave like33
8378758594Specterghost34
8378762127Sufficeto satisfy35
8378765506Tepidlukewarm36
8378771480Timbresound quality37
8378774507Titulartitle only38
8378782899Tributarysmall stream into a larger stream39
8378789587Truculentcruel40
8378793593Vagranthomeless person41
8378798256Zenithhighest point42
8378801867Abyssvoid43
8378801868Acmehighest point44
8378811345Alacrityenthusiasm45
8378815747Allayto relieve46
8378821759Amiablefriendly47
8378825231Anecdoteamusing story48
8378830327Ardorpassion49
8378830328Asunderinto tiny little pieces50
8378841691Bourgeoismiddle class51
8378848447Bequeathto give52
8378848448Capricesudden desire53
8378853231Coerceto force54
8378859390Commeserateto feel or express sympathy55
8378866863Commodiousroomy56
8378872404Congenialfriendly57
8378872405Consternationconfusion58
8378877991Coquetteflirt59
8395310291Deprecateto criticize60
8395318267Despondenthopeless61
8395324187Desultoryrandom62
8395329177Diminutivesmall63
8395335346Donto put on64
8395335347Drollamusing65
8395339298Effaceto wipe out66
8395345229Effulgencebrilliant radiance67
8395349745Effronteryimpudent boldness68
8395355961Effusiveoverflowing69
8395364402Emphaticwith emphasis70
8395369869Enamoredinspired by love71
8395375722Encumbranceheavy burden72
8395379097Ennuiutter weariness73
8395385807Evinceto prove74
8395391675Expostulateto argue75
8395397080Extraneousextra (irrelevant)76
8395410351Exuberanceenthusiasm77
8395415644Exultationjoy78
8395419799Fastidiousexcessively particular, hard to please79
8395432752Filialpertaining to sons and daughters80
8395439581Flippantdisrespectful81
8395444998Follyfoolishness82
8395448512Futilityuselessness83
8395453311Anomlydeviation84
8395456626Glibinsincere85
8395459898Harrowingdisturbing, distressing86
8395466470Hoardto gather87
8395474421Imperviousimpenetrable88
8395488332Impetuousimpulsive89
8395492692Implicitimplied90
8395492693Imploreto beg91
8395497595Impmischievous child92
8395501798Incessantceaseless93
8395502235Insipientfoolish94
8395512918Incredulousskeptical (with anger)95
8395521675Indolentlazy96
8395525682Indulgencegratification of desire97
8395530692Insolentboldly rude98
8395537815Iotasmall amount99
8395542909Ireanger100
8395548255Languorsluggishness101
8395552454Loftyhigh102
8395557587Necroticdeath103
8395561155Mercantilepertaining to merchants104
8395565402Mettlecourage105
8395568202Muddledconfused106
8395574047Multitudinousa great number (countable)107
8395579091Myriada great number (uncountable)108
8395586877Obsequiousobedient109
8395593596Officiousmeddlesome110
8395593597Perambulateto walk111
8395600259Piquanttart, spicy, sour112
8395605599Ribaldvulgar113
8395605600Pittancesmall amount114
8395611895Portlyfat115
8395617074Pretentiousfalsely arrogant116
8395623382Procureto obtain117
8395632413Prolificabundant (producing in large quantity)118
8395644740Remonstrancea protest119
8395650581Sardonicsarcastic120
8395655404Sojourna brief stay121
8395660024Sonorousrich, full sound122
8395664259Subsequentfollowing in order123
8395676504Tacitimplied124
8395676506Tauttight125
8395680298Titanicvery large126
8395683995Torpidsluggish127
8395687518Tumultuproar128
8395690918Unscrupulousunethical129
8395694751Vehementforcibly expressed130
8395699184Vixen(female fox) attractive131
8395705156Voluptuouscurvy (attractive)132
8395710760Vouchguarantee133
8395724213Abjectlow state or condition134
8395730038Altruisticunselfish135
8395730039Askewcrooked, arye136
8395741947Augustholy137
8395749504Conflagrationbig fire138
8395753899Cravatnecktie139
8395762138Diaphanoussee-through140
8395762335Dubiousquestionable141
8395766930Enigmapuzzle142
8395771817Wizenedold and wrinkled143
8395776353Desecrateviolate something sacred144
8395782933Dissolutionact of dissolving145
8395787536Fractiousreadily angered146
8395794924Harlequinclown147
8395798232Lugubriousmournful148
8395801146Motleymulticolored149
8395804665Petulantwhiny150
8395804666Rapacitygreedy151
8395808572Sagaciouswise152
8395814803Somnambulistsleep walker153
8395817772Absolveto pardon154
8395845374Abstrusedifficult to understand155
8395850245Ameliorateto improve156
8395856689Apparitionghost157
8395881269Approbationapproval158
8395886004Assuageto appease159
8395886124Baubletrinket160
8395890486Benevolentkind161
8395894429Stoliddull162
8395898459Zestenthusiasm163
8398390201Blightdisease164
8398390202Capitulateto surrender165
8398394837Carnagebloody slaughter166
8398400396Celestialheavenly167
8398403243Cherubbaby angel168
8398408504Chimericalwild imagination169
8398412560Clemencypardon170
8398416399Dilatorycharacterized by procrastination171
8398422102Diligencehard-working172
8398430476Disconsolatedejected, downcast173
8398437726Effectualproducing desired effect174
8398442186Enervateto weaken175
8398442187Environssurroundings176
8398455292Execrateto denounce177
8398461720Expedientconvenient178
8398501694Facileeasy179
8398467163Galvanizeto excite180
8398471488Ignominiousdisgraceful, shame181
8398476637Immureto build walls around182
8398506401Indefatigabletireless183

AP Literature Rhetorical Devices Flashcards

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6719559355alliterationpeter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers emphasizes particular area of text, imply certain mood overall, convey idea or emotion repetition "s" implies slyness repetition hard "t" implies very determined, sharp, percussive (striking) repetition "h" implies soft soothing effect0
6719559356bildungsromana novel or story whose theme is the moral or psychological growth of the main character.1
6719559357satireliterary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.2
6719561294carpe diem"seize the day"; a Latin phrase implying that one must live for the present moment, for tomorrow may be too late.3
6719561295analogya comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing. to extend or elaborate on an idea.4
6719561296apostrophefigure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love, detach from reality, can show desperation, or can take away from the mystery of a vague ideal "death" by bringing it to level of normal person, reinforces subject5
6719561297allusionindirect reference to a history, myth, bible, figure, place, etc, give deeper insight to a story, reinforce subject, could be a foreshadow in characterization, easily recognizable,6
6719564242foilcharacter who is in most ways opposite to the main character (protagonist) or one who is nearly the same as the protagonist. emphasizes the traits of the main character by contrast only7
6719564243epitaphan inscription on a tombstone; a brief comment about a deceased person, honor them as a tribute, brief and concise8
6719564244eulogya spoken piece of writing in praise of the dead or living, uses anecdotes, memories of subject, commemorate, associate virtue and goodness with the sense of their presence, warns of mortality of all people9
6719823283dirgea funeral hymn or mournful speech, a lament for the dead10
6719564245euphemismindirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant, using less abrasive form conveys sympathy with matter, or downplay impact of a statement to remove its mysticism again11
6719564255understatementdeliberately decreases the severity of something, ironic/sarcastic/humorous effect, using less abrasive form conveys sympathy with matter, or downplay impact of a statement to remove its mysticism again12
6719566424hyperbolefigure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor, intesifier, relays emotion13
6719566425ironydiscrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, incongruity, reveals a character's personality (naive, untrustworthy) or to condemn another by using it in sarcasm "honorable men", can be situational, verbal (understatement/overstatement), or dramatic (lead up to resolution)14
6719567481paradoxarrest attention, provoke thought by an apparently self-contradictory or absurd statement, example are oxymorons, encompass tension of error and truth simultaneously "living death"15
6719567482epiphanycharacter achieves realization or awareness, feeling of knowledge that casts new light in outlook, follow something insignificant being an inspiration, highlight a turning point in opinion of character16
6719568849deus ex machinasolving intractable problem by an unexpected character, object, or situation, "god from the machine," often used as comedic, surprise the audience, generally looked down upon as ill-structuring (but that might be the author's message)17
6719568850onomatopoeiawords written from sound associated with it, sound effect mimicking for expressive quality, "gushing stream" "whisper, hush", auditory imagery, immerse reader in the scene and mood18
6719570610nostalgiasentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations, shows desire for past time comparatively to present19
6719571451litoteunderstatement using double negative, "not young" "not bad" "not uncommon", ironic effect, discuss discreet thing, attract attention to something by ignoring it20
6719571452chiasmusbalancing and reversal of clauses, inverted grammatically and logically, "fair is foul and foul is fair", strike a relationship by parallelism, symmetry structure show definitive outline21
6719571453doppelgangerghostly double of a living person, twin, shadow, mirror image, reveal alter ego of a complex character, manifest inner conflict, force protagonist to distinctly define self, supernatural must reconcile identity22
6719572395didacticintended to instruct, tool for instruction, improve readers conduct by comprehending evils that may lead them astray, make position apparent to expose some evil23
6719573384in media resbeginning narrative plunging into crucial situation, start with significant tension and question, gradually approach answer, removes tediety implying sense urgency24
6719573383allegoryuses a conduit or vehicle to represent real world issues, illustrates complex ideas, emblematic characters/state, many layers25
6719574723juxtapositionplacement two things closely together to emphasize by contrast, "Do not go gentle, rage", foil is character juxtaposition, can also reveal surprising similarities (love and war)26
6719574724antiherocentral character who lacks conventional heroic attributes, speaks to human frailties, can empathize without being disappointed by overly righteous, Macbeth27
6719576065catharsispurification and purgation of emotions, moral/spiritual renewal and liberation, emotional rejuvenation, Macbeth soliloquy intellectual clarification28
6719576066epigraphan inscription on a monument or building, on a coin, or at the beginning of a book or chapter, not an epitaph, thematic gatekeeper, set the mood, reinforce subject29
6719576067motifrecurring theme, subject or element, fabric of story, not stand for anything but repeated element, heart of darkness observation/eavesdropping and interior/exterior motif, help comprehend underlying message30
6719576068parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses, adds balance and rhythmic flow, not exactly same as in chiasmus31
6719578284equivocationthe use of deliberately ambiguous language to mislead or distort, faulty conclusion from seemingly valid argument, "none of woman born"32
6719578285synecdochesome part of whole represents the whole, "hands" for workers, dehumanized them emphasizing one part in the whole as valued, diminishing or minimizing else33
6719578286metonymysomething associated with whole represents it, misnomer, "crown" for king, replace with a noun, emphasizing one part, diminishing or minimizing else34
6719580137imageryappeal to senses, visual, auditory, kinesthetic (vertical), gustatory, olfactory, vibrant graphic presentation of a scene, envision and immerse reader in an experience35
6719580138realism1800s artistic movement whose aim was to represent the world as it is, middle class ordinary typical tedious insipid pragmatic disillusioned, speak in panaroma of greater society rather than one special individual, manifest cynicism from skepticism36
6719581421idealismthe practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically, romanticism, reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena not materialism but fulfilment in consciousness37
6719581422asyndetoncommas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words, speeds up flow of sentence. X, Y, Z as opposed to X, Y, and Z, succinct, compact, urgency to text, all happened in succession " i came i saw i conquered"38
6719583219polysyndetonuse of consecutive coordinating conjunctions even when they are not needed. The effect is to render the reader somewhat breathless, listing like implies extensiveness, anxiety, exhilaration "we lived and laughed and loved and left"39
6719583220assonancerepetition of internal vowels (a, e, i, o, u), sets mood by chainging pace either long/short vowel "glade" "rage" a- elongates, slows pace, somber, grave "poetry" "goes" o- makes seem old and mysterious40
6719584135consonancetype of alliteration, repetition consonant sounds "chuckle, fickle, kick" in any part of the word, underscore emotion behind words, creates bouncing sounds, gives kinesthetic feel41
6719584917ambiguityuncertainty; vagueness, reader presumes, characters can be morally ambiguous (Macbeth), suggests that nothing is determined, largely flexible42
6719584918foreshadowingwriter gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story, creates atmosphere of suspense, could be a red herring for distraction, build anticipation and drama43
6719591834anaphoradeliberate repetition in first part of sentence, creates an overarching sentiment, shows where attachment emotionally is, or nostalgic tone, patriotic inspiration, persuasion/motivation/encouragment44
6719596225caesuraabrupt pause in the middle of a line of poetry, brings attention to preceding line, adds ominous tone, sudden break staccatto, indicated by II45
6719597574amplificationembellish a sentence or statement by adding further information, offer multiple contexts for something, suggest progressive nature of something being amplified, exaggerate and further elaborate46
6719598716oxymorontwo opposite ideas are joined to create an effect, same effect as paradox, ponder meaning of seemingly contradictory ideas, expresses their complex nature47
6719598717cacophonya mixture of harsh and inharmonious sounds, busy of discordant noises, usually explosive delivery sounds ch-, k-, t-, disorder and confusion industrial world, harsh, jarring, destructive implications, staccatto (if short and hard, imply brevity)48
6719599953euphonywords having pleasant and harmonious effects, usually nasal sounds, like m-, n-, w-, "seasons mists mellow", soothing, peaceful49
6719601966antithesisstatement in which two opposing ideas are balanced, "best of times, worst of times", same as juxtaposition, emphatic expression, highlights the conflict by emphasizing opposing forces50
6719601967rhetorical questionquestion whose answer is assumed, a rhetorical question is designed to force the reader to respond in a predetermined manner, propel an argument emotionally, assault on adversaries "who's afraid of him? no one!"51
6719603853similecomparison using like or as, inspires life-like quality in ordinary objects "strong as an ox"52
6719603854metaphorcomparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects, derive characteristic by association, appeal to senses "time is a thief"53
6719614251archetype (prototype or superlative)typical character that represents a universal pattern in human nature, collective unconscious of human race and culture, ex: hero, mother figure, innocent youth, mentor, scapegoat, villain, the journey54
6719618087refrain (chorus)repetition of a line instead of just words, kind of like anaphora, reinforce central message, lay emphasis55
6724414337villanelle19 line patoral poem, five tercets and one quatrain, intro, development, conclusion, three segments, builds up intensity by refrain throughout of two lines that are used as a couplet at the end56
6719625165flashbackpresent action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events, provide context and sudden insight, reveal motives, deepen conflict, conveys secrets of a character57
6719633020balladeasy to understand language, stories of hardships, tragedies, love and romance, usually ambiguous, narration in four line stanzas58
6719633021odepoets praise people, natural scenes, and abstract ideas, solemn and serious tone, noble and lofty sentiments59
6719633022soliloquylong speech conveying innermost thoughts of speaker, supplies essential progress to character development, reveals dissatisfaction or inner turmoils, could be a catharsis60
6719634203terza rimaa verse form with a rhyme scheme: aba bcb cdc, etc. in the divine comedy, 2 steps forward, 1 step back effect, revealing hesitation doubt, inability to advance61
6719634204iambic pentameter10 syllables following stressed/unstressed pattern "so long as men can breathe or eyes can see"62
6719634205meternumber of feet per line (pentameter is 5 feet per meter)63
6719634206footmade of 2 syllables, order of stressed and unstressed (iamb is stressed than stressed)64
6719641725aestheticismpursuit of beauty and elevation of taste, art for art's sake, give free rein to imagination and fantasy, immense use of symbols, sensuality, suggestion rather than statement, and synesthesia65
6719644523blank verseunrhymed poetry but with definitive verse66
6719644524canonan established set of principles or code of laws, often religious in nature, same as convention67
6719647428cavaliercasual and offhand; arrogant68
6719647438silver fork novelsdepict lives of upperclass and aristocracy, emphasis on relation of sexes and marital affairs69
6719650813conceita fanciful expression in writing or speech; an elaborate metaphor, invites a sophisticated understanding, it's like a metaphor where there's really no likeness so the ingenuity of it is more impactful than the justness "compass to love, metaphysical associates a bit of esotericism70
6719651995epiclong narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society, ballad is a shorter version71
6719654665hamartiafatal flow, personality errors that brings about character's downfall, hubris (pride), pity and fear of them, readers see good and bad, moral persuasion not to indulge72
6719654666hegemonythe domination of one state or group over its allies, imperial dominance of group in society, culture, etc.73
6719655699heroic coupletcouplets in iambic pentameter74
6719655700italian sonnetsonnet with an octave, volta, and sestet, iambic pentameter, abba-abba-cde-cde75
6719655701english sonnetthree quatrains, one couplet, abab-cdcd-efef-gg, only shakespeare used it76
6719660801lyric poetrya type of emotional songlike poetry, distinguished from dramatic and narrative poetry77
6719660802marginalizationgroups lacking desirable traits are excluded from society, poor, uneducated, undesirable color and language, stay on the margin of acceptance by society unless there is social intervention78
6719661884metaphysicalhighly abstract or theoretical; lacking physical form, inventive use of conceits79
6719663973personificationobject or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes, create sympathy for non-human character, boost emotional sensitivity "thunder roared in the evening"80
6719666689relativismdoctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute81
6719668868rhyme schemepattern of rhyming words at end of a poem82
6719670578stream of concsiousnessreader is inside the character's mind, hearing his or her thoughts as they occur in an apparently jumbled and random order, interior monologue, gives freedom to character, interact with their id or impulsive thoughts83
6719675309symbolthing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract, add multiple levels to work, more profound then surface84
6725908563syllogismgeneral to specific, type of logical reasoning, same as top-down processing85

AP Literature Literary Devices Flashcards

Mr. Johnston's AP Literature Literary Devices

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4364044815ALLEGORYstory or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. Example: Animal Farm; Dante's Inferno; Lord of the Flies0
4364044816ALLITERATIONrepetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. EXAMPLE: "When the two youths turned with the flag they saw that much of the regiment had crumbled away, and the dejected remnant was coming slowly back." -Stephen Crane (Note how regiment and remnant are being used; the regiment is gone, a remnant remains...)1
4364044817ALLUSIONreference to someone or something that is known from history, literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or another branch of culture. An indirect reference to something (usually from literature, etc.).2
4364044818AMBIGUITYdeliberately 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.3
4364044819ANALOGYComparison made between two things to show how they are alike4
4364044820ANAPHORARepetition 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 coherent5
4364044821ANASTROPHEInversion 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 inversion.6
4364044822ANECDOTEBrief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an individual7
4364044823ANTAGONISTOpponent who struggles against or blocks the hero, or protagonist, in a story.8
4364044824ANTIMETABOLERepetition of words in successive clauses in reverse grammatical order.9
4364044825ANTITHESISBalancing words, phrases, or ideas that are strongly contrasted, often by means of grammatical structure.10
4364044826ANTIHEROCentral character who lacks all the qualities traditionally associated with heroes. may lack courage, grace, intelligence, or moral scruples.11
4364044827ANTHROPOMORPHISM (Personification)attributing human characteristics to an animal or inanimate object12
4364044828APHORISMbrief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life, or of a principle or accepted general truth. Also called maxim, epigram.13
4364044829APOSTROPHEcalling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person, or to a place or thing, or a personified abstract idea. If the character is asking a god or goddess for inspiration it is called an invocation. EXAMPLE: Josiah Holland ---"Loacöon! Thou great embodiment/ Of human life and human history!"14
4364044830APPOSITIONPlacing in immediately succeeding order of two or more coordinate elements, the latter of which is an explanation, qualification, or modification of the first (often set off by a colon). Paine: "These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it Now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."15
4364044831ASSONANCEthe repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds especially in words that are together.16
4364044832ASYNDETONCommas used without conjunction to separate a series of words, thus emphasizing the parts equally: instead of X, Y, and Z... the writer uses X,Y,Z.... see polysyndeton.17
4364044833BALANCEConstructing a sentence so that both halves are about the same length and importance. Sentences can be unbalanced to serve a special effect as well.18
4364044834CHARACTERIZATIONthe process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.19
4364044835INDERECT 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 literature20
4364044836DIRECT 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.21
4364044837STATIC CHARACTERis one who does not change much in the course of a story.22
4364044838DYNAMIC CHARACTERis one who changes in some important way as a result of the story's action.23
4364044839FLAT CHARACTERhas only one or two personality traits. They are one dimensional, like a piece of cardboard. They can be summed up in one phrase.24
4364044840ROUND CHARACTERhas more dimensions to their personalities---they are complex, just a real people are.25
4364044841CHIASMUSIn poetry, a type of rhetorical balance in which the second part is syntactically balanced against the first, but with the parts reversed. EXAMPLE Coleridge: "Flowers are lovely, love is flowerlike." In prose this is called antimetabole.26
4364044842CLICHEis a word or phrase, often a figure of speech, that has become lifeless because of overuse. Avoid clichés like the plague. (That cliché is intended.)27
4364044843COLLAQUIALISMa word or phrase in everyday use in conversation and informal writing but is inappropriate for formal situations. EXAMPLE: "He's out of his head if he thinks I'm gonna go for such a stupid idea.28
4364044844COMEDYin general, a story that ends with a happy resolution of the conflicts faced by the main character or characters.29
4364044845CONCEITan elaborate metaphor that compares two things that are startlingly different. Often an extended metaphor. a twentieth century term used to describe poetry that uses intimate material from the poet's life.30
4364044846CONFESSIONAL POETRYa twentieth century term used to describe poetry that uses intimate material from the poet's life.31
4364044847CONFLICTthe struggle between opposing forces or characters in a story.32
4364044848EXTERNAL CONFLICTconflicts can exist between two people, between a person and nature or a machine or between a person a whole society.33
4364044849INTERNAL CONFLICTa conflict can be internal, involving opposing forces within a person's mind.34
4364044850CONNOTATIONthe associations and emotional overtones that have become attached to a word or phrase, in addition to its strict dictionary definition.35
4364044851COUPLETtwo consecutive rhyming lines of poetry.36
4364044852DIALECTa way of speaking that is characteristic of a certain social group or of the inhabitants of a certain geographical area.37
4364044853DICTIONa speaker or writer's choice of words.38
4364044854DIDACTICform of fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.39
4364044855ELEGYa poem of mourning, usually about someone who has died.40
4364044856EPANALEPSISdevice 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.EXAMPLE Voltaire: "Common sense is not so common."41
4364044857EPICa long narrative poem, written in heightened language , which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society.42
4364044858EPIGRAPHa quotation or aphorism at the beginning of a literary work suggestive of the theme.43
4364044859EPISTROPHEDevice 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).44
4364044860EPITHETan adjective or adjective phrase applied to a person or thing that is frequently used to emphasize a characteristic quality. "Father of our country" and "the great Emancipator" are examples. A Homeric epithet is a compound adjective used with a person or thing: "swift-footed Achilles"; "rosy-fingered dawn."45
4364044861ESSAYa short piece of nonfiction prose in which the writer discusses some aspect of a subject.46
4364044862EXPLICATIONact of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text, usually involves close reading and special attention to figurative language.47
4364044863EULOGYA great praise or commendation, a laudatory speech, often about someone who has died.48
4364044864FABLEa very short story told in prose or poetry that teaches a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.49
4364044865FARCEa type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly, far-fetched situations.50
4364044866FIGURATIVE LANGUAGEWords which are inaccurate if interpreted literally, but are used to describe. Similes and metaphors are common forms.51
4364044867FLASHBACKa scene that interrupts the normal chronological sequence of events in a story to depict something that happened at an earlier time.52
4364044868FOILA character who acts as contrast to another character. Often a funny side kick to the dashing hero, or a villain contrasting the hero53
4364044869FORESHADOWINGthe use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot.54
4364044870FREE VERSEpoetry that does not conform to a regular meter or rhyme scheme.55
4364044871HYPERBOLEa figure of speech that uses an incredible exaggeration or overstatement, for effect. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times...."56
4364044872HYPOTACTICsentence marked by the use of connecting words between clauses or sentences, explicitly showing the logical or other relationships between them. (Use of such syntactic subordination of just one clause to another is known as hypotaxis). I am tired because it is hot.57
4364044873IMAGERYthe use of language to evoke a picture or a concrete sensation of a person , a thing, a place, or an experience.58
4364044874INVERSIONthe reversal of the normal word order in a sentence or phrase.59
4364044875IRONYa discrepancy between appearances and reality.60
4364044876VERBAL IRONYoccurs when someone says one thing but really means something else.61
4364044877SITUATIONAL IRONYtakes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen, or what would be appropriate to happen, and what really does happen.62
4364044878DRAMATIC IRONYis so called because it is often used on stage. A character in the play or story thinks one thing is true, but the audience or reader knows better.63
4364044879JUXTAPOSITIONpoetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one another, creating an effect of surprise and wit. EXAMPLE 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."64
4364044880LITOTESis a form of understatement in which the positive form is emphasized through the negation of a negative form: Hawthorne--- "...the wearers of petticoat and farthingale...stepping forth into the public ways, and wedging their not unsubstantial persons, if occasion were, into the throng..."65
4364044881LOCAL COLORa term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting, including its customs, clothing, dialect and landscape.66
4364044882LOOSE SENTENCEone in which the main clause comes first, followed by further dependent grammatical units. See periodic sentence.EXAMPLE Hawthorne: "Hester gazed after him a little while, looking with a half-fantastic curiosity to see whether the tender grass of early spring would not be blighted beneath him, and show the wavering track of this footsteps, sere and brown, across its cheerful verdure."67
4364044883LYRIC POEMa poem that does not tell a story but expresses the personal feelings or thoughts of the speaker. A ballad tells a story.68
4364044884METAPHORa figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without the use of such specific words of comparison as like, as, than, or resembles.69
4364044885IMPLIED METAPHORdoes not state explicitly the two terms of the comparison: "I like to see it lap the miles" is an implied metaphor in which the verb lap implies a comparison between "it" and some animal that "laps" up water.70
4364044886EXTENDED METAPHORis a metaphor that is extended or developed as far as the writer wants to take it. (conceit if it is quite elaborate).71
4364044887DEAD METAPHORis a metaphor that has been used so often that the comparison is no longer vivid: "The head of the house", "the seat of the government", "a knotty problem" are all dead metaphors. Could also be classified as a cliché.72
4364044888MIXED METAPHORis a metaphor that has gotten out of control and mixes its terms so that they are visually or imaginatively incompatible. "The President is a lame duck who is running out of gas."73
4364044889METONYMYa figure of speech in which a person, place, or thing, is referred to by something closely associated with it. "We requested from the crown support for our petition." The crown is used to represent the monarch.74
4364044890MOODAn atmosphere created by a writer's diction and the details selected.75
4364044891MOTIFa recurring image, word, phrase, action, idea, object, or situation used throughout a work (or in several works by one author), unifying the work by tying the current situation to previous ones, or new ideas to the theme. EXAMPLE Kurt Vonnegut uses "So it goes" throughout Slaughterhouse-Five to remind the reader of the senselessness of death.76
4364044892MOTIVATIONthe reasons for a character's behavior.77
4364044893ONOMATOPOEIAthe use of words whose sounds echo their sense. "Pop." "Zap."78
4364044894OXYMORONa figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase. "Jumbo shrimp." "Pretty ugly." "Bitter-sweet"79
4364044895PARABLEa relatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson about how to lead a good life.80
4364044896PARADOXa statement that appears self-contradictory, but that reveals a kind of truth.81
4364044897PARALLEL STRUCTURE(parallelism) the repetition of words or phrases that have similar grammatical structures.82
4364044898PARATACTIC SENTENCEsimply juxtaposes clauses or sentences. I am tired: it is hot.83
4364044899PARODYa work that makes fun of another work by imitating some aspect of the writer's style.84
4364044900PERIODIC SENTENCEsentence that places the main idea or central complete thought at the end of the sentence, after all introductory elements.85
4364044901PERSONIFICATIONa figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes.86
4364044902PLOTthe series of related events in a story or play, sometimes called the storyline.87
4364044903POINT OF VIEWthe vantage point from which the writer tells the story.88
4364044904FIRST PERSON POINT OF VIEWone of the characters tells the story. (typically uses first person pronouns: I, me, my, us, we,...)89
4364044905SECOND PERSON POINT OF VIEWthe narrator instructs the reader as if they are telling the reader what they are to experience. (typically uses 2nd person pronoun: you)90
4364044906THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEWan unknown narrator, tells the story, but this narrator zooms in to focus on the thoughts and feelings of only one character. (typically uses 3rd person pronouns: he, she, it, they, them...) Third Person Point of View Can be either one of the following:91
4364044907OMNISCIENT POINT OF VIEWan omniscient or all-knowing narrator tells the story, also using the third person pronouns. This narrator, instead of focusing on one character only, often tells us everything about many characters.92
4364044908OBJECTIVE POINT OF VIEWa narrator who is totally impersonal and objective tells the story, with no comment on any characters or events.93
4364044909POLYSYNDETONsentence which uses a conjunction with NO commas to separate the items in a series. Instead of X, Y, and Z... Polysyndeton results in X and Y and Z...94
4364044910PROTAGONISTthe central character in a story, the one who initiates or drives the action. Usually the hero or anti-hero; in a tragic hero, like John Proctor of The Crucible, there is always a hamartia, or tragic flaw in his character which will lead to his downfall.95
4364044911PUNa "play on words" based on the multiple meanings of a single word or on words that sound alike but mean different things.96
4364044912QUATRAINa poem consisting of four lines, or four lines of a poem that can be considered as a unit.97
4364044913REFRAINa word, phrase, line, or group of lines that is repeated, for effect, several times in a poem.98
4364044914RHYTHMa rise and fall of the voice produced by the alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables in language.99
4364044915RHETORICArt of effective communication, especially persuasive discourse.100
4364044916RHETORICAL QUESTIONa question asked for an effect, and not actually requiring an answer.101
4364044917ROMANCEin general, a story in which an idealized hero or heroine undertakes a quest and is successful.102
4364044918SATIREa type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about a change.103
4364044919SIMILEa figure of speech that makes an explicitly comparison between two unlike things, using words such as like, as , than, or resembles.104
4364044920STEREOTYPEa fixed idea or conception of a character or an idea which does not allow for any individuality, often based on religious, social, or racial prejudices.105
4364044921SOLILOQUYa long speech made by a character in a play while no other characters are on stage.106
4364044922STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESSa style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of a character's mind.107
4364044923STYLEthe distinctive way in which a writer uses language: a writer's distinctive use of diction, tone, and syntax.108
4364044924SUSPENSEa feeling of uncertainty and curiosity about what will happen next in a story.109
4364044925SYMBOLa person, place, thing, or event that has meaning in itself and that also stands for something more than itself110
4364044926SYNECDOCHEa figure of speech in which a part represents the whole. "If you don't drive properly, you will lose your wheels." The wheels represent the entire car.111
4364044927SYNTACTIC FLUENCYAbility to create a variety of sentence structures, appropriately complex and/or simple and varied in length.112
4364044928SYNTACTIC PERMUTATIONSentence structures that are extraordinarily complex and involved. Often difficult for a reader to follow.113
4364044929TALL TALEan outrageously exaggerated, humorous story that is obviously unbelievable.114
4364044930TELEGRAPHIC SENTENCEA sentence shorter than five words in length.115
4364044931THEMEthe insight about human life that is revealed in a literary work.116
4364044932TONEthe attitude a writer takes toward the subject of a work, the characters in it, or the audience, revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization.117
4364044933TRAGEDYin general, a story in which a heroic character either dies or comes to some other unhappy end.118
4364044934TRICOLONSentence of three parts of equal importance and length, usually three independent clauses.119
4364044935UNDERSTATEMENTa statement that says less than what is meant. Example: During the second war with Iraq, American troops complained of a fierce sand storm that made even the night-vision equipment useless. A British commando commented about the storm: "It's a bit breezy."120
4364044936UNITYUnified parts of the writing are related to one central idea or organizing principle. Unity is dependent upon coherence121
4364044937VERNACULARthe language spoken by the people who live in a particular locality.122

AP Literature Terminology - Figures of Speech Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6060599964Allusionan indirect or passing reference to an event, person, place, or artistic work that the author assumes the reader will understand0
6060603614Anachronisman event, object, custom, person, or thing that is out of its natural order of time1
6060606691Analogya comparison of similar things, often to explain something unfamiliar with something familiar2
6060611541AphorismA terse statement of a principal or truth; a maxim3
6060615424Apostrophea rhetorical device in which the speaker addresses a dead or absent person, or an inanimate object or abstraction4
6060619947Clicheany expression that has been used to often that is has lost its freshness5
6060622779Epigramany terse, witty, pointed saying6
6060625037Euphemismthe substitution of a mild term for one more offensive or hurtful7
6060630033Figurative Languagelanguage that contains figures of speech, such as a metaphor, simile, personification, etc.8
6060633220Hyperboleexaggeration for the sake of emphasis in a figure of speech not meant literally9
6060638618Kenninga metaphoric compound word or phrase used as a synonym for a common noun10
6060643383Litotesa figure of speech by which an affirmation is made indirectly by saying its opposite, usually with an effect of understatement11
6060649928Malapropismthe comic substitution of one word for another similar in sound, but quite different in meaning12
6060656078Metaphorthe most important and widespread figure of speech in which one thing, idea, or action is referred to by a word or expression normally denoting another thing, idea, or action, so as to suggest some common quality shared by the two13
6060667533Extended Metaphoran idea sustained throughout the work14
6060669817Dead Metaphorone that has been used to much it has lost its figurative meaning and is taken literally15
6060673408Mixed Metaphora combination of two or more inconsistent metaphors in a single expression16
6060678611Metonymyfigure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea17
6060681772Onomatopoeiathe use of words that seem to imitate the sounds they refer to18
6060683409Oxymorona figure of speech in which two contradictory words or phrases are combined in a single expression19
6060686584Personificationthe technique by which animals, abstract ideas, or inanimate objects are referred to as if they were human20
6060689783Proverba short saying that expresses some commonplace truth or bit of folk wisdom21
6060693370Puna form of wit, not necessarily funny, involving a play on a word with two or more meanings22
6060698990Similea less direct metaphor, using like or as23
6060700483Syllogisma form of logical reasoning, consisting of two premises and a conclusion24
6060705814Syaesthesiathe description of one kind of sensation in terms of another25
6060708897Synecdochefigure of speech that utilizes a part as representative of the whole26
6060713675Tautologyrepetition of an idea in a different word, phrase, or sentence27
6060717271Understatementa type of verbal irony in which something is purposely represented as being far less important than is actually is28

AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7946543950Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
7946543951AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. i.e. Animal Farm characters; The Crucible1
7946543952AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
7946543953AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work or art purpose: writer does not have to elaborate3
7946543954AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
7946543955AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them; using something well known to help explain something not as well known. (similar to simile)5
7946543956AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
7946543957AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
7946543958ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such as liberty or love and adds familiarity or emotion intensity8
7946543959AtmosphereThe emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described.9
7946543960ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
7946543961ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
7946543962ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness due to the unusual comparison12
7946543963ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
7946543964DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
7946543965DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
7946543966DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
7946543967EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Can be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness, or to add humor or ironic understatement17
7946543968Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
7946543969Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
7946543970Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
7946543971Generic conventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre and helps define each genre. For example, they differentiate between an essay and journalistic writing and an autobiography and political writing21
7946543972GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
7946543973HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
7946543974HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
7946543975ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
7946543976InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
7946543977InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
7946543978IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
7946543979Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
7946543980Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
7946543981Dramatic ironyFacts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work31
7946543982Loose sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. Makes work often seem informal, relaxed, and conversational32
7946543983MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
7946543984MetonymyA figure of speech which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: the White House declared instead of the President declared34
7946543985MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
7946543986Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
7946543987Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
7946543988Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
7946543989NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
7946543990OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
7946543991OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
7946543992ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
7946543993ParallelismRefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity; structuring in generally same way to link them all43
7946543994ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It distorts or exaggerates distinctive features of the original44
7946543995PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
7946543996Periodic sentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone46
7946543997Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
7946543998First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
7946543999Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
7946544000Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
7946544001Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
7946544002Predicate adjectivesOne type of subject complement- an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clauses that follows a linking verb Example: My boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome. Tall, dark and handsome is describing boyfriend52
7946544003Predicate nominativeA second type of subject complement- a noun, group of nouns, or noun clauses that renames the subject Example: "Lincoln was a man of integrity" Man of integrity describes Lincoln53
7946544004ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
7946544005RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
7946544006RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
7946544007Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
7946544008ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
7946544009ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
7946544010SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
7946544011SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
7946544012StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
7946544013Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
7946544014Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
7946544015SyllogismFrom the Greek "reckoning together" this term is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises, first major and second minor Major premise: All men are mortal. Minor premise: Socrates is a man. Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.65
7946544016SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
7946544017Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
7946544018Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
7946544019Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
7946544020SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
7946544021ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
7946544022ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
7946544023ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
7946544024TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
7946544025UnderstatementThe ironic minimalizing of fact, presenting something less significant than it actually is. Makes a work humorous and emphatic;A statement that lacks emphasis and is given less force than normal.75
7946544026Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
7946544027AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
7946544028Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
7946544029Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
7946544030DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
7946544031Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
7946544032Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
7946544033Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
7946544034Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
7946544035Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
7946544036Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
7946544037Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
7946544038Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
7946544039Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
7946544040HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
7946544041Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
7946544042AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
7946544043HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
7946544044Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
7946544045Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
7946544046DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
7946544047SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
7946544048Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
7946544049Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
7946544050SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
7946544051ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
7946544052ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
7946544053ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
7946544054Chiasmus(Form of parallelism) The structure of two lines are crisscrossed. The beginning of the first is at the end of the second and vice versa.104
7946544055Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
7946544056Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
7946544057MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
7946544058ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
7946544059EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
7946544060AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
7946544061EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
7946544062AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
7946544063Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
7946544064ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
7946544065Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
7946544066HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
7946544067AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
7946544068AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
7946544069Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
7946544070Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
7946544071AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
7946544072PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
7946544073ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
7946544074EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
7946544075TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
7946544076PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
7946544077EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
7946544078PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
7946544079Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
7946544080Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
7946544081HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
7946544082PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
7946544083AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
7946544084AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
7946544085ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
7946544086Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
7946544087Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
7946544088ColloquialismA word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)138
7946544089Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
7946544090Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
7946544091loose (cumulative) sentenceA sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases (main clause is at the beginning)141
7946544092Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
7946544093DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
7946544094Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
7946544095Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
7946544096Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
7946544097EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
7946544098EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
7946544099EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
7946544100Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
7946544101EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
7946544102Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
7946544103Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
7946544104Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
7946544105Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
7946544106FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
7946544107FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
7946544108FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
7946544109Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
7946544110ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
7946544111Frame devicea story within a story. An example is Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, in which the primary tales are told within the "frame story" of the pilgrimage to Canterbury161
7946544112HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
7946544113Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
7946544114IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
7946544115ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
7946544116Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
7946544117JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
7946544118LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
7946544119LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
7946544120Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
7946544121Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
7946544122MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
7946544123MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
7946544124MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
7946544125Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
7946544126Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
7946544127Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
7946544128PathosAppeal to emotion178
7946544129LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
7946544130EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
7946544131PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
7946544132PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
7946544133ResolutionAlso called the denouement, this is the final stage in the plot of a drama or work of fiction. Here the action comes to an end and remaining loose ends are tied up.183
7946544134Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
7946544135Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
7946544136Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
7946544137Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
7946544138SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
7946544139StructureArrangement of parts189
7946544140SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
7946544141SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
7946544142Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
7946544143Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
7946544144TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
7946544145Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
7946544146VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
7946544147ArchaismA word, expression, spelling, or phrase that is out of date in the common speech of an era, but still deliberately used by a writer, poet, or playwright for artistic purposes197
7946544148Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
7946544149IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
7946544150Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
7946544151Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
7946544152Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
7946544153Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
7946544154Absolute metaphora metaphor (or figurative comparison) in which one of the terms (the tenor) can't be readily distinguished from the other (the vehicle).Example: "We are the eyelids of defeated caves."204
7946544155Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
7946544156Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
7946544157Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
7946544158Submerged metaphorone in which the vehicle is implied, or indicated by one aspect. Example: "my winged thought". Here, the audience must supply the image of the bird.208
7946544159Neoclassical dramaNeoclassicism covers the period from the end of the English Renaissance in 1642 to the culmination of the French Revolution and the beheading of Louis the XVI in 1793 - in this type of drama, there were either comedies or tragedies - no combination of the two.209
7946544160Implied metaphorone in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example: "Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.210
7946544161undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
7946544162anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212
7946552025coherencea principle demanding parts of any composition to be arranged so that the meaning may be immideately clear and intelligible.213
7946562024unreliable narratoran untrustworthy commentator on events and characters in a story214

AP Lang: Literature terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
3521704330HomilyA sermon of speech that a religious person or priest delivers before a group of people to offer them moral correction0
3521704331GenreThe type of art, literature, or music characterized by a specific form, content, and style1
3521951790Extended metaphorA comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem2
3521951791SynechdocheA literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part3
3521951792ElegyA form of literature which can be defined as a poem or song in the form of elegiac couplets, written in honor of someone deceased4
3521951793EpicA long narrative poem5
3521951794AnalogyA comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it6
3521951795AlliterationA stylistic decide in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series7
3521951796AssonanceTwo or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds8
3521951797DictionWord choice9
3521951798AphorismA statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner; often applied to philosophical, moral, and literary principles10
3521951799SatireA writing technique to expose or criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or society using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule11
3521951800AllusionA brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance12
3521951801SyntaxSentence structure13
3521951802ThemeA main idea or underlying meaning of literary work14
3521951803ApostropheA writer or speaker detaches himself from the reality and addresses an imaginary character in his speech15
3521951804EpigramA rhetorical decvice that is memorable, brief, interesting; surprising satirical statement16
3521951805MotifAn object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work17
3521951806SymbolA word, phrase, or image that represents something else18
3521951807DirgeA mournful or elegiac poem or other literary work19
3521951808ConsonanceRepetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase20
3521951809OnomatopoeiaA word which imitates the natural sounds of a thing21
3521951810EpitaphAn inscription written on a grave; usually brief, having figurative verse or in prose form22
3521951811FableA concise and brief story intended to provide a moral lesson at the end23
3521951812EuphemismPolite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite24
3521951813JuxtapositionTwo or more ideas, places, characters, and their actions are places side by side in a narrative or a poem for comparison/contrast25
3521951814MetonymyFigure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else close associates with it26
3521951815ChiasmusRhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order to produce an artistic effect27
3521951816Figurative languageLanguage in which figures of speech are used to make it effective, persuasive, and impactful28
3522225009DenotationLiterary or diction meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative meaning29
3522225010ProseLanguage with no formal metrical structure; natural flow of speech30
3522225011StructureRelationship or organization of the component parts of a work of art or literature31
3522225012ImagerySensory details32
3522225013CaricatureParticular aspects of a subject are exaggerated to create a silly/comical effect33
3522225014DidacticWriting that seeks to overtly convince a reader of a particular point or lesson34
3522225015Pathetic fallacyLiterary device that attributes human qualities and emotions to inanimate objects of nature35
3522225016OxymoronA figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect36
3522225017LitoteEmploys an understatement by using double negatives37
3522225018PersonificationA thing, idea, or animal is given human attributes38
3522225019ColloquialismUse of informal words, phrases, or slang in writing39
3522225020ConnotationA meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which is describes explicitly40
3522225021PedanticSomeone who is concerned with precision, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning41
3522225022Predicate adjectivesAdjective that is used to modify an attribute of the subject of the sentence42
3522225023Predicate nominativeNoun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and refers to the same person or thing as the subject of the verb43
3522225024AnathemaDetested person or thing44
3522225025MythLegendary or traditional story w/o real evidence45
3522225026NovelAny extended fiction prose narrative46
3522225027ParodyAn imitation of a particular writer, artistic or genre; exaggerating it deliberately to produce a comic effect47
3522225028RhetoricTechnique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form48
3522225029Subordinate clauseClause that cannot stand alone as a sentence (dependent clause)49
3522225030Periodic sentenceMain clause or predicate is held at the end50
3522225031Rhetorical questionQuestion asked for effect or emphasis51
3522225032AllegoryAbstract ideas and principles are described in terms of characters, figures, and events52
3522225033SimileMakes a comparison between two things using "like" or "as"53
3522225034MetaphorImplicit/hidden comparison w/o "like" or "as"54
3522225035ConceitFigure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors55
3522225036EpithetDescribes a place, thing, or person in that is helps make characteristics of them more prominent than they actually are56
3522225037HyperboleExaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis57
3522225038ToneAttituden of the writer towards subject or audience58
3522225039Clause paradoxStatement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include latent truth or value59
3522225040Inversion(Anastrophe); literary technique which the normal order of words is reversed to achieve a particular effect60
3522225041ParallelismUse of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in sound/meaning/meter61
3522225042Situational irony(Cosmic irony); trope in which accidental events over that seem oddly appropriate62
3522225043AntithesisTwo opposite ideas are out together to achieve a contrasting effect63
3522225044Balanced sentenceA sentence so dusting of two or more clauses that are parallel in structure64
3522225045Verbal irony(Sarcasm); a speaker makes a statement in which its actual meaning differs sharply from the meaning that the words express65
3522225046Dramatic ironySituation in a narrative in which the reader m knows something about present or future circumstances that the character doesn't know66
3522225047Cumulative sentenceMain clause followed by a series of subordinate constructions that gather details about a person, place, event, etc67
3522225048LyricShort poem written in repeating form68
3522225049AntecedentLiterary device in which a word or pronoun in a line or sentence refers to an earlier word69
3522225050Subject complementThe adjective, noun, or pronoun that follows a linking verb70

AP Literature Terms - Quiz #6 Flashcards

Katakana test

Terms : Hide Images
8390004174situational ironyan occurence that is contrary to what is expected0
8390007905soliloquya dramatic convention that allows a charcter alone on stage to speak his or her thoughts aloud1
8390012161sonneta fourteen-line poem, usually in iambic pentameter, with a varied rhyme scheme2
8390026051stereotypea conventional patter, plot, or setting that possesses little or no individuality, but that they may be used for a purpose3
8390032278stream of consciousnessthe reording or re-creation of a chracter's flow of thought4
8390036278stylethe distinctive handling og language by author5
8390042188symbola person, place, or object that represents something beyond itself6
8390047404synechdochefigure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole7
8390049697synesthesiathe description of one sense using another sense8
8390052355syntaxthe arrangement of words within a sentence9
8390055609themethe main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work10
8390057464tonethe author's attitude toward his or her subject matter and towards the audience11
8390061890understatementfigure of speech that says less than one means12
8390064314verbal ironythe intended meaning of a statement or work is different from what the statement or work literally says13
8390069770verisimilitudea sense of truth and realness to a work14
8390071754villanellepoetic form of five tercets and a final quatrain (19 lines)15
8390090155similea figure of speech involving a comparison of two unlike things using 'lie' or 'as'16

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