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AP Literature 2017-2018 - Symbols Flashcards

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7820764354RedImmoral; blood, passion, emotion, danger, or daring; often associated with fire0
7820796290BlackSeen as a cold and negative aspect suggesting passivity, death, ignorance, or evil; black hens are used in witchcraft as are black cats1
7820801189GreenInexperience, hope; new life, immaturity; it is a comforting, refreshing human color; it is the color of plant life2
7820801190YellowRotting, heat, decay, violence, decrepitude, old age, and the approach of death; bright; happiness3
7820807932BlueCool, calm, peaceful; an insubstantial color in the real world except as translucency, the void of heavens4
7820810400PinkInnocence, femininity5
7820813843PurpleRoyalty, bruising or pain6
7820817174BrownA color somewhere between russet and black; it is the color of earth and ploughed land and soil, it represents humility and poverty7
7820820014OrangeThe emblem of divine love or extreme lust; vibrancy, life8
7820823654VioletComposed of red and blue, it is the color of temperance, clarity of mind; (shyness, pettiness)9
7820827412WhiteInnocence, life, light, purity, or enlightenment10
7820854079SpringBirth, new beginning11
7820857179SummerMaturity, knowledge12
7820859577AutumnDecline, nearing death, growing old13
7820861619WinterDeath, sleep14
7820864063Christmas seasonBirth change for the better15
7820866799Easter seasonRebirth, enlightenment, faith16
7820869685LightTruth, safety, warmth, knowledge, spirit, God, life, and happiness17
7820876357Darknessevil, ignorance, danger, spiritual dullness, death, misfortune18
7820881753DawnSymbol of hope, renewal, new beginnings, and abundance of possibilities19
7820889829Crescent moonattribute of female, especially virgin goddesses; pregnancy and birth; Muslims accompany the crescent with a star which to them symbolizes the image of paradise20
7820911748Moonas it both changes shape and then returns to its original shape, it is the watery principle; (it is both the watery and feminine symbol. It symbolizes the changing and the returning to the same shape; Muslims accompany the crescent shape of the moon with a star which to them is the image of paradise)21
7820918267Sunwarmth, life giving principle; resurrection and new beginnings; the male principle (source of light, heat, and life; a masculine symbol and the symbol of a monarch as the heart of an empire)22
7820927991Cloudsdwelling places of the gods23
7820933135Chaoscondition of the world before anything was created24
7820939383Centerpoint from which everything proceeds; symbol of God25
7820943662Searepresents inexhaustible vital energy; an abyss that swallows everything26
7820949899Mountaina symbol that joins heaven and earth (provides stability, changelessness, and safety; sometimes indicates human pride)27
7820964899Forestsacred and mysterious realm where good and evil gods, spirits, and demons, wild men, fairies, and female wood, moss, and forest spirits dwell; a place of seclusion from the affairs of the world28
7820977355Fruitripeness and completed development; because of its many seeds it represents fertility; temptation to sin29
7820984925Firesacred, purifying, and renewing; destruction and rebirth (phoenix); it can also symbolize destruction, war, evil, the demonic, hell, or divine wrath30
7820997712Riverrepresents time and transitory nature of life and things; perpetual renewal31
7821002117Skyplace where God and divine beings exist32
7821007005Starsrepresent high ideals and / or spiritual light penetrating the darkness33
7821012280Thundersymbol of divine power and strength / The voice of God or Gods34
7861091561Treesline of Demarcation, darkness35
7861092681Apple treethe fruit is the key of knowledge and temptation36
7861094795Chestnut treesymbol of foresight37
7861098523Oak treesymbol of strength, masculinity, and steadfastness38
7861102755Palm treein Egypt it was probably associated with the Tree of Life. Its branches are a widespread symbol of victory, joy, and peace.39
7861108784Pear treesymbol of mourning40
7861109812Laurelan evergreen plant, it is a symbol of immortality41
7861113804Cypressa sacred tree, it represents long life and immortality; also at times a symbol of death because once cut down, it does not grow back42
7861118267Cedarlofty and sublime things43
7861119079Poplar treestrongly linked to the underworld, to pain, sacrifice, and grief; a funeral tree44
7861123499Sycamorea symbol of vanity and to climb it is to trust in vain things45
7861126864Pine treesymbol of immortality because of its evergreen foliage and the incorruptible nature of its resin46
7861130542Weedsevil (hemlock, pig weed, etc.) wildness/outside society47
7861134947Ivya symbol of immortality, but also friendship and beauty; because of its tendency to cling, it may also be a feminine symbol48
7861139463Grapevineabundance and life; in Greece sacred to Dionysus, ecstasy, death, and renewal49
7861142622Reedbecause it sways in the wind, it represents fickleness and weakness50
7861144354Rosemaryprotection against illness;love fertility, immortality, and fidelity51
7861146506Thistlesymbol of difficulty and suffering52
7861148597Anemonesymbolizes transience53
7861149937Chrysanthemumbecause its petals expand in ordered rays, it is a solar symbol; it is also of perfection and as an Autumn flower, it represents ease after labor of harvest. It is a hardy flower and can signify strength54
7861161887Rosebudding youth, romance, potential, fragility; fertility and respect for the dead; shed blood and wounds of Christ55
7861165695Sunflowersturdiness, strength; symbol of Sun and majesty; represents God's love56
7861171749Lilyrepresents light, purity, innocence, and virginity57
7861172924Waterlife passing by, purity or washes away guilt, origin of life, maintenance of life, black water = death; may also evoke unlawful passions, temptation, or the Gates of Hell; in Biblical tradition the lily is the symbol of one's choice, "a lily among thorns, so is my love among daughters." (Song of Solomon 2:2)58
7861184203Cuckoosymbolizes jealousy and parasitism because it lays its eggs in the nest of other birds59
7861187731Nightingalebecause of its sweet and plaintive song, it is a symbol of love60
7861190232Ravendeath, evil omen61
7861191182Storkgood fortune, resurrection, and long life62
7861192935Swallowas a migratory bird, it symbolizes spring, light, and fertility63
7861195964Cavernserves as an archetype of the material womb / Greeks believed the cavern to be represented of the world64
7861219435Wallsbarriers between people both physical and mental;a barrier that shuts out the world65
7861227370Eastland of birth or rebirth, of the Sun and Venus; it is associated with renewal, youth, feasting, song and love66
7861230523Northis the side that lies on the Suns right hand and lies on with side of life; it symbolizes night sky and night wind and is the home of the Moon and the Milky Way. Its color is black. North represents coldness, alienation, and hostility67
7861238323Southis the side which lies on the Suns left hand; is the land of fire. Represents warmth, comfort68
7861240683Snowblanket which obscures or covers69
7861242355Fog/Mistprevents clear vision or thinking - represents isolation; transition from one condition to another70
7861252708Rainsadness or despair or; new life; fertility71
7861254118Wind and stormsviolent human emotions72
7861256772Lightningindicates the spark of life and the power of fertilization; it can either be life giving of death dealing, so it is a sign of power and strength73
7861265451Morningthe time of God's blessings; the beginning when all is still uncorrupted; a symbol of both purity and promise74
7861270519Rainbowsalso intermediates and pathways between Heaven and Earth; most are heralds of good and are linked with cycles of rebirth, however, however, they may also serve as prologues to disturbance75
7879743967DovePeace, purity, simplicity76
7879746020Foxslyness and cleverness77
7879748451Serpenttemptation, sin, Satan, cleverness, seduction; a masculine symbol because of its phallic form; feminine because of its capacity to devour78
7879757652Liona solar symbol, pride79
7879761930Peacockpride, vanity80
7879766365Mulestubborn81
7879766366Mouseshyness, meekness82
7879768146Hawkpredation, keen eyesight83
7879775052Snakeevil, temptation84
7879777062Owlwisdom, rational knowledge; messenger of death85
7879779548Salmoninstinct, sacred wisdom86
7879787973Catsare often viewed as servants of the underworld; it may also symbolize cunning, forethought, and ingenuity87
7879795773Scarabsacred, solar animal that symbolizes resurrection88
7879805389Ankleif slender, suggest more intimate parts of anatomy along with potential skill and refinements in making love89
7879823794Bloodguilt; all the integral qualities of fire and the heat and vitality inherent in the sun; it also corresponds to vital and bodily heat; the life principle90
7879830648Bonesrepresent both the framework of the human body, but since they contain marrow, they symbolize strength and virtue91
7879837300Handsstrength or weakness92
7879839991Eyeswindows to the soul or barometer of emotions93
7879842653Mouthindicator of character traits94
7879850014Liverseat of vital force, desires, anger, and love95
7879851702HandsSymbolize activity and power96
7879860165Hairsymbol of strength; on women it may represent sexuality97
7879884429Footpart of body most closely associated with the earth; as an organ of locomotion it is related to the will; on an enemy's neck it represents victory98
7879892736Bellymaternal warmth and protection; or gluttony and materialistic approach to life99
7879897197Beardmasculinity, strength, and wisdom100
7881032399Kneesome call the knee "the knob of the head's staff" and believed to be the seat of political power. / Many ancient traditions believe the knee to be the main seat of bodily strength.101
7881051082Right and leftto look to one's right hand is to look to the protector; this is the place of the elect and the Last Judgment, the dammed go to the left, to Hell102
7881064999CapeA celestial and ascendant symbolism. The priest robed in such a cape and is "set ritually at the center of the universe, identified with the World axis, the cape being a celestial tent and with his head in the beyond, the dwelling of God whose earthly representative he is. Whoever wraps himself in the cloak acquires the air, shape, and face of whomsoever he wishes as long as he wears it. This is a symbol of the changes wrought by human trickery and the different personalities that humans may assume. When monks or nuns withdraw from the world, they cover themselves in a cape or cloak that symbolizes a withdrawal into one or into God.103
7881121000Cloakis a symbol of human trickery, and the different personalities humans can assume.104
7881127488Hathead or thoughts105
7881127489Glovesymbolizes station in life, used to challenge, symbol of law and sovereignty106
7881135111Shoessymbol of free person; slaves went barefoot107
7881140007Maskused to frighten enemies; symbol of concealment; demonic tendencies108
7881147810Chainsymbolizes the bond which connect Heaven and earth ties together two extremes or beings109
7881156125Casksuggests wealth and pleasure; an indestructible character of natural desire and even Greek morality. To decline a natural act is normal and legitimate circumstances, is to doom oneself to endless folly and abortive action, to a punishment, which fits the crime. The bottomless cask thus means the opposite to the cask filled with wine, or rather the symbolism of the cask but the meaning draws from the opposite.110
7881199323Keypower to open and lock, control, or to loose and bind; holds power and authority111
7881217278Gardenearthly and heavenly paradise112
7881221710Windowwhen a person is inside a window looking out, he is an observer of life, not a participant.113
7881230414Mirrorrepresents knowledge, self-knowledge, and consciousness / often a solar symbol; an unbroken mirror is a sign of a happy marriage; a broken mirror would often indicate a separation or destruction of the union114
7881240743Parasol or umbrellais a symbol of a canopy or vault of heaven115
7881247908Scythesymbol of time and death which destroys all116
7881252165Staffsymbol of power and magical knowledge117
7881258360Stairssymbol of emotional and spiritual development and incremental gains in knowledge and wisdom118
7881283140Door or thresholdtransition from one place to another119
7881286940Laddersymbol of ascension and realization of potential; they are also a symbol of the coming and going between Heaven and Earth120
7881305717Sicklerepresents the harvest cycle, self-renewing, death, and the hope of rebirth; it is also the attribute of Death and Time, which destroys all things.121
7881342916Tower of Babelconfusion, human pride; resulted in multiple languages122
7881353205Ichabod Cranelegs like a crane123
7881358373Young Goodman Brownall good young men124
7881362010Arthur Dimmesdalesins "dimmed" or obscured in a "dale"125
7881367994Holden Caulfieldis "holding" on to his childhood and wants to stand in the middle of a "field" and "call" out to the children to prevent them from falling over the "crazy cliff"126
7881386162Ward StradlaterHolden's roommate who will in the back of his car straddle girls later127
7881399579Mr. McChoakumchilda teacher in the Dicken's Hard Times128
7881403734The forestusually a place of evil or mystery129
7881410253An isolated settingalienation, loneliness or provincial thinking130
7881415975A parka place for retreat and renewal131
7881418228The towna place where rules are observed and people are on their best behavior132
7881429874Even places have a symbolic meaning:1. Xanadu 2. Babylon 3. Waterloo 4. El Dorado133
7881441198Rubypossesses healing powers; associated with virginity134
7881447905Sapphiresymbol of Heaven135
7881451614Diamondrepresents purity, spirituality, and immutability136
7881456350Pearla lunar and feminine symbol; perfection, wisdom, love beauty, "the pearl of the great prince"; tears, heaven137
7881468876Emeraldrepresents fertility, moistness, moon, and spring138
7881477747Goldimmutability, eternity, and perfection; identified with the sun; symbol of insight and knowledge139
7881487198SilverPurity; associated with the moon and the feminine principle140
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AP English Literature Biblical Allusions Flashcards

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6412854184Abraham and SarahHe is the first patriarch of Judaism (first person to accept monotheism). She is his wife. They were married for a long time and had no children. She suggested that he mate with her maid-servant, Hagar, so that he would have an heir. After than child was born, Sarah became pregnant and forced Abraham to throw out the maid and her son, because she was jealous. Their son is Isaac.0
6412854185Adam and Evethe first man and woman; she's created from a rib taken from him. They live in bliss in the Garden of Eden until Eve is persuaded by a Serpent into eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which she then offers to Adam. After they eat, they realize they're naked and become ashamed. God (with some help from the Archangel Gabriel and his flaming sword) expels them from Eden as punishment; often referred to as the "fall from grace," or "loss of innocence."1
6412854186Anti-Christ/Armaggedonthe Anti-Christ is the antagonist of Christ who will appear before the Second Coming, claiming to be Christ, and make serious trouble until Christ actually appears and defeats him, probably at the battle of Armaggedon, a great battle between the forces of good and evil that is to occur at the end of the world. Armaggedon now means any great and decisive battle.2
6412854187Babylonan ancient city of Mesopotamia known for its wealth, luxury, and vice.3
6412854188Cain and Abelthe two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was older and a farmer; Abel was a shepherd. They made offerings to God, who liked Abel's lamb better than Cain's wheat. Cain was jealous and slew Abel, for which he was forced to roam as an outcast, with a horrible mark on his forehead that showed that he killed his brother. He said, "Am I my brother's keeper?"4
6412854189Daniela young Hebrew prophet who prayed even when the king had ordered that no one pray. For this, he was thrown into a lion's den, where he should have been killed. Instead, God saved him and he came out of the lion's den unhurt. A symbol of God's protection and the rewards of faith.5
6412854190The Divine Comedywritten by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and his death in 1321, is widely considered the central epic poem of Italian literature, and one of the greatest of world literature. Its influence is so great that it affects the Christian view of the afterlife to this day. The Divine Comedy is composed of three canticas, Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). In the Inferno, Dante is led by the poet Virgil into the underworld, where he experiences and describes each of the nine circles of hell. The sign at the entrance to Hell reads: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."6
6412854191Davida young boy who had the courage to fight the huge enemy, Goliath, whom he killed with a slingshot. He became king and was quite good, except for lusting after a married woman (Bathsheba), whose husband he then sent to the front lines to get conveniently killed so David could marry her. They became the parents of Absalom and Solomon.7
6412854192Edenearthly paradise for Adam and Eve8
6412854193Esthera Jewish woman married to a Persian king. An evil man wanted to kill the Jews but Esther stopped him by pleading with her husband.9
6412854194Gideonan Israeli judge. In a major battle, when his forces were massively outnumbered, he fooled the opposition by making noise with trumpets that made the enemy think that the Hebrew forces were much larger than they really were.10
6412854195Goliatha huge warrior of the Philistines who was killed by a boy (David) with a slingshot; a symbol of great power that can be overpowered.11
6412854196Good Samaritana famous New Testament parable, that appears only in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37). The parable is told by Jesus to illustrate the precepts that a person's fitness for eternal life is defined by his or her actions, that compassion should be for all people, and that fulfilling the spirit of the Law is more important than fulfilling the letter of the Law. Jesus tells a parable about a traveler who was attacked, robbed, stripped, and left for dead by the side of a road. Later, a priest saw the stricken figure and avoided him, presumably in order to maintain ritual purity. Similarly, a Levite saw the man and ignored him as well. Then a Samaritan passed by, and, despite the mutual antipathy between his and the Jewish populations, immediately rendered assistance by giving him first aid and taking him to an inn to recover while promising to cover the expenses. By extension, a Good Samaritan is a generous person who is ready to provide aid to people in distress without hesitation.12
6412854197Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)the "Good News": first four books of the New Testament, all telling the life of Jesus, but from four different perspectives. "The Gospel" has come to mean any statement that is unquestionably true.13
6412854198Hagar and IshmaelHagar is the maid of Sarah that Abraham had a child with and Ishmael is the child, who became a wandering outcast.14
6412854199Herodthe king of the Hebrews who ordered John the Baptist beheaded for Salome's reward and who ordered all Jewish males under age two killed to prevent the "King of the Jews" from overthrowing him.15
6412854200Holy Grailthe dish, plate, cup or vessel used by Jesus at the Last Supper, said to possess miraculous powers. It has long been the object of fruitless quests. By extension, the object of an extended or difficult quest.16
6412854201Isaacthe son of Abraham and Sarah. God tested Abraham's faith by ordering him to sacrifice Isaac on a mountain. They went up to the mountain, with Isaac just a bit suspicious that there was no animal to sacrifice (Abraham said that God would provide). Just as Abraham was about to slit Isaac's throat, an angel stayed his hand and he then saw a ram caught in nearby bushes, which he sacrificed instead.17
6412854202JacobSon of Isaac and brother of Esau, whose birthright and blessing he stole when Isaac was on his deathbed. Later, he dreamt of a ladder that one could climb to get to heaven, with each rung being a good deed. He decided to apologize to Esau and then went on to have twelve sons, who became the twelve tribes of Israel.18
6412854203Jesus Christ/carpenter/lambJesus Christ is a figure of martyrdom, sacrifice, and loving forgiveness. He is often symbolized as either a carpenter (which he had actually been, along with Joseph) or a lamb (a common sacrificial animal).19
6412854204Jezebelthe wife of Ahab (a king of Israel), notorious for her evil and vicious actions.20
6412854205Joba symbol of loyalty and faith in God. God and Satan made a bet as to whether or not Job would curse God, no matter what bad things occurred. God gave Satan free rein to test Job; everything bad happened that could possibly and still Job didn't curse God. Eventually, god won the bet and gave Job back all the things he had lost.21
6412854206John the Baptistborn before Jesus and announced his coming. Baptized Jesus and was one of his followers. After Jesus's death, he was captured by Herod for preaching Jesus's word. Salome danced for Herod, who offered her any gift in payment for her wonderful dancing. She requested the head of John the Baptist, which was delivered to her on a sliver platter.22
6412854207Jonaha Hebrew whom God commanded to go to Nineveh to tell the people there to stop sinning. He didn't want to and tried to escape by boat, but God made a great storm. When the others on board realized that Jonah was the person God was mad at, they threw him overboard. He was then swallowed by a "great fish" (whale). He lived inside it for several days, repented, and was regurgitated on the beach. He then went quickly to Nineveh and followed God's orders. A symbol of learning the hard way.23
6412854208Josephfirstborn son of Rachel and Jacob, who loved him more than all his other sons because he loved the mother (Rachel) more than the mother of his other children (Leah). Joseph flaunted his father's favor, especially by showing off his many-colored coat that was a gift from Dad. Other brothers were very jealous and planned to murder him; instead, they sold him into slavery and he was taken to Egypt, where his ability to interpret dreams led him to become the pharaoh's right-hand man.24
6412854209Judas Iscariotone of the twelve original disciples of Jesus. He sold out to the Romans for thirty pieces of silver. He kissed Jesus in public so the Romans would know which man was Jesus and could arrest him. The "kiss of Judas" is an act of betrayal, especially one that looks like a loving action.25
6412854210Lazarusa man who Jesus raised from the dead, even though he'd been buried for three days. A symbol of Jesus's power and of possibilities.26
6412854211Loaves and fishesone of Jesus's most famous miracles. Many people came to hear him preach to feed the masses he multiplied a few loaves and fishes. Everyone was fed with food to spare. Symbolizes a miraculous appearance of resources. Lucifer/Devil/Beelzebub/flies: Lucifer was originally the top angel and sat at God's right hand. He got jealous and attempted a coup, which failed. He was sent to Hell, where he is more commonly called the Devil or Satan. Beelzebub was originally a Philistine deity worshipped as the lord of the flies; that name (and image) was transferred to Christianity; in Paradise Lost, Beelzebub ranks next to Satan.27
6412854212Mary and Josephthe father and virgin mother of Jesus. Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she and her husband would bear the son of God; a carpenter.28
6412854213Mary Magdalenea prostitute who came to hear Jesus preach and was accepted by him and became a devout follower. Initially, his other followers were shocked, but he said, "Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone," so they shut up. She is a symbol of the absolute possibility of repentance and acceptance by God. She is referred to in the Bible as the "favorite" disciple.29
6412854214Moses and Aaronbrothers who worked together to save the Israelites (Jews) from slavery in Egypt (they were still there from Joseph's time). Moses was the leader and God spoke to him, but he stuttered, so Aaron actually spoke to the people and told them what God told Moses. Moses led them across the Red Sea, which parted, and into the desert, where they roamed for many years. He went up to Mount Sinai, where God gave him the Ten Commandments. He was gone a long time and the people started to get nervous, so they built an idol to worship: a golden calf. When Moses came and found them worshipping an idol, he was so upset that he broke the tablets the commandments were on. After they destroyed the calf, he went back and got another copy of the commandments.30
6412854215NoahAfter receiving a message from God, Noah built an ark, on which all the animals on the earth went, two by two, to escape drowning in the great flood, which lasted 40 days and 40 nights.31
6412854216Paradise Lost(1167) an epic poem by the 17th century English poet John Milton. The poem concerns the Christian story of the rise of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.32
6412854217Paullargely the developer of Christianity as an organized system of beliefs; he took his information on the road and went preaching in towns all over the mid-East, just ahead of Romans out to kill him for being a rabble-rouser. After he left a town where he had preached, he often wrote numerous letters to his followers there, to keep them with the faith. The most famous are the Epistles (letters) to the Corinthians.33
6412854218Peterthe first "pope" of the Christian church. His name means "rock" in Latin and he provided the foundation for building the church itself, figuratively.34
6412854219Philistinesthe traditional enemies of the Hebrews, known for their barbarism and indifference to art and culture.35
6412854220Prodigal Sona wastrel who returns home and is welcomed with open arms. His brother, who had remained home to serve their father, is angry and jealous of the wastrel's warm reception. Symbolizes the benevolence and generosity of God's (or anyone's) forgiveness; unconditional love.36
6412854221Rachel and Leahwives of Jacob. He fell in love with Rachel, the younger. Her father said Jacob could marry her if he worked for the father for seven years. Jacob did so. After the wedding, when he lifted the veil, he found that he'd married Leah, who had to marry first since she was older. He still wanted Rachel, so the father said Jacob could have her after another seven years of labor, which he did. Meanwhile, he and Leah turned out kids like crazy.37
6412854222Ruth and NaomiNaomi was a Hebrew whose son married Ruth, a Moabite (foreigner). After the son died, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi rather than returning to her own people. She is the first convert to Judaism and a symbol of loyalty.38
6412854223Samson and DelilahHe had great strength because he had never cut his hair (he was a Nazarite, his life consecrated to the Lord). She was from the enemy tribe (the Philistines) and became his mistress and then betrayed him by cutting his hair while he slept. The Philistines captured and blinded him, but Samson eventually found enough strength to destroy his enemies by pulling down the pillars of the temple they were all in, even though doing so meant that he would die too.39
6412854224Sinaithe desert where the Jews roamed for many years, before getting to the Promised Land.40
6412854225Sodom and GomorrahAccording to the Bible, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah — called as a group The Cities on the Plain - were destroyed by God for their sins. It is often postulated that the sin of Sodom was homosexuality and rape. Before it was destroyed, a virtuous couple, Lot and his wife, were advised by God to leave the city immediately and not look back. Lot's wife submitted to temptation and, as she looked back on the city, she was turned into a pillar of salt.41
6412854226Solomonking of the Hebrews known for his wisdom. When two women appeared before him, both claiming that the same baby belonged to both of them, he ordered it cut in half, so each woman could have half. The woman who screamed not to cut the baby was given it, since Solomon determined that she must really love it, since she didn't want it to die.42
6412854227The Magithe Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus the night he was born and brought him gifts to honor his birth; often referred to as the "Adoration of the Magi."43
6412854228Tree of Knowledgethe one tree whose fruit (apple) God forbade Adam and Eve from eating. After they do so (on the advice of Satan, disguised as a serpent), they gain knowledge of good and evil, but are banished from paradise.44
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AP Language Midterm Review Flashcards

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5700970288DictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.0
5700970289SyntaxThe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.1
5700970290Declarative SentenceA sentence in the form of a statement2
5700970291Telegraphic SentenceA concise sentence typically containing five words or less.3
5700970292Short SentenceA sentence consisting of only one clause, with a single subject and predicate.4
5700970293Medium SentenceA sentence consisting of fifteen and twenty words5
5700970294Simple SentenceA sentence consisting of only one clause, with a single subject and predicate.6
5700970295Compound SentenceA sentence with more than one subject or predicate.7
5700970296Complex SentenceA sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.8
5700970297Periodic SentenceA sentence that has the main clause or predicate at the end.9
5700970298Loose SentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases.10
5700970299ParallelismThe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.11
5700970300Denotative meaningThe literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."12
5700970301Connotative MeaningThe emotions and associations connected to a word13
5700970325AntithesisA contrast or opposition between two things.14
5700970304PunA joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.15
5700970305SynedocheA part is made to represent the whole or vice versa16
5700970306HyperboleExaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.17
5700970307OxymoronApparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction18
5700970308SimileThe comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid19
5700970309MetaphorA word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.20
5700970310AlliterationThe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.21
5700970311AsyndetonThe omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.22
5700970312EpestropheThe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.23
5700970313AntimetableA phrase or sentence is repeated, but in reverse order.24
5700970314OnomatopoeiaThe formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named25
5700970315AssonanceThe repetition of the sound of a vowel or diphthong in nonrhyming stressed syllables near enough to each other for the echo to be discernible26
5700970316ConstonentDenoting or relating to a consonant sound or letter.27
5700970317PersonificationThe attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.28
5700970318MetanymyThe substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant29
5700970319Rhetorical SentenceA question that you ask without expecting an answer.30
5700970320AnaphraThe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.31
5700970321AllusionAn expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.32
5700970322ParadoxAn exclamatory passage in a speech or poem addressed to a person (typically one who is dead or absent) or thing (typically one that is personified).33
5700970323ParodyAn imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.34
5700970324ParadoxJoining of opposite meanings35
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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

The Glossary of Literary Terms for the AP English Literature and Composition Test

Terms : Hide Images
4304587551AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.0
4304587554Anachronism"Misplaced in time." An aspect of a story that doesn't belong in its supposed time setting.1
4304587557AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause that determines what a pronoun refers to.2
4304587558AnthropomorphismWhen inanimate objects are given human characteristics. Often confused with personification.3
4304587559AnticlimaxOccurs when an action produces far smaller results than one had been led to expect.4
4304587560AntiheroA protagonist who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.5
4304587561AphorismA short and usually witty saying.6
4304587562ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker talks directly to something that is nonhuman.7
4304587563ArchaismThe use of deliberately old-fashioned language.8
4304587564AsideA speech (usually just a short comment) made by an actor to the audience, as though momentarily stepping outside of the action on stage.9
4304587566AssonanceThe repeated use of vowel sounds: "Old king Cole was a merry old soul."10
4304587568BalladA long, narrative poem, usually in meter and rhyme. Typically has a naive folksy quality.11
4304587569BathosWriting strains for grandeur it can't support and tries too hard to be a tear jerker.12
4304587570PathosWriting evokes feelings of dignified pity and sympathy.13
4304587572BombastPretentious, exaggeratedly learned language.14
4304587573BurlesqueBroad parody, one that takes a style or form and exaggerates it into ridiculousness.15
4304587574CacophonyIn poetry, using deliberately harsh, awkward sounds.16
4304587575CadenceThe beat or rhythm or poetry in a general sense.17
4304587576CantoThe name for a section division in a long work of poetry.18
4304587578CatharsisDrawn from Aristotle's writings on tragedy. Refers to the "cleansing" of emotion an audience member experiences during a play19
4304587579ChorusIn Greek drama, the group of citizens who stand outside the main action on stage and comment on it.20
4304587581Coinage (neologism)A new word, usually one invented on the spot.21
4304587582ColloquialismA word or phrase used in everyday conversational English that isn't a part of accepted "school-book" English.22
4304587583Complex (Dense)Suggesting that there is more than one possibility in the meaning of words; subtleties and variations; multiple layers of interpretation; meaning both explicit and implicit23
4304587584Conceit (Controlling Image)A startling or unusual metaphor, or to a metaphor developed and expanded upon several lines.24
4304587585DenotationA word's literal meaning.25
4304587587ConsonanceThe repetition of consonant sounds within words (rather than at their beginnings)26
4304587588CoupletA pair of lines that end in rhyme27
4304587589DecorumA character's speech must be styled according to her social station, and in accordance to the situation.28
4304587590DictionThe words an author chooses to use.29
4304587591SyntaxThe ordering and structuring of words.30
4304587592DirgeA song for the dead. Its tone is typically slow, heavy, depressed, and melancholy31
4304587593DissonanceRefers to the grating of incompatible sounds.32
4304587594DoggerelCrude, simplistic verse, often in sing-song rhyme, like limericks.33
4304587595Dramatic IronyWhen the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not34
4304587596Dramatic MonologueWhen a single speaker in literature says something to a silent audience.35
4304587597ElegyA type of poem that meditates on death or mortality in a serious, thoughtful manner.36
4304587598ElementsBasic techniques of each genre of literature37
4304587599EnjambmentThe continuation of a syntactic unit from one line or couplet of a poem to the next with no pause.38
4304587600EpicA very long narrative poem on a serious theme in a dignified style; typically deal with glorious or profound subject matter.39
4304587601EpitaphLines that commemorate the dead at their burial place.40
4304587602EuphemismA word or phrase that takes the place of a harsh, unpleasant, or impolite reality.41
4304587603EuphonyWhen sounds blend harmoniously.42
4304587605FarceExtremely broad humor; in earlier times, a funny play or a comedy.43
4304587607FoilA secondary character whose purpose is to highlight the characteristics of a main character, usually by contrast.44
4304587608FootThe basic rhythmic unit of a line of poetry, formed by a combination of two or three syllables, either stressed or unstressed.45
4304587610Free versepoetry written without a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern46
4304587612GothicA sensibility that includes such features as dark, gloomy castles and weird screams from the attic each night.47
4304587613HubrisThe excessive pride or ambition that leads to the main character's downfall48
4304587616In media resLatin for "in the midst of things," i.e. beginning an epic poem in the middle of the action.49
4304587617Interior MonologueRefers to writing that records the mental talking that goes on inside a character's head; tends to be coherent.50
4304587618InversionSwitching the customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase.51
4304587619IronyA statement that means the opposite of what it seems to mean; uses an undertow of meaning, sliding against the literal a la Jane Austen.52
4304587620LamentA poem of sadness or grief over the death of a loved one or over some other intense loss.53
4304587621LampoonA satire.54
4304587622Loose sentenceA sentence that is complete before its end: Jack loved Barbara despite her irritating snorting laugh.55
4304587623Periodic SentenceA sentence that is not grammatically complete until it has reached it s final phrase: Despite Barbara's irritation at Jack, she loved him.56
4304587624LyricA type of poetry that explores the poet's personal interpretation of and feelings about the world.57
4304587625Masculine rhymeA rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable (regular old rhyme)58
4304587627MelodramaA form of cheesy theater in which the hero is very, very good, the villain mean and rotten, and the heroine oh-so-pure.59
4304587630MetonymyA word that is used to stand for something else that it has attributes of or is associated with.60
4304587631NemesisThe protagonist's arch enemy or supreme and persistent difficulty.61
4304587632ObjectivityTreatment of subject matter in an impersonal manner or from an outside view.62
4304587635OppositionA pairing of images whereby each becomes more striking and informative because it's placed in contrast to the other one.63
4304587636OxymoronA phrase composed of opposites; a contradiction.64
4304587637ParableA story that instructs.65
4304587638ParadoxA situation or statement that seems to contradict itself, but on closer inspection, does not.66
4304587639ParallelismRepeated syntactical similarities used for effect.67
4304587641Parenthetical phraseA phrase set off by commas that interrupts the flow of a sentence with some commentary or added detail.68
4304587643PastoralA poem set in tranquil nature or even more specifically, one about shepherds.69
4304587644PersonaThe narrator in a non first-person novel.70
4304587646PlaintA poem or speech expressing sorrow.71
4304587647Point of ViewThe perspective from which the action of a novel is presented.72
4304587648OmniscientA third person narrator who sees into each character's mind and understands all the action going on.73
4304587649Limited OmniscientA Third person narrator who generally reports only what one character sees, and who only reports the thoughts of that one privileged character.74
4304587650ObjectiveA thrid person narrator who only reports on what would be visible to a camera. Does not know what the character is thinking unless the character speaks it.75
4304587654ProtagonistThe main character of a novel or play76
4304587656RefrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.77
4304587657RequiemA song of prayer for the dead.78
4304587658RhapsodyAn intensely passionate verse or section of verse, usually of love or praise.79
4304587659Rhetorical questionA question that suggests an answer.80
4304587661SoliloquyA speech spoken by a character alone on stage, meant to convey the impression that the audience is listening to the character's thoughts.81
4304587663Stock charactersStandard or cliched character types.82
4304587664Subjunctive MoodA grammatical situation involving the words "if" and "were," setting up a hypothetical situation.83
4304587667Suspension of disbeliefThe demand made of a theater audience to accept the limitations of staging and supply the details with their imagination.84
4304587669TechniqueThe methods and tools of the author.85
4304587673TravestyA grotesque parody86
4304587674TruismA way-too obvious truth87
4304587677ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify two or more words, but used for different meanings. He closed the door and his heart on his lost love.88
4304587678OdeA poem in praise of something divine or noble89
4304587679IambA poetic foot -- light, heavy90
4304587680TrocheeA poetic foot -- heavy, light91
4304587681SpondeeA poetic foot -- heavy, heavy92
4304587682PyrrhieA poetic foot -- light, light93
4304587683AnapestA poetic foot -- light, light, heavy94
4304587684AmbibranchA poetic foot -- light, heavy, light95
4304587685DactylA poetic foot -- heavy, light, light96
4304587686ImperfectA poetic foot -- single light or single heavy97
4304587687PentameterA poetic line with five feet.98
4304587688TetrameterA poetic line with four feet99
4304587689TrimeterA poetic line with three feet100
4304587690Blank Verseunrhymed iambic pentameter.101
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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

The Glossary of Literary Terms for the AP English Literature and Composition Test

Terms : Hide Images
7960698729AbstractComplex, discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, seldom uses examples to support its points.0
7960698730AcademicDry and rhetorical writing; sucking all the life out of its subject with analysis.1
7960698731AccentIn poetry, the stressed portion of a word.2
7960698732AestheticAppealing to the senses; a coherent sense of taste.3
7960698733AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.4
7960698734AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds.5
7960698735AllusionA reference to another work or famous figure.6
7960698736Anachronism"Misplaced in time." An aspect of a story that doesn't belong in its supposed time setting.7
7960698737AnalogyA comparison, usually involving two or more symbolic parts, employed to clarify an action or a relationship.8
7960698738AnecdoteA Short Narrative9
7960698739AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause that determines what a pronoun refers to.10
7960698740AnthropomorphismWhen inanimate objects are given human characteristics. Often confused with personification.11
7960698741AnticlimaxOccurs when an action produces far smaller results than one had been led to expect.12
7960698742AntiheroA protagonist who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.13
7960698743AphorismA short and usually witty saying.14
7960698744ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker talks directly to something that is nonhuman.15
7960698745ArchaismThe use of deliberately old-fashioned language.16
7960698746AsideA speech (usually just a short comment) made by an actor to the audience, as though momentarily stepping outside of the action on stage.17
7960698747AspectA trait or characteristic18
7960698748AssonanceThe repeated use of vowel sounds: "Old king Cole was a merry old soul."19
7960698749AtmosphereThe emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene20
7960698750BalladA long, narrative poem, usually in meter and rhyme. Typically has a naive folksy quality.21
7960698751BathosWriting strains for grandeur it can't support and tries too hard to be a tear jerker.22
7960698752PathosWriting evokes feelings of dignified pity and sympathy.23
7960698753Black humorThe use of disturbing themes in comedy.24
7960698754BombastPretentious, exaggeratedly learned language.25
7960698755BurlesqueBroad parody, one that takes a style or form and exaggerates it into ridiculousness.26
7960698756CacophonyIn poetry, using deliberately harsh, awkward sounds.27
7960698757CadenceThe beat or rhythm or poetry in a general sense.28
7960698758CantoThe name for a section division in a long work of poetry.29
7960698759CaricatureA portrait (verbal or otherwise) that exaggerates a facet of personality.30
7960698760CatharsisDrawn from Aristotle's writings on tragedy. Refers to the "cleansing" of emotion an audience member experiences during a play31
7960698761ChorusIn Greek drama, the group of citizens who stand outside the main action on stage and comment on it.32
7960698762ClassicTypical, or an accepted masterpiece.33
7960698763Coinage (neologism)A new word, usually one invented on the spot.34
7960698764ColloquialismA word or phrase used in everyday conversational English that isn't a part of accepted "school-book" English.35
7960698765Complex (Dense)Suggesting that there is more than one possibility in the meaning of words; subtleties and variations; multiple layers of interpretation; meaning both explicit and implicit36
7960698766Conceit (Controlling Image)A startling or unusual metaphor, or to a metaphor developed and expanded upon several lines.37
7960698767DenotationA word's literal meaning.38
7960698768ConnotationEverything other than the literal meaning that a word suggests or implies.39
7960698769ConsonanceThe repetition of consonant sounds within words (rather than at their beginnings)40
7960698770CoupletA pair of lines that end in rhyme41
7960698771DecorumA character's speech must be styled according to her social station, and in accordance to the situation.42
7960698772DictionThe words an author chooses to use.43
7960698773SyntaxThe ordering and structuring of words.44
7960698774DirgeA song for the dead. Its tone is typically slow, heavy, depressed, and melancholy45
7960698775DissonanceRefers to the grating of incompatible sounds.46
7960698776DoggerelCrude, simplistic verse, often in sing-song rhyme, like limericks.47
7960698777Dramatic IronyWhen the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not48
7960698778Dramatic MonologueWhen a single speaker in literature says something to a silent audience.49
7960698779ElegyA type of poem that meditates on death or mortality in a serious, thoughtful manner.50
7960698780ElementsBasic techniques of each genre of literature51
7960698781EnjambmentThe continuation of a syntactic unit from one line or couplet of a poem to the next with no pause.52
7960698782EpicA very long narrative poem on a serious theme in a dignified style; typically deal with glorious or profound subject matter.53
7960698783EpitaphLines that commemorate the dead at their burial place.54
7960698784EuphemismA word or phrase that takes the place of a harsh, unpleasant, or impolite reality.55
7960698785EuphonyWhen sounds blend harmoniously.56
7960698786ExplicitTo say or write something directly and clearly.57
7960698787FarceExtremely broad humor; in earlier times, a funny play or a comedy.58
7960698788Feminine rhymeLines rhymed by their final two syllables. Properly, the penultimate syllables are stressed and the final syllables are unstressed.59
7960698789FoilA secondary character whose purpose is to highlight the characteristics of a main character, usually by contrast.60
7960698790FootThe basic rhythmic unit of a line of poetry, formed by a combination of two or three syllables, either stressed or unstressed.61
7960698791ForeshadowingAn event of statement in a narrative that in miniature suggests a larger event that comes later.62
7960698792Free versepoetry written without a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern63
7960698793GenreA sub-category of literature.64
7960698794GothicA sensibility that includes such features as dark, gloomy castles and weird screams from the attic each night.65
7960698795HubrisThe excessive pride or ambition that leads to the main character's downfall66
7960698796HyperboleExaggeration or deliberate overstatement.67
7960698797ImplicitTo say or write something that suggests and implies but never says it directly or clearly.68
7960698798In media resLatin for "in the midst of things," i.e. beginning an epic poem in the middle of the action.69
7960698799Interior MonologueRefers to writing that records the mental talking that goes on inside a character's head; tends to be coherent.70
7960698800InversionSwitching the customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase.71
7960698801IronyA statement that means the opposite of what it seems to mean; uses an undertow of meaning, sliding against the literal a la Jane Austen.72
7960698802LamentA poem of sadness or grief over the death of a loved one or over some other intense loss.73
7960698803LampoonA satire.74
7960698804Loose sentenceA sentence that is complete before its end: Jack loved Barbara despite her irritating snorting laugh.75
7960698805Periodic SentenceA sentence that is not grammatically complete until it has reached it s final phrase: Despite Barbara's irritation at Jack, she loved him.76
7960698806LyricA type of poetry that explores the poet's personal interpretation of and feelings about the world.77
7960698807Masculine rhymeA rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable (regular old rhyme)78
7960698808MeaningWhat makes sense, what's important.79
7960698809MelodramaA form of cheesy theater in which the hero is very, very good, the villain mean and rotten, and the heroine oh-so-pure.80
7960698810MetaphorA comparison or analogy that states one thing IS another.81
7960698811SimileA comparison or analogy that typically uses like or as.82
7960698812MetonymyA word that is used to stand for something else that it has attributes of or is associated with.83
7960698813NemesisThe protagonist's arch enemy or supreme and persistent difficulty.84
7960698814ObjectivityTreatment of subject matter in an impersonal manner or from an outside view.85
7960698815SubjectivityA treatment of subject matter that uses the interior or personal view of a single observer and is typically colored with that observer's emotional responses.86
7960698816OnomatopoeiaWords that sound like what they mean87
7960698817OppositionA pairing of images whereby each becomes more striking and informative because it's placed in contrast to the other one.88
7960698818OxymoronA phrase composed of opposites; a contradiction.89
7960698819ParableA story that instructs.90
7960698820ParadoxA situation or statement that seems to contradict itself, but on closer inspection, does not.91
7960698821ParallelismRepeated syntactical similarities used for effect.92
7960698822ParaphraseTo restate phrases and sentences in your own words.93
7960698823Parenthetical phraseA phrase set off by commas that interrupts the flow of a sentence with some commentary or added detail.94
7960698824ParodyThe work that results when a specific work is exaggerated to ridiculousness.95
7960698825PastoralA poem set in tranquil nature or even more specifically, one about shepherds.96
7960698826PersonaThe narrator in a non first-person novel.97
7960698827PersonificationWhen an inanimate object takes on human shape.98
7960698828PlaintA poem or speech expressing sorrow.99
7960698829Point of ViewThe perspective from which the action of a novel is presented.100
7960698830OmniscientA third person narrator who sees into each character's mind and understands all the action going on.101
7960698831Limited OmniscientA Third person narrator who generally reports only what one character sees, and who only reports the thoughts of that one privileged character.102
7960698832ObjectiveA thrid person narrator who only reports on what would be visible to a camera. Does not know what the character is thinking unless the character speaks it.103
7960698833First personA narrator who is a character in the story and tells the tale from his or her point of view.104
7960698834Stream of ConsciousnessAuthor places the reader inside the main character's head and makes the reader privy to all of the character's thoughts as they scroll through her consciousness.105
7960698835PreludeAn introductory poem to a longer work of verse106
7960698836ProtagonistThe main character of a novel or play107
7960698837PunThe usually humorous use of a word in such a way to suggest two or more meanings108
7960698838RefrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.109
7960698839RequiemA song of prayer for the dead.110
7960698840RhapsodyAn intensely passionate verse or section of verse, usually of love or praise.111
7960698841Rhetorical questionA question that suggests an answer.112
7960698842SatireAttempts to improve things by pointing out people's mistakes in the hope that once exposed, such behavior will become less common.113
7960698843SoliloquyA speech spoken by a character alone on stage, meant to convey the impression that the audience is listening to the character's thoughts.114
7960698844StanzaA group of lines roughly analogous in function in verse to the paragraphs function in prose.115
7960698845Stock charactersStandard or cliched character types.116
7960698846Subjunctive MoodA grammatical situation involving the words "if" and "were," setting up a hypothetical situation.117
7960698847SuggestTo imply, infer, indicate.118
7960698848SummaryA simple retelling of what you've just read.119
7960698849Suspension of disbeliefThe demand made of a theater audience to accept the limitations of staging and supply the details with their imagination.120
7960698850SymbolismA device in literature where an object represents an idea.121
7960698851TechniqueThe methods and tools of the author.122
7960698852ThemeThe main idea of the overall work; the central idea.123
7960698853ThesisThe main position of an argument. The central contention that will be supported.124
7960698854Tragic flawIn a tragedy, this is the weakness of a character in an otherwise good (or even great) individual that ultimately leads to his demise.125
7960698855TravestyA grotesque parody126
7960698856TruismA way-too obvious truth127
7960698857Unreliable narratorWhen the first person narrator is crazy, a liar, very young, or for some reason not entirely credible128
7960698858UtopiaAn idealized place. Imaginary communities in which people are able to live in happiness, prosperity, and peace.129
7960698859ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify two or more words, but used for different meanings. He closed the door and his heart on his lost love.130
7960698860OdeA poem in praise of something divine or noble131
7960698861IambA poetic foot -- light, heavy132
7960698862TrocheeA poetic foot -- heavy, light133
7960698863SpondeeA poetic foot -- heavy, heavy134
7960698864PyrrhieA poetic foot -- light, light135
7960698865AnapestA poetic foot -- light, light, heavy136
7960698866AmbibranchA poetic foot -- light, heavy, light137
7960698867DactylA poetic foot -- heavy, light, light138
7960698868ImperfectA poetic foot -- single light or single heavy139
7960698869PentameterA poetic line with five feet.140
7960698870TetrameterA poetic line with four feet141
7960698871TrimeterA poetic line with three feet142
7960698872Blank Verseunrhymed iambic pentameter.143
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AP Literature Terms (Term 2) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5801333181Point of Viewthe mode of the narration that an author employs to let readers "hear" & "see"0
5801334708First Person POVstory told by one of its characters, using 1st person "I"1
5801337623Third Person Objectiveauthors limits himself to reporting what the characters say or do, does not interpret or tell us private feelings/thoughts2
5801339896Third Person Omniscientauthor knows all (god like) and is free to tell us anything, including what people are feeling and thinking3
5801341260Third Person Limitedauthors limits himself to a complete knowledge of one character in the story and only tells us about what that character feels4
5801345740Suspension of Disbeliefdemand made of an audience to provide details with their imagination; acceptance of incidents in plot by reader5
5801347325Symbolanything that represents something else beyond it, usually an idea conventionally associated with it6
5801350213Themeabstract idea that emerges from lit. work's treatment of it's subject matter. ex, love, war, revenge, fate7
5801352383Utopiaa desirable imaginary society8
5801353977Allusionan indirect reference to an event, person, place, or artistic work that author assumes reader will understand9
5801355758Anachronisman event, object, custom, person, or thing that is out of its natural order of time10
5801357005Analogya comparison of similar things, often to explain something unfamiliar with something familiar11
5801358509Aphorisma terse statement of a principal or truth; a maxim12
5801359492Apostrophea rhetorical device in which the speaker addresses a dead of absent person13
5801362615Cliche`any expression that has been used so often it has lost its freshness14
5801363699Epigramany terse, witty, pt. saying (she knows the cost of everything, but the value of nothing.)15
5801366729Euphemismsubstitution of a mild term for one more offensive or hurtful16
5801368306Figurative Languagelanguage that contains figures of speech, such as metaphor, simile, personification, etc...17
5801370662Hyperboleexaggeration for the sake off emphasis in figure of speech not meant literally18
5801371145Kenninga metaphoric compound word or phrase used as a synonym for a common noun. (whale-road for sea)19
5801372832Litotesa figure of speech by which an affirmation is made indirectly by saying its opposite, usually with an effect of understatement20
5801375971Malapropismcomic substitution of one word for another similar in sound but quite different in meaning21
5801376753Metonymyfigure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea22
5801379437Onomatopoeiathe use of words that seem to imitate the sounds they refer to (whack, crackle, etc...)23
5801380569Oxymorona figure of speech in which two contradictory words or phrases combined in a single expression24
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AP Literature Fictional Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8631367046ArchetypeA pattern or model of an action, a character type, or an image that recurs consistently enough in life and literature to be considered universal. Ex: the quest story, the wise old man, the witch, the seductress0
8631367047CharacterizationThe method by which an author creates the appearance and personality of imaginary persons. The author may choose to tell the reader what a character is like through narration, show what a character is like through actions and dialogue, or have the character reveal him/herself through inner thoughts.1
8631367048ConfidantSomeone with whom the protagonist talks, enabling the audience or reader to become aware of the protagonist's motivation. Dori is Nemo's confidante in Finding Nemo.2
8631367049DystopiaAn undesirable imaginary story. Orwell's 1984 or Huxley's Brave New World.3
8631367050Flat CharacterA character who can be summed up with one or two traits.4
8631367051Intrusive NarratorA storyteller who keeps interrupting the story to address the reader. Ex. Michael in the Office.5
8631367052MotifA recurring image, word, phrase, action, idea, object, or situation that appears throughout a work. Ex. Numbers in Life of Pi.6
8631367053MotivationThe psychological and moral impulses and external circumstances that cause a character to act, think, or feel a certain way.7
8631367054Naive narratorThe teller of the story is uncomprehending (a child or simple-minded adult) who tells a story without revealing its true implications. Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird.8
8631367055Narrative VoiceThe attitude, personality, or character of the storyteller or narrator (NOT the author) as it is revealed through dialogue or descriptive and narrative commentary. The narrator in life of pi happens to be the journalist.9
8631367056Point of viewThe vantage point, or stance, from which a story is told; the eye and mind through which the action is perceived and filtered, sometimes called narrative perspective.10
8631367057First personThe story is told by one of its characters, using the first person pronoun "I" which does not give the reader insight into other characters' motives or thoughts.11
8631367058Third person objectiveThe author limits him/herself to reporting what the characters say or do; he or she does not interpret their behavior or tell us their private thoughts or feelings.12
8631367059Third person omniscientThe author knows all (godlike) and is free to tell us anything, including what the characters are thinking or feeling and why they act as they do.13
8631367060Third person limited omniscientThe author limits him/herself to a complete knowledge of one character in the story and tells us only what that one character feels, thinks, sees, or hears.14
8631367061ReliabilityThe extent to which a narrator can be trusted or believed. The closer the narrator is to the story, the more his or her judgment will be influenced by forces in the story.15
8631367062Round characterA character whose personality is complex, realistic, and many-sided.16
8631367063SubplotA secondary series of events that are subordinate to the main story; a story within a story.17
8631367064SuspenseA quality that makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about the outcome of events.18
8631367065Suspension of disbeliefThe demand made of an audience to provide some details with their imagination and to accept the limitations of reality and staging; also the acceptance of the incidents of a plot by a reader. The figure posing for photos at disney isn't actually mickey mouse.19
8631367066SymbolAnything that stands for or represents something else beyond itself20
8631367067ThemeThe statement made about life, human nature, or values in a work of literature.21
8631367068UtopiaA desirable imaginary society.22
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AP Language Terms 1-25 Flashcards

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7406090667AllegoryDevice of using character or story elements to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal idea. Examples include "Animal Farm."0
7406095116Alliteration"Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers."1
7406100705providenceGod's plan2
7406103397plain stylea simple, clear, unadorned writing style preferred by the Puritans3
7406109686allusionA direct or indirect reference to something such as a book, myth, place or art.4
7406113401ambiguityMultiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, or passage.5
7406117419AnalogyComparison between two different things or the relationship between them.... "Pen is to paper as chalk is to _____"6
7406124452AntithesisOpposite or contrast of ideas. In literature, a form of syntactical parallelism - "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."7
7406128797ApostropheAddressing something that cannot answer: "Oh Fate, why have you thwarted me??!"8
7406135516CaricatureA verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate9
7406138830ColloquialInformality in writing; gives work a conversational tone10
7406142379ConceitA fanciful expression; displays verbal cleverness11
7406146681ConnotationThe associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning12
7406149248DenotationThe strict, dictionary definition of a word13
7406151110DictionWord choice14
7406152865DidacticThese words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing for a moral purpose15
7406156510EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive way to say something16
7406162447Homilysermon17
7406162448Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.18
7406166944Anaphorathe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.19
7406175357epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.20
7406183281manifestdisplay or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate.21
7557149192PersonificationEndowing animals, ideas, or inanimate objects with human traits22
7557155008ParodyA work that imitates another work for comic effect23
7557158511PedanticAn adjective that describes overly scholarly or "show-offy" language24
7557167216Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its main clause at the end.25
7557172482IronyA contrast between what is stated and what is really meant26
7557177156Metonymy"Changed label" or "substitute name"27
7557180400litotesunderstatement28
7557182743loose sentencesyntax in which the main, independent clause comes first29
7557187369narrativetelling a story30
7557190001prosemajor division of genre31
7557190002rhetoricthe art of writing and communicating effectively32
7557195356sarcasmFrom the Greek meaning "to tear flesh"33
7557200306invectivehateful, bitter, angry speech34
7633126197satirea work that targets human foolishness with the goal of reform or ridicule. Often includes comic devices such as wit, irony, parody, caricature, and hyperbole.35
7633133559semanticsstudying the meaning of words, tracing their development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.36
7633147189syllogisma system of formal logic that involves a three part argument: a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.37
7633160451symbolAnything that both represents itself AND stands for something else. Usually something concrete - such as an object.38
7633165316synecdochea figure of speech in which a PART of something is used to represent the WHOLE.39
7633169370synesthesiaa figure of speech in which one kind of sensory stimulus evokes another, for example, seeing red ants makes you itchy.40
7633182547syntaxsentence structure41
7633182548themecentral idea or message of the work; what the work is really ABOUT42
7633185578tonethe author or speaker's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.43
7633191326understatementsynonym for "litotes" - opposite of "hyperbole"44
7633197022witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights45
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