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AP Language & Composition Literary Terms Flashcards

A list of literary terms and definitions for APL&C. (Updated)

Terms : Hide Images
4352127063AllegoryUsing character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.0
4352127064AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds, in two or more neighboring words.1
4352127065AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, etc.2
4352127066AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.3
4352127067AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the replationship between them.4
4352127068AnaphoraA sub-type of paralellism: the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.5
4352127069AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
4352127070AntithesisThe opposite or contrast of ideas, the direct opposite.7
4352127071AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle.8
4352127072ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or personified abstraction (such as liberty or love).9
4352127073AssonanceThe repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds, usually in successive or proximate words.10
4352127074AsyndetonA syntactical structure in which conjunctions are omitted in a series, usually producing more rapid prose; i.e., "Veni, vidi, veci."11
4352127075AtmosphereThe emotional nod 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.12
4352127076AttitudeThe sense expressed by the tone of voice or the mood of a piece of writing: the author's feelings toward his or her subject, chracters, events, or theme.13
4352127077CanonThat which has been accepted as authentic.14
4352127078CaricatureA verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comedic effect,a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.15
4352127079ChiasmusA figure of speech and generally a syntactical structure wherein the order of the terms in the first half of a parallel clause is reversed int he second.16
4352127080ClaimIn argumentation, an assertion of something as fact.17
4352127081ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.18
4352127082ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.19
4352127083Compare and ContrastA mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared, contrasted, or both.20
4352127084ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.21
4352127085ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.22
4352127086ConsonanceThe repetition of two or more consonants with a change in the intervening vowels; i.e, pitter-patter, splish-splash.23
4352127087ConventionA accepted manner, model, or tradition.24
4352127088CritiqueAn assessment or analysis of something, for the purpose of determining what it is, what its limitations are, and how it conforms to the standard o fhte genre.25
4352127089Deductive ReasoningThe method of argument in which specific statements and conclusions are drawn from general principals: movement from the general to the specific.26
4352127090DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.27
4352127091DialectThe language and speech idiosyncrasies of a specific area, region, or group.28
4352127092DictionThe writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.29
4352127093DidacticWords having the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.30
4352127094ElegyA poem or prose work that laments, or meditates upon the death of, a person or persons.31
4352127095EpistropheThe repetition of a phrase at the end of successive sentences.32
4352127096EthosThe appeal of a text to the credibility or character of the speaker, writer, or narrator.33
4352127097EulogyA speech of written passage in praise of a person; an oration in honor of a deceased person.34
4352127098EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.35
4352127099ExpositionWriting that explains its own meaning or purpose.36
4352127100Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occuring frequently in or throughout a work.37
4352127101Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and its usually meant to be imaginative or vivid.38
4352127102Figure of SpeechA device used to produce figurative language; many compare dissimilar things. Includes hyperbole, irony, metaphor, etc.39
4352127103FlashbackAn earlier event is inserted into the normal chronolgy of the narration. Also known as retrospection.40
4352127104Generic ConventionsTraditions for each genre, which help define genre.41
4352127105GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits.42
4352127106HomilyAny serious talk, speech, or lecture involving spiritual or moral advice.43
4352127107HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.44
4352127108ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.45
4352127109Inductive ReasoningThe method of reasoning or argument in which the general statements and conclusions are drawn from specific principles: movement from the specific to the general.46
4352127110InferenceA conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or some other specific data. Think Sherlock Holmes. :)47
4352127111InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.48
4352127112IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.49
4352127113IsocolonParallel structure in which the parallel element are similar not only in grammatical sructure but also in length.50
4352127114JargonSpecialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group.51
4352127115JuxtapositionThe location of one thing adjacent to another to create an effect, reveal an attitude, or accomplish some other purpose.52
4352127116LitotesA form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite.53
4352127117LogosThe appeal of a text to logic.54
4352127118Loose SentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.55
4352127119MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.56
4352127120MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.57
4352127121Mode of DiscourseThe way information is presented in written or spoken form.58
4352127122MoodThe prevailing atmosphere of emotional aura of a work.59
4352127123NarrativeThe telling of a story or an accout of an event or series of events.60
4352127124OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.61
4352127125OxymoronA firgure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.62
4352127126ParadoxA statement that seems to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth of validity.63
4352127127ParallelismThe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.64
4352127128ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or conduct of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.65
4352127129PathosAn appeal to emotion in a text or passage.66
4352127130PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.67
4352127131Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceeded by a phrase that cannot stand alone.68
4352127132PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.69
4352127133Point of ViewThe perspective from which a story is told.70
4352127134ProseOne of the major divisions of genre; refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.71
4352127135RealismAttempting to describe nature and life without idealization and with attention to detail.72
4352127136RefutationAn argument technique wherein opposing arguments are anticipated and countered.73
4352127137RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.74
4352127138RhetoricThe principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.75
4352127139Rhetorical ModesThis flexible terms describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing.76
4352127140Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked simply for the sake of stylistic effect and is not expected to be answered.77
4352127141SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.78
4352127142SatireA work that targets human vices or follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.79
4352127143SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.80
4352127144StyleAn evalutation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. OR, classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.81
4352127145Subject ComplementThe word (with any accompanying phrases) or a clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either renaming it or describing it.82
4352127146Subordinate ClauseThis word group contains a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.83
4352127147SyllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. Since this is completely nonsensical, here's an example: Rose likes roses. Roses are flowers. Therefore, Rose likes flowers.84
4352127148SymbolismAnything that represents itself and stands for something else. It is usually something concrete - such as an object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract.85
4352127149SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part.86
4352127150SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjunctive experiences of another. In literature, it refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image.87
4352127151SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.88
4352127152ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.89
4352127153ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's purpose, opinion, meaning, or position.90
4352127154ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.91
4352127155TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas.92
4352127156UnderstatementThe ironic minimalizing of fact, which presents something as less significant than it is. Can frequently be humerous or emphatic.93
4352127157VoiceThe aknowledged or unackowledged source of the words of the story; the speaker's or narrator's particular "take" on an idea based on a particular passage and how all the elements of the style of the piece come together to express his or her feelings.94
4352127158WitIntellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. Humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement.95
4352127159ZeugmaA grammatically correct construction in which a word, usually a verb or adjective, is applied to two or more nouns without being repeated. I.e., The thief took my wallet and the Fifth Avenue bus.96

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
3659535625acta major unit of action in a drama or play0
3659539568allegorya story in which people, things and actions represent an idea about life1
3659543446alliterationthe repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words2
3659547753allusiona reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature3
3659555044analogya comparison of two or more like objects that suggest if they are alike in certain respects4
3659562284assonancerepetition of vowel sounds withing a line of poetry5
3659566139audiencethe particular group of readers or viewers that the writer is addressing6
3659570005authorthe writer of a book, article or other text7
3659573456autobiographya form of nonfiction in which a person tells the story of his or her life8
3659578152balladis a poem that tells a story and is meant to be sung or recited9
3659582647biographythe story of a person's life that is written by someone else10
3659586095blank verseunrhymed iambic pentameter11
3659603270caesuraa pause or a sudden break in a line of poetry12
3659607389cause and effecttwo events are related as cause and effect when one event brings about or causes the other13
3659614748characterizationall of the techniques that the writers use to create characters14
3659618247character traita character's personality; a trait is not a physical description of a character15
3659626115chronological orderthe order in which events happen in time16
3659630474clarifyingthe reader's process of pausing occasionally while reading to quickly review what he or she understands17
3659638346comparisonthe process of identifying similarities18
3659641417concrete poetrya type of poetry that uses its physical of visual form to present its message19
3659660584conflictthe tension of problem in the story; a struggle between opposing forces20
3659668822consonancethe repetition of consonant sounds anywhere within a line of poetry21
3659674155context clueshints or suggestions that may surround unfamiliar words or phrases and clarify their meaning22
3659680468contrastthe process of pointing out differences between things23
3659683732coupleta rhymed pair of lines in a poem24
3659687133dialecta form of language that is spoken in a particular place or by a particular group of people25
3659691481dialoguethe conversation between characters in a drama of narrative26
3659696312drawing conclusionscombining several pieces of information to make an inference27
3659704309enjambmentin poetry, the running over of a line or thought into the next verse28
3659708769epiphanya sudden moment of understanding that causes a character to change or to act in a certain way29
3659715039epitapha short poem or verse written in memory of someone30
3659717820essaya short work of nonfiction that deals with a single subject31
3659723384evaluatingthe process of judging the value of someone or something32
3659728191extended metaphora figure of speech that compares two essentially unlike things in great length33
3659731711fablea brief tale that teaches a lesson about human nature34
3659739322fantasya work of literature that contains at least one fantastic unreal element35
3659743026fictionprose writing that tells an imaginary story36
3659747723figurative languageexpressions that are not literally true37
3659751806folkloretraditions, customs and stories that are passed down within a culture38
3659754989foota unit of meter within a line of poetry39
3665151755foreshadowingwhen the writer provides clues of hints that suggest or predict future event in the story40
3665177778free versepoetry without regular patterns of rhyme and rhythm41
3665184724generalizationa broad statement about an entire group42
3665189096genrea type or category of literature43
3665194949haikua traditional form of Japanese poetry, usually dealing with nature44
3665205413humorthe quality that provokes laughter or amusement45
3665213162hyperbolea figure of speech in which the truth is exaggerated for emphasis or humorous effect46
3665221562imagerythe use of words and phrases that appeal to the five senses47
3665229850inferenceis a logical guess based on evidence in the text48
3665235012ironya contrast between what is expected and what actually exists of happens49
3665242670literal meaningthe actual meaning of a word or phrase50
3665245347lyricpoetry: a song-like poem written mainly to express the feelings or emotions of a single speaker51
3665260448meterthe regular pattern of accented and unaccented syllables52
3665265635metonymythe metaphorical substitution of one word or phrase for another related word or phrase53
3665281312mooda mood or atmosphere is the feeling that a literary work conveys to readers54
3665285175motifa recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature55
3665301245motivationthe reason why a character acts, feels or think in a56
3665340266mytha traditional story that attempts to explain how the world was created of why the world is the way that it is57
3665346008narrativeany writing that tells a story58
3665351174novela work of fiction that is longer and more complex than a short story59
3665360980odea lyric poem of some length, usually of serious of meditative nature and having an elevated style and formal structure60
3665371477onomatopoeiathe use of words whose sound suggest their meaning61
3665377604oral historystories of people's lives related by word of mouth62
3665382169oxymorona form of figurative language combining contradictory words of ideas63
3665390953paradoxa statement that seems to contradict itself but is, nevertheless, true64
3665398044parallelismthe use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in importance65
3665409356paraphrasingthe restatement of a text by readers in their own words or in another form66
3665415840parodya literary or artistic work that intimates the characteristic style of an author 's work for comic effect or ridicule67
3665502934personificationa figure of speech where animals, ideas or inanimate objects are given human characteristics68
3665513384persuasionpersuasive writing is meant to sway readers' feelings beliefs, or actions.69
3667099538plotthe sequence of related events that make up a story70
3667108016point of viewperspective from which a story is told71
3667112756predictingthe process of gathering information and combining it with the reader's own knowledge to guess what might occur in the story72
3667120550primary sourcea first hand account of an event73
3667122434propagandatext that uses false or misleading information to present a slanted point of view74
3667132067prosethe ordinary form of spoken and written language; that is, language that lacks the special features of poetry75
3667150590questioningthe process of raising questions while reading in an effort to understand characters and events76
3667162433realistic fictionimaginative writing set in the real, modern world77
3667171316refrainrepetition in literature of one or more lines at regular intervals; sometimes called chorus78
3667178565repetitiona technique in which sound, word, phrase, or line is repeated for effect or emphasis79
3667182041rhymerepetition of an identical or similarly accented sound or sounds in a work80
3667192986rhythmrefers to the pattern of flow of sounds created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry81
3667200456sarcasmthe use of praise to mock someone or something; the use of mockery or verbal irony82
3667211748satirea literary technique in which ideas or customs are ridiculed for the purpose of improving society83
3667219407scanningthe process of searching through for a particular fact or piece of information84
3667225248scenea section in a play presenting events that occur in one place at one time85
3667232834secondary sourcea secondary source presents information compiled from or based on other sources86
3667236655sensory detailswords and phrases that help readers see, hear, taste, feel, or smell what an author is describing87
3667245323sequencethe order in which events occur or in which ideas are presented88
3667249148settingthe time, place, physical details, and circumstances in which a story occurs89
3667255504soliloquya speech delivered by a character who is alone on the stage90
3667260988speakerthe voice that talks to the reader in a poem, as the narrator does in a work of fiction91
3667268427speecha talk given in public92
3667270311stage directionsthe instructions to the actors, director and stage crew in the script of a play93
3667276096stanzaa grouping of two or more lines within a poem94
3667283299stereotypea broad generalization or an oversimplified view that disregards individual differences95
3667291271suspensea feeling of growing tension and excitement96
3667295255symbolismusing something specific to stand for something else, especially an idea97
3667323815tall talea humorously exaggerated story about impossible events98
3667329501tonethe writer's attitude of feeling about his or her subject99

AP Flashcards

1st Quarter (Ekonomiya at ibat ibang agham Panlipunan)

Terms : Hide Images
7416570180SikolohiyaIto ay disiplina ng Agham Panlipunan na tumatalakay sa pagaaral ng paguugali ng tao0
7416570181Agham PampulitikaDisiplina na nakatuon sa pananaliksik at pagaaral ng mga tao sa kanilang pamamahala, pamahalaan at impluwensya nito sa kanilang pamumuhay1
7416570182HeograpiyaTumatalakay sa pagaaral at pagsusuri ng pisikal na katangian ng mundo at tugnayan nito sa gawain ng tao2
7416570183SosyolohiyaKung saan nakatuon ito sa pagaaral ng tao, pangkat at institusyon na bumubuo sa isang lipunan.3
7416570184DemograpiyaKung saan ito ay nakatuon ito sa pagaaral ng distribusyon, komposisyon at pagbabago ng populasyon ng tao.4
7416570185August Comte"Ama ng sosyolohiya"5
7416570186KasaysayanPagaaral ng mga nakatakang pangyayari sa nakaraan tungkol sa tao,nkanyang kapaligiran, kultura at iba pa na maaring makaalekto sa kasulukuyan at hinaharap na henerasyon.6
7416570187HerodotusAma ng Kasaysayan7
7416570188MatematikaPagaaral ng numero at panukat8
7416570189AntropolohiyaAgham panlipunan na nakapokus sa pagaaral ng mga tao o indibidwal9
7416570190Franz BoasAma ng Antropolohiyang Pangkultural10
7416570191PaleontolohiyaPagaaral ng mga labi ng tao o fossils.11
7416570192ArkeolohiyaDisiplina ng agham anlipunan na nakapokus sa pagaaral ng mga artifacts12

ap language notes Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6378114061anecdotea short, simple narrative of an incident, often used for humorous effect.0
6378114062argumentationwriting that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned argumentations.1
6378114063allegoryextended narrative of an incident in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and intends a second meaning.2
6378114064annotationexplanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give data.3
6378114065antithesistwo contrasting images. ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. (to be or not to be)4
6378114066rhetoriceffective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figure of speech5
6378114067colloquialisma word or persuasive speaking or writing, often inappropriate in formal writing. (ya'll, ain't, can't)6
6378114068connotationwords suggesting implied meaning because of its association in a reader's mind.7
6378114069consonancerepetition of identical consonant sounds within two or more words in a close proximity.8
6378114070caricaturedescriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature.9
6378114071coherencethe "quality" of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the central theme.10
6378114072aphorisma short witty statement of a principle truth about life. (the early bird gets the worm)11
6378114073apostrophedevice of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person to a place, thing, or personified abstraction.12
6378114074cacophonyalso referred to as dissonance. hard, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose13
6378114075denotationdictionary definition of a word14
6378114076enumerationa rhetorical device used for listing the details or a process of mentioning words or phrases step by step.15
6378114077analogya comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something familiar.16
6378114078parallelismthe use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter.17
6378114079allusionbrief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. it does not describe in detail the person/thing to which it refers.18
6378114080metonymyfigure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else which it is closely associated19
6378114081anaphorain writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect.20
6378114082epistropheStylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of clauses or sentences, also called epiphora.21
6378114083asyndetonstylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. helps in speeding up the rhythm of words, mostly this technique is implied in speech but can be used in written words too.22
6378114084polysyndetonmakes use of coordinating conjunctions like "and", "or", "but" and "nor", which are used to join successive words, phrases, or clauses in such a way that these conjunctions are even used where they might have been omitted.23
6378114085synecdochea literacy device in which a part of something represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part.24
6378114086tonean attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. Generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject.25
6378114087process analysisa step-by-step breakdown of the phrases of a process, used to convey the details of each phrase thinking, an operation, etc. Often used to improve understanding and also to break down an argument to make it more comprehensible.26
6378114088syntaxset of rules in language. dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought. refers to how we choose to arrange our words.27
6378114089provocative diction"diction" is our choice of words. Thus, "provocative diction" is the purposeful choice of words serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate a provocative question that will frame a rhetorical argument.28
6378114090classificationaction or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics. Often a strategy of argumentation or an argumentative response in an effort to provide the reader with structure to your argument. It would be considered a support to both logos and ethos in presenting an argument.29
6378114091understatementthe presentation of telling something smaller than it actually is.30
6378114092colorful dictiondiction is your conscious word choice of words as a writer. It stands to reason that "colorful diction" is a very purposeful word choice that will serve to accentuate meaning and tone.31
6378114093counterargumentargument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.32
6378114094claimif somebody gives an argument to support his/her position.33
6378114095evidencethe available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.34
6378114096warrantthe glue that holds an argument together35
6378114097fallacyan erroneous argument dependent on an unsound or illogical contention. There are many fallacy examples that we can find in everyday conversations.36
6378114098logical fallacypattern of reasoning/thinking rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure that can neatly be expressed in a standard logic system, for example, propositional logic. an argument that is formally fallacious is always considered wrong.37
6378114099prophecyhas all the elements of prediction except time. without the element of time, a prophecy is hard to determine. a "prophecy" has more of a religious connotation since there is an element of uncertainty about time.38
6378114100predictionforecast made by those who calculate the parameters of the subject involved after evaluating the odds they can predict the future. the weather forecast is a good example. a "prediction" is limited to a time element, unlike a prophecy.39
6378114101adageshort, pointed and memorable saying based on facts and is considered a veritable truth by the majority of people. "the early bird gets the word"40
6378114102pedanticsomeone who is concerned with precision, formalism, & accuracy in order to make an arrogant show of learning. they may often correct small mistakes that are not very important in grand matters, and, therefore, may annoy others around him.41
6378114103flippantlacking proper respect or seriousness. often associated with the impatience of youth.42
6378114104evocativethe use of language that suggests meanings other than the denotative. language that connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of the word.43
6378114105syntactical inversionalso called anastrophe, in literary style and rhetoric, the synastic reversal of the normal order of words and phrases. ex. "came the dawn"44
6378114106appositiongrammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way.45
6378114107didacticfrequently used for those literary texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. didactic becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are dull and erudite46
6378114108conceitfigure of speech in which 2 vastly different things are linked together with the help of similes and metaphors.47
6378114109Periodic SentenceA periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader. Here are some examples for reference.48
6378114110ParadoxIt is a statement that appears to be self contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in innovative way.49
6378114111IronyA figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between the appearance and the reality.50
6378114112ParenthesisParenthesis is a stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage. However, if they leave it out, even then grammatically it does not affect the text that is correct without it. Writers mark them off by round and square brackets or by commas, dashes, little lines and brackets. As far as its purpose is concerned, this verbal unit provides extra information, interrupts syntactic flow of words, and allows the readers to pay attention on explanation. However, the overuse of parenthesis may make sentences look ambiguous and poorly structured.51
6378114113Sardonicgrimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those "TONE" words that describe writing that fits the meaning.52
6378114114Satirea technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption53
6378114115Polemicalrelating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech.54
6378114116AmbiguityAmbiguity or fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent. HOWEVER...most students who are just learning about language use it without thought and it detracts from their writing. Here is a good example of purposeful use to "tag" a teenager speaking55
6378114117ArchetypeAn archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.56
6378114118Function of ArchetypeUse of archetypal characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as characters and situations in their social and cultural context.57
6378114119Tragic FlawA literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece.58
6378114120AssertionWhen someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true though it may not be, he is making an assertion. A stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact.59
6378114121AutobiographyA type of biography which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author's life. Rather than being written by someone else, an autobiography comes through the person's own pen, in his words.60
6378114122MemoirA record of memories, and particular events that have taken place in the author's life.61
6378114123Cumulative SentenceLoose sentence that starts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight. Provides main idea and then adds subordinate events or modifiers. Different from periodic sentence.62
6378114124Blank VerseA literary device defined as an unrhyming verse written in iambic pentameter.63
6378114125BildungsromanA story of the growing of a sensitive person who looks for answers to his questions through different experiences. Generally such a novel starts w a loss or tragedy that disturbs the main character.64
6378114126BildungsromanProtagonist gains maturity throughout a journey. Also known as coming to age.65
6378114127IllusionA false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief, something false, not factual.66
6378114128Free VersePoetry that is free form. Allows an author to be free with what he writes with little limitation. Does not follow a regular meter or rhythm.67
6378114129foilIn literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character. The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two things.68
6378114130Intertextualitya sophisticated literary device used in writing. In fact, it is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used as a reference. Instead of employing referential phrases from different literary works, intertextuality draws upon the concept, rhetoric or ideology from other texts to be merged in the new text. It may be the retelling of an old story, or you may rewrite the popular stories in modern context for instance, James Joyce retells The Odyssey in his very famous novel Ulysses. Treasure Island and Lord of the Flies.69
6378114131Litotesfigure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. "Not too bad" in place of "Pretty good" would be an example.70
6378114132Utopiadenotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society to the reader. Here, the "perfect society" refers to ideal conditions achieved within the material world as opposed to the expected idealism of afterlife in Christianity or other religions. Further, the citizens presiding in such utopias are bearers of a perfect moral code, or at the least, every violator of the moral code is harshly punished. A utopian society is one where all social evils have been cured.71
6378114133sonnetmeans a small or little song or lyric. In poetry, a sonnet has 14 fourteen lines and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a specific rhyme scheme and a "volta" or a specific turn.72
6378114134Round Charactera complex personality. Like real people, he/she has depth in his feelings and passions. For instance, in the movie "Shrek," the main character says "'Ogres are like onions" which means that what appears to them is not the only truth they see; rather, there is something more inside them. Similarly, a round character has many layers like onions. Writers define a round character fully, both physically and mentally. It is the character with whom the audience can sympathize, associate or relate to, as he seems a character they might have seen in their real lives.73
6378114135Situational IronyA literary device that you can easily identify in literary works. What is expected does not happen, in fact, the opposite happens.74
6378114136Static CharacterCharacter that does not undergo change or only undergoes a little change. Like James Bond or Sherlock Holmes. Their personality remains the same and all their actions stay true.75
6378114137Vernaculara literary genre that uses daily used language in writing and speaking. It is different from written works, as they normally follow the formal variety of language.76
6378114138Vernacularthe use of ordinary, everyday and plain language in speaking or writing, such as corn is a common name of a plant, and its scientific name is Maize or Zea mays, whereas dialect is related to a particular region, geographical area, a particular social class, or an occupational group. Also, it uses a distinguished pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, such as people in Shanghai has different pronunciation or dialect than in Yunnan.77
6378114139Understatementa figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is.78
6378114140Eulogya literary device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a person deceased recently. We can say, it is a commendation or high praise intended to give honor, generally, to a dead family member, or a loved one, or it is a tribute given to a dead person at his/her funeral79
6378114141DialectThe language used by the people of a specific area, class, district or any other group of people. The term dialect involves the spelling, sounds, grammar and pronunciation used by a particular group of people and it distinguishes them from other people around them.80
6378114142Hubrisextreme pride and arrogance shown by a character that ultimately brings about his downfall. In literature, portrayal of hubristic characters serves to achieve a moralistic end. Such characters are eventually punished thus giving a moral lesson to the audience and the readers so that they are motivated to improve their characters by removing the flaws that can cause a tragedy in their lives. Witnessing a tragic hero suffering due to his hubristic actions, the audience or the readers may fear that the same fate may befall them if they indulge in similar kinds of actions.81
6378114143Anti-HeroA literary device used by writer for a prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero. The protagonist is generally admired for his bravery, strength, charm, ingenuity etc. while an anti-hero is typically clumsy, unsolicited, and unskilled and has both good and bad qualities. Origin of this literary device is marked in 1714, but there have been literary figures who believe that the concept of an anti-hero existed well before that. Recently the usage of anti-hero in television and books has increased and became bolder than ever. Nowadays, there are thousands of shows, books, and movies that portray such characters, who are widely admired by audiences.82
6378114144band WagonA persuasive technique and a type of propaganda through which a writer persuades his readers, so that majority could agree with the argument of the writer, suggesting that since majority agrees, the readers should too, such as "Everyone is voting for David, so he is the best presidential candidate." The phrase bandwagon means, "jump on the bandwagon," or to follow what others are conforming or doing.83
6378114145Bandwagon-functionpurpose of this technique is to make audience think and act in a way that the majority follows. this tendency of following the beliefs and actions occurs when audience sees others are also conforming. We see its use in literature, politics, and advertisements, etc. bandwagon is in fact a good approach for persuasive writing that successfully works on human minds and psychology. Conversely, writers often use it as a pressure tactic by creating a sense of fear among the readers if they do not agree with their beliefs.84
6378114146PropagandaWe can easily find use of propaganda in mass media advertising, politics, and literature. It's a very popular technique in academic commentary, and it taken as an interchangeable form of communication. The primary function of propaganda is to persuade the readers and mold their perceptions about a particular cause. In addition, it aims at getting response of respondents and let them adopt a certain action, because merely securing commitment or assent would not be enough for making this technique successful, and securing its purpose.85
6378114147propaganda-transferappeals to a persons imagination of something we like or trust.86
6378114148Propaganda- glittering generalitiesvirtue words or glittering generality: these words are used to dupe us into accepting and approving of things without examining the evidence carefully. Ex: "natural" "democratic" "organic" "scientific"87
6378114149Propaganda testimonial-represents another type of propaganda that fits into a particular category of its own. when some respected celebrity (or alternatively someone generally hated) claims that an idea or product is good (or bad). This technique is used to convince us without examining the facts more carefully.88
6378114150propaganda- plain folksthis type of propaganda is used by a speaker to convince an audience that an idea is good because they are the same ideas of the vast majority of people like themselves. very similar to "band wagon" but with the exception that the speaker or writer is convincing the audience that they, [speaker] is just "plain folks" like them.89
6378114151propaganda- distortion of data or out of context or out of context or card stacking or cherry pickingused to convince the audience by using selected information and not presenting the complete story. examples: "a study was done that showed eating peanut butter causes liver cancer" (the fact that later the study was shown to be flawed or funded by the peanut butter haters and therefore suspect, is not revealed).90
6378114152Propaganda generalityThese words are used to convince someone into accepting and approving things without examining evidence carefully91
6378114153Propaganda- scapegoatGuilt by association to deflect scrutiny away from issues. Transfer balance to one person or group without investigating complexities of issues. Ex. Reagan put us in debt92
6378114154propaganda: artificial dichotomywhen someone tries to claim there are only 2 sides to an issue and both sides must have equal presentation in order to be evaluated. This technique is used to dupe us into believing there is only one way to look at an issue, when there may be many alternative view points or "sides". Like most propaganda techniques it simplifies reality and therefore distorts it, often to the advantage of the speaker.93
6378114155propaganda deificationwhen an idea is made to appear holy, sacred, or very special and therefore above all law. Any alternative or opposite points of view are thereby given the appearance of treason or blasphemy. examples "God given right to..."94
6378114156conceitdevelops a comparison which is exceedingly unlikely but is nonetheless intellectually imaginative. A comparison turns into conceit when the writer tries to make us admit a similarity between two things of whose unlikeliness we are strongly conscious and for this reason, conceits are often surprising.95
6378114157claimif somebody gives an argument to support his position it is called making a claim. Different reasons are usually presented to prove why a certain point should be accepted as logical.96
6378114158catharsisis an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress: catharsis is a greek word that means cleansing of emotions of the characters. It can also be any other radical change that leads to emotional rejuvenation of a person.97
6378114159clicherefers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliche may also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events.98
6378114160concessiona literary device used in argumentative writing where one acknowledges a point made by one's opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate or controversy. It demonstrates that the writer is a mature thinker and has considered the issue from all angles.99
6378114161concession- part 2concession writing style also show that the writer is a logical and fair minded person, able to realize that every argument has several sides to consider before it is presented. This type of writing can be considered strong as it finds common ground between you and your opponent.100
6378114162portmanteauliterary device in which 2 or more words are joined together to coin a new term. A portmanteau word is formed by blending parts of 2 or more words but it always refers to a single concept.101
6378114163The colliage of portmanteauinvolves the linking and blending of 2 or more words and the new word formed in the process shares the same meanings as the original words. It is different from a compound word in that it could have a completley different meaning from the words that it was coined from. ex: fan + magazine= fanzine102
6378114164Asidean actor's speech, directed to the audience, that is not supposed to be heard by other actors on stage. An aside is used to let the audience know what a character is about to do or what he or she is thinking.103
6378114165Assonancerepetition of vowel sounds within a line of poetry.104
6378114166Audiencethe particular group of readers or viewers that the writer is addressing. A writer considers his or her audience when deciding on a subject, a purpose for writing and the tone and style in which to write.105
6378114167Author's purposean author's purpose is her or her reason for creating a particular work. The purpose can be to entertain, explain or inform, express an opinion, or to persuade,106
6378114168Ballada poem that tells a story and is meant to be sung or recited.107
6378114169caesuraa pause or sudden break in a line of poetry.108
6378114170characterizationthe techniques that writers use to create viable characters. some categories are: static character- character who does not change throughout the course of the story character trait- a character's personality, not a physical description of a character. direct characterization- the author directly states a character's traits. dynamic character- a character who changes throughout the course of the story. flat character- a character about who little information is provided. indirect characterization- author does not directly state a character's traits, instead reader draws conclusions and discovers character's traits upon clues. round character- character who is fully described by the author.109
6378114171chronological orderorder in which events occur.110
6378114172clarifyingreader's process of pausing occasionally while reading to quickly review what he or she understands.111
6378114173clichea type of figurative language containing an overused expression or a saying that is no longer considered an original.112
6378114174comedya dramatic work that is light and often humorous in tone and usually ends happily with a peaceful resolution of the main conflict.113
6378114175comparisonthe process of identifying similarities114
6378114176concrete poetrya type of poetry that uses its physical or visual form to present its message.115
6378114177conflictthe tension or problem in the story; a struggle between opposing forces. terms associated with conflict: central conflict- the dominant or most important conflict in the story. external conflict- the problem or struggle that exists between the main character and an outside force ex (person vs person, person vs society, person vs nature) internal conflict- the problem or struggle that takes place in the main character's mind (person vs self).116
6378114178coupleta rhymed pair of lines in a poem. One of Shakespeare's trademarks was to end a Sonnet with a couplet, as in the poem "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" ex: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long as lives this, and this gives life to thee"117
6378114179Dialecta form of language that is spoke. In a particular place or by a particular group of people.118
6378114180Dramatic monologuea literary device that is used when a character reveals his or her innermost thoughts and feelings, those that are hidden throughout the course of the story line, through a poem or speech. This speech, where only one character speaks, is recited while other characters are present onstage. This monologue often comes during a climatic moment in a work and often reveals hidden truths about a character, their history, and their relationships.119
6378114181elegya type of literature defined as a song or poem that expresses sorrow or lamentation, usually for one who has died.120
6378114182enjabmentin poetry, the running over of a line or thought into the next of verse.121
6378114183epigrama short poem or verse that seeks to ridicule a thought or event, usually with witticism or sarcasm.122
6378114184epica long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero whose actions reflect the ideals and values of a narration or group.123
6378114185epiphanya sudden moment of understanding that causes a character to change or to act in a certain way.124
6378114186epitapha short poem or verse written in memory of someone.125
6378114187Essaya short work of nonfiction that deals with a single subject.126
6378114188common types of essaysdescriptive essay- is one that describes a particular subject. expository essay- one whose purpose is to explain and give information about a subject. formal essay- is highly organized and thoroughly researched. humorous essay- one whose purpose is to amuse/entertain the reader. informal essay- lighter in tone and usually reflects the writer's feelings and personality. narrative essay- an essay that tells a story. persuasive essay- attempts to convince a reader to adopt a particular option or course of action.127
6378114189Evaluatingthe process of judging the value of something or someone. A work of literature can be evaluated in terms of such criteria as entertainment, believability, originality, and emotional power.128
6378114190Extended metaphorfigure of speech that compares 2 unlike things over a period of space that may be several paragraphs or an entire novel.129
6378114191Fablea brief tale that teaches a lesson about human nature. fables often feature animals as characters.130
6378114192fact and opiniona fact is a statement that can be proved. An opinion, in contrast, is a statement that reflects the writer's or speaker's belief, but which cannot be supported by proof or evidence.131
6378114193Figurative Language or figure of speechexpressions that are not literally true. See simile, metaphor, hyperbole, understatement, irony, oxymoron, cliche, metonymy.132
6378114194Flashbackan interruption of the chronological sequence (as in film or literary work) of an event of earlier occurrence. A flashback is a narrative technique that allows a writer to present past events during current events, in order to provide background for the current narration.133
6378114195folkloretraditions, customs, and stories that are passed down within a culture. Folklore contains various types of literature such as legends, folktales, myths, and fables.134
6378114196folktalea simple story that has been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Folktales are told primarily to entertain rather than to explain or teach a lesson.135

AP Literature: DRAMA Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5631396004dramafocuses on one or a few major characters who enjoy success or endure failure as they face challenges and deal with other characters. Many plays are written in prose. It is also like poetry because both genres develop situations through speech and action0
5631472809dialoguethe conversation of two or more characters1
5631481679monologuespoken by a single character who is usually alone onstage2
5631489629stage directionsare the playwright's instructions about facial and vocal expression, movement and action, gesture and "body language," stage appearance, lighting, and similar matters3
5631513519characterspersons the playwright creates to embody the play's actions, ideas, and attitudes4
5631557742round, dynamic, developing, and growing characterthey possess great motivation; profits from experience and undergoes a development in awareness, insight, understanding, moral capacity, and the ability to make decisions ex: Hamlet5
5631623864motivationsomething round characters possess6
5631651056flat, static, fixed, and unchanging characterdoes not undergo any change or growth. They remain fixed and static7
5631680467Realistic charactersare designed to seem like individualized women and men; the dramatist gives them thoughts, desires, motives, personalities, and lives of their own8
5631701321Nonrealistic charactersoften undeveloped and symbolic9
5631716382stereotype or stock charactersunindividualized characters whose actions and speeches make them seem to have been taken from a mold ex: stubborn father, romantic hero and heroine, clever male servant, insensitive husband, shrewish wife, and the lusty youth modern ex: private eye, stupid bureaucrat, corrupt politician, and the independent pioneer10
5631764592ancillary charactersset off or highlight the protagonist and who provide insight into the action11
5631787171foilthe first type of how ancillary characters highlight the protagonist. a character who is to be compared and contrasted with the protagonist ex: Laetres and Fortinbras to Hamlet12
5631861047choric figuresecond type; loosely connected to the choruses of ancient drama. Usually a single character and often a confidant of the protagonist Ex: Haoratio is the Hamlet13
5631883439raisonneur or commentatorwhen the choric figure expresses ideas about the play's major issues and actions14
5631891593symboliccharacters that can symbolize ideas, moral values, religious concepts, ways of life, or some other abstraction15
5631914670actions or incidentsplays are made up of series of sequential and related ... which are connected by chronology16
5631932755chronologythe logic of time17
5631951469plotprinciples underlying this ordered chain of actions and reactions is . . .18
5631979928double or multiple plottwo or more different but related lines of actions. Usually have a main plot and the subplot19
5631992225main plotthe main plot of the drama20
5632003921subplotcan be independently important and sometimes even more interesting than the main plot21
5632023198structurethe way a play is arranged or laid out22
5632035351"Freytag Pyramid"the exposition and complication lead up to a high point of tension-- the crisis or climax-- followed by the falling action and the catastrophe23
5632062520rising actionthe reader sees the beginning of difficulties that seem overwhelming and insolucle Ex: when we learn in Hamlet in the exposition of the king's death24
5632102166crisis or climax"turning point" or "high point". Happens in the third stage where all the converging circumstances compel the hero or heroine to recognize what needs to be done to resolve the play's major conflict Ex: When Hamlet vows vengeance after drawing conclusions about the king's reaction to the player scene25
5632144892falling actioncontains complicating elements deferring the play's conclusion Ex: In Hamlet a number of scenes make up this such as Hamlet's decision not to kill Claudius at prayer26
5632205077denouement "unraveling" or resolution "untying;" catastrophe "overturning"all tragic protagonists undergo suffering or death, all mysteries are explained, all conflicts resolved, all mistakes are corrected, all dastardly schemes are defeated, etc.27
5632234478point of viewrefers to the narrative voice of the story, the speaker or guiding intelligence through which the characters and actions are presented28
5632242988play's perspectivefocus; the ways in which dramatists direct attention to the play's characters and actions and their concerns29
5632285415tone or atmosphereauthors of plays have unique ways of conveying this; some of these are vocal ranges and stage gestures . Even silence, intensive stares, and shifting glances can be effective means for creating moods and controlling attitudes30
5632322299dramatic ironyone of the most common methods playwrights employ to control the tone of the play31
5632360993situational or verbal ironyrefers to circumstances in which characters have only a partial, incorrect, or misguided understanding or what is happening while both readers and other characters understand the situation completely32
5632394777cultural or universal symbolsare generally understood by the audience or reader regardless of the context in which they appear Ex: crosses, flags, snakes33
5632415380contextual or private symbolsdevelop their impact only within the context of a specific play or even a particular scene; might not realize something is symbolic at first34
5632435167allegory or allegoricalwhen a play offers consistent and sustained symbols that refer to general human experiences35
5632497412play's subjectthe aspects of humanity a playwright explores constitutes this36
5632520205play's themethe ideas that the play dramatizes make up the meaning which is this37
5632528464performancethat makes a play immediate, exciting, and powerful. The elements of this are the actors, the director, and the producer, the stage, sets or scenery, lighting, costumes and makeup, and the audience38
5632563591actorsare trained and have the experience to exert their intelligence, emotions, imaginations, voices, and bodies to make their characters real to us39
5632589474blockingwhen they move about the stage according to patterns called this, they move as they imagine the characters might move40
5632609091stage businessactors engage in this. gestures or movements that make the play dynamic, spontaneous, and often funny41
5632630041directorin the theater, all aspects of performance are shaped and supervised by this person; most significant member of the entire dramatic production; works closely with the producer42
5632636787producerthe one with the money is responsible for financing and arranging the production43
5632659379thrust stage or apron stage (platform stage)enlarges the proscenium stage with an acting area projecting into the audience by 20 or more feet. a lot of the action occurs here44
5632690835theater-in-the-rounda stage open on all sides like a boxing ring, surrounded by the audience. Protections are lively because the actors enter and leave through the same doorways and aisles used by the audience45
5632717578sets or sceneryto establish the action in place and time, to underscore the ideas of the director, and to determine the level of reality of the productions46
5632738267scenepermanent location; resembling a framed picture47
5632757607properties or propssome productions employ a single, neutral set throughout the play and then mark scene changes with the physical introduction of moveable . . . Ex: chairs, tables, beds, flower vases, ect.48
5632779861unit seta series of platforms, rooms, stairs, and exits that form the locations for all the play's actions49
5632789859realistic setting or naturalistic settinga stage setting designed to imitate, as closely as possible, the everyday world, often to the point o emphasizing poverty and dreariness50
5632792595nonrealistic settingdreamlike, fantastic, symbolic, and otherwise artificial setting that makes no attempt to present an imitation of everyday reality51
5632812882proscenium stage, proskenion1. a raised stage built in front of the skene in ancient Greek theaters to separate the actors from the chorus and to make them more prominent 2. An arch that frames a box set and holds the curtain, thus creating the invisible fourth wall through which the audience sees the action of the play52
5632817002lightingthe general word describing the many types, positions, directions, and intensities of artificial lights used in the theater53
5632819570costumes and makeupThe clothes worn by actors, designed to indicate historical periods, social status, economic levels, etc. The materials, such as cosmetics, wigs, and padding, applied to an actor to change appearance for a specific role, such as youth, an aged person, or a hunchback54
5632819571audience, intended reader or listener1. The people attending a theatrical production 2. the intended group of readers for whom a writer writes, such as a group of religious worshippers, or a group of rocket scientists55
5632825033tragedyA drama or other literary work that recounts the fall or misfortune of an individual who, while undergoing suffering, deals responsible with the situations and dilemmas that he or she faces, and who thus demonstrates the value of human effort and human existence56
5632828073comedyA literary genre which, like tragedy, originated in the Dionysia festivals of ancient Athens. Derived from the reek komos songs or "songs of merrymakers," the first comedies were wildly boisterous. Later comedies became more subdues and realistic. In typical they today, confusions and doubts are resolved satisfactorily if not happily, and usually they are characterized by smiles, jokes, and laughter57
5632830859Old Comedy, old attic comedythe Athenian comedies of the 5th century BC, featuring song, dance, ribaldry, satire, and invective.58
5632830860Middle ComedyThe Athenian comedies written in the first 2/3s of the fourth century BC. It is lessened or eliminated the chorus, and did away with the exaggerated costumes of the old comedy. None of these comedies survived from antiquity59
5632833823New ComedyAthenian comedy that developed at the end of the 4th century BC, stressing wit, romanticism, and twists of plot60
5632846523tropesa short dramatic dialogue inserted into the church mass during the early Middle Ages61
5632849573miracle playA late medieval play dramatizing a miracle or miracles performed by a saint. An outgrowth of the earlier medieval Corpus Christi play62
5632849574morality playA type of medieval and early Renaissance play that dramatizes how to live a pious life63
5632854765tragicomedya literary work- drama or story- containing a mixture of tragic and comic elements64
5632854766farcean outlandish physical comedy, overflowing with silly characters, improbable happenings, wild clowning, extravagant language, and bawdy jokes65
5632857650melodramaA sentimental dramatic form with an artificially happy ending66
5632861562social drama or problem dramaA type of problem play that deals with current social issues and the place of individuals in society67
5654057005Hypocritesmeaning "one who plays a part." It was the ancient Athenian word for actor68
5654057006Trilogya group of 3 literary works, usually related or unified. For the ancient Athenian festivals of Dionysus, each competing tragic dramatist submitted this, together with a satyr play69
5654057007Satyr playa form of comedy and burlesque play submitted by the ancient Athenian tragic dramatists along with their groups of 3 tragedies. On each day of tragic performances, this play was performed after the 3 tragedies70
5654057008Representation or mimesisAristotle's idea that drama (tragedy) represents rather than duplicates history71
5663247503cycle1. a group of closely related works 2. In medieval religious drama, the complete set of plays performed during the Corpus Christi festival, from the creation of the world to the resurrection.72
5663250990dithyrambAn ancient Athenian poetic form sung by choruses during the earliest Dionysia. The first tragedies originated from this73
5663266232reversal, peripeteiaAristotle's term for a sudden reversal, when the action of a work, particularly a play, veers around quickly to its opposite74
5663269918anagnorisis, recognitionAristotle's term describing that point in a play, usually the climax, when a character experiences understanding75
5663269919pathosThe "scene of suffering" in tragedy, which Aristotle defines as "a destructive or painful action, such as death on the stage, bodily agony, wounds, and the like," It is the scene of suffering that is intended to evoke the response of pit from the audience76
5663269920seriousThe first element in Aristotle's definition of tragedy, demonstrating the most elevated and significant aspects of human character77
5663272243completethe second element in Aristotle's definition of tragedy, emphasizing the logic and wholeness of the play78
5663272244magnitudeThe third element in Aristotle's definition of tragedy, emphasizing that a play should be neither too long nor too short, so that artistic balance and proportion can be maintained79
5663278582hamartia, traffic flawThe Greek work for "error or frailty" that brings about the downfall or suffering of tragic protagonist80
5663284680orchestra1. In ancient Greek theaters this or "dancing parties" was the circular area at the base of the amphitheater where the chorus performed 2. In modern theaters, this regards to the first floor or first floor where the audience sits81
5663288107buskins, cothurnielegantly laced boots worn by actors in ancient Greek tragedy. eventually they became elevator shoes to stress the royal status of actors by making them seem especially tall82
5663291704stichomythyIn ancient Athenian drama, dialogue consisting one-line speeches designed for rapid interchanges between characters83
5663291705stasimonA choral ode separating the episodes in Greek tragedies. Because of the word's derivation, it would seem that the chorus was sitting in the orchestra and watching during the episodes, and then stood before speaking or chanting its designated odes84
5663295054unities, three unitiesTraditionally associated with Aristotle's description of drama as expressing in the Poetics, the three unities are those of action, place, and time. They are a function of verisimilitude85
5663313518blocking agenta person, circumstance, or attitude that obstructs the plans of various characters, such as the parental denial of permission to marry86
5663313519plot of intrigueThe dramatic rendering of how a young woman and her lover, often aided by a maidservant or soubrette, usually foil a blocking agent (usually a parent or guardian)87
5663317227comica pattern of action, including funny situations and language, that is solvable and correctible, and therefore satisfying88
5663321231comedy of mannersa form of comedy, usually regular (5 acts or three acts) in which attitudes and customs are examined and satirized in the light of high intellectual and moral standards. The dialogue is witty and sophisticated, and characters are often measured according to their linguistic and intellectual powers89
5663323918satiric comedya form of comedy designed to correct social and individual behavior by ridiculing human vices and follies90
5663328845ironic comedy, realistic comedy, and comedy of absurdA modern form of comedy dramatizing the apparent pointless, ambiguity, uncertainty, and absurdity or existence91
5663328846sitcomsa serial type of modern tv comedy dramatizing the circumstances, assumptions, and actions of a fixed number of characters92
5663337430slapstickA type of low farce in which the humor depends almost entirely on physical actions and sight gags93

AP World History dates Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4434509670Agriculture8,000 BCE0
4434512936Pottery7,000 BCE1
4434514467Cuneiform Writing3,500 BCE2
4434516452Bronze Age3,000 BCE3
4434521045Horse Domesticated2,000 BCE4
4434522451Iron Age1,300 BCE5
4434525067Cyrus the Great559 BCE6
4434525068Budda563 BCE7
4434526733Confucius551 BCE8
4434529696Persian Empire500 BCE9
4434531453Greek City States500 BCE10
4434533623Zhou Dynasty500 BCE11
4434534904Socrates470 BCE12
4434537179Roman Empire450 BCE13
4434539588Alex, the Great356 BCE14
4434541804Mauryan Empire322 BCE15
4434541805Roads312 BCE16
4434543784Qin Dynasty221 BCE17
4434547253Han Dynasty206 BCE18
4434550157Liu Bang195 BCE19
4434550166Parchment170 BCE20
4434553044Astrolabe150 BCE21
4434557328Julius Caesar100 BCE22
4434561576Lateen Sail100 BCE23
4434561604Water Wheel85 BCE24
4434565594Jesus of Nazareth5 BCE25
4434565595Paper10526
4434566978Ghana Empire30027
4434568547Gupta Empire32028
4434570524Stirrups30029
4434572694Byzantine Empire30030
4434577727Roman Capital Moves33331
4434577728Justinian48232
4434579124Muhammad57033
4434580823Sui Dynasty58134
4434580824Tang Dynasty61835
4434582739Empress Wu62436
4434586378Umayyad Caliphate66137
4434589251Abbasid Caliphate75038
4434590618Holy Roman Empire80039
4434590620Horse Collar90040
4434592870Banknote90741
4434592871Song Dynasty96042
4434594520Moveable Type104043
4434596053Gunpowder104444
4434607597Crossbows105045
44346092921st Schism of Church105446
4434610663Norman Conquest106647
4434632350Genghis Khan116248
4434634120Magnetic Compass118049
4434634121Kublai Khan121550
4434635698Empire of Mali123551
4434637740Rudders124152
4434640416Mongols Sack Baghdad125853
4434642206Travels of Marco Polo127154
4434642207Yuan Dynasty127155
4434651839Mansa Musa128056
4434653854Longbow129857
4434656608Ottoman Empire130058
4434658277Ibn Battuta130459
4434660205Mansa Musa Travels132460
4434661576Cannons134661
4434663372Black Death in Europe134762
4434666942Ming Dynasty136863
4434668984Joan of Arc141264
4434670553Aztec Empire142865
4434672727Mahmed II143266
4434672728Inca Empire143867
4434674009Leonardo di Vinci145268
4434679125Constantinople Sacked145369
4434681619Printing Press145470
4434684075Vasco de Gama146071
4434687367Songhai Empire146472
4434690544Moctezuma II146673
4434691888Ferdinand Magellan148074
4434691889Martin Luther148375
4434695412Henry VIII149176
4434697143Reconquista of Spain149277
4434699129Safavid Empire150178
4434702378Mughal Empire152679
4434704698Queen Elizabeth I153380
4434704699Galileo Galilei156481
4434709373William Shakespeare156482
4434711472Musket156583
4434713202Mercator Map156884
4434718923Cortez Conquers Aztecs156885
4434721107Spanish Armada Defeat158886
4434723261Tokugawa Shogunate160087
4434724735Founding of Jamestown160788
4434728229Telescope160889
4434728230Isaac Newton164390
4434731671Qing Dynasty164491
4434734722Steam Engine171092
4434736273Tsarist Russia172193
4434738486Tupac Amaru II174294
4434742231Muhammad Ali- Egypt176995
4434744960Napolean Bonaparte176996
4434744961American Revolution177697
4434746863Simon Bolivar178398
4434753815Haitian Independence180499
4434755570Otto von Bismarck1815100
4434761797Latin American Independence1820101
4434767420End of Russia Serfdom1861102
4434767421Vladimir Lenin1870103
4434769354German Unification1871104
4434773873Telephone1876105
4434775894Joseph Stalin1878106
4434780021Incandescent Light Bulb1879107
4434782470Mustafa Kemal Ataturk1881108
4434782471Franklin D. Roosevelt1882109
4434784439Berlin Conference1885110
4434785995Chiang Kai-Shek1887111
4434788298Motorized Aircraft1903112
4434792272Kwame Nkrumah1909113
4434795056Chinese Republic1911114
4434796631WWI Begins1914115
4434798094Nelson Mandela1918116
4434798095Soviet Union1922117
4434800674Stock Market Crash1929118
4434802791Nuclear Fission1939119
4434805652Mao's P.R. of China1949120
4434805653Fall of Berlin Wall1989121

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