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AP Literature - Lit Rally Terms Flashcards

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6074285280allegoryA story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.0
6074285281alliterationIt is a stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series.1
6074285282allusionA brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.2
6074285283anagrama word or phrase spelled by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase3
6074285284antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.4
6074285285antagonistA character or force in conflict with the main character5
6074285286anaphoraA rhetorical figure of repetition in which the same word or phrase is repeated in (and usually at the beginning of) successive lines, clauses, or sentences.6
6074285287anastropheInversion of the natural or usual word order7
6074285288antithesisA balancing of two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses.8
6074285289aphorismA brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.9
6074285290apostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.10
6074285291assonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity11
6074285292asyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction), e.g. "I came, I saw, I conquered." The parts of the sentence are emphasized equally; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjunction speeds up the flow of the sentence.12
6074285293blank versePoetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter13
6074285294caesuraA natural pause or break in a line of poetry, usually near the middle of the line.14
6074285295cacophonyHarsh, discordant, or meaningless mixture of sounds15
6074285296cadenceRhythmic rise and fall16
6074285297conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.17
6074285298connotationAll the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests18
6074285299consonanceRepetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity.19
6074285300coupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem.20
6074285301dactylA stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables21
6074285302denotationDictionary definition of a word22
6074285303denouementan outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot23
6074285304dictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing24
6074285305didacticIntended to instruct; teaching, or teaching a moral lesson25
6074285306dirgea funeral hymn or mournful speech26
6074285307euphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant27
6074285308end-stopped lineA line that ends with a natural speech pause, usually marked by punctuation28
6074285309enjambmentA run-on line of poetry in which logical and grammatical sense carries over from one line into the next.29
6074285310epitaphA brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone30
6074285311epicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society31
6074285312epistolaryA piece of literature contained in or carried on by letters32
6074285313flashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events33
6074285314foreshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.34
6074285315footA metrical unit composed of stressed and unstressed syllables.35
6074285316frame storyA secondary story or stories embedded in the main story36
6074285317free versePoetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme37
6074285318genreA category or type of literature (or of art, music, etc.) characterized by a particular form, style, or content.38
6074285319hamartiatragic flaw which causes a character's downfall39
6074285320heroic coupletA pair of rhymed, iambic pentameter lines.40
6074285321hexameterA line of poetry that has six metrical feet.41
6074285322hubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy42
6074285323hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor43
6074285324iambA common meter in poetry consisting of an unrhymed line with five feet or accents, each foot containing an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.44
6074285325imageryDescriptive or figurative language in a literary work; the use of language to create sensory impressions.45
6074285326ironyA contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.46
6074285327verbal ironyIn this type of irony, the words literally state the opposite of the writer's true meaning47
6074285328situational ironyOccurs when the outcome of a work is unexpected, or events turn out to be the opposite from what one had expected48
6074285329dramatic ironyIrony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.49
6074285330jargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand50
6074285331juxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts51
6074285332kenningA device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities.52
6074285333metaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared.53
6074285334meterA regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry54
6074285335metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it55
6074285336moodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader56
6074285337motif(n.) a principal idea, feature, theme, or element; a repeated or dominant figure in a design57
6074285338motivationA psychological factor that provides a directional force or reason for behavior.58
6074285339narrationThe purpose of this type of rhetorical mode is to tell the story or narrate an event or series of events.59
6074285340novelA long fictional narrative written in prose, usually having many characters and a strong plot.60
6074285341novellaA short novel usually under 100 pages.61
6074285342noveletteWhen a novel is short and has chapters reffered to as vignettes62
6074285343octavea verse form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter63
6074285344odeA lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feelings toward the subject.64
6074285345onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.65
6074285346oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.66
6074285347paeansong of joy or triumph; a fervent expression of joy67
6074285348parableA simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson68
6074285349paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.69
6074285350parallelismPhrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other70
6074285351parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.71
6074285352pedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.72
6074285353pentametera rhythm in poetry that has five stressed syllables in each line (five metrical feet)73
6074285354personaA pattern of relatively permanent traits, dispositions, or characteristics that give some consistency to people's behavior.74
6074285355personificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes75
6074285356plotSequence of events in a story76
6074285357point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told77
6074285358polysyndetonDeliberate use of many conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted. Hemingway and the Bible both use extensively. Ex. "he ran and jumped and laughed for joy"78
6074285359prosodyAppropriate expression when reading. Includes pitch (intonation), loudness, stressing phrases, etc.79
6074285360protagonistChief character in a dramatic or narrative work, usually trying to accomplish some objective or working toward some goal.80
6074285361punA joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.81
6074285362quatrain4 line stanza82
6074285363refrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.83
6074285364rhetorical questionA question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer84
6074285365end rhymeA word at the end of one line rhymes with a word at the end of another line85
6074285366eye rhymerhyme that appears correct from spelling but does not rhyme because of pronunciation86
6074285367forced rhymewhen two words don't really rhyme together, but an author uses similar spelled, or sounding words to try to create a rhyme; Ex: stone, one87
6074285368internal rhymeA word inside a line rhymes with another word on the same line88
6074285369slant rhymerhyme in which the vowel sounds are nearly, but not exactly the same (i.e. the words "stress" and "kiss"); sometimes called half-rhyme, near rhyme, or partial rhyme89
6074285370rhyme schemeA regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem90
6074285371satireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.91
6074285372sesteta rhythmic group of six lines of verse92
6074285373shifts/turnsChanges in the speaker's attitude. Look for key words such as but, yet, however, and although, punctuation, and stanza division.93
6074285374sonnet14-line lyric poem focused on a single theme; usually written in iambic pentameter94
6074285375symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.95
6074285376synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa96
6074285377syntaxArrangement of words in phrases and sentences97
6074285378themeA topic of discussion or writing; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work.98
6074285379toneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.99
6074285380understatementthe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.100
6074285381villanelleA French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes.101
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AP Literature Vocab #1 Flashcards

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7365342766AllocationThe process of distributing something0
7365342767AsceticOne who leads a life of self-denial and contemplation; absent of luxury1
7365342768Beguilecharm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way2
7365342769Crass(adj.) coarse, unfeeling; stupid3
7365342770Defrayto pay for4
7365342771Dintan impression or hollow in a surface5
7365342772EnjoinTo direct or order6
7365342773EnvoyA representative or messenger7
7365342774Interloperintruder8
7365342775Vicariousexperiencing through another9
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AP English Literature Poetry Terms Flashcards

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7035958687consonanceRepetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity.0
7035958688assonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity1
7035958689alliterationRepetition of initial consonant sounds2
7035958690parallelismPhrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other3
7035958691antithesisa figure of speech in which an opposition or contrast of ideas is expressed by parallelism of words that are the opposites of, or strongly contrasted with, each other4
7035958692allusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.5
7035958693sestinapoem composed of six six-line stanzas and a three-line conclusion called an envoi. Each line ends with one of six key words. The alternation of these six words in different positions - but always at the ends of lines - the poems six stanzas creates a rhythmic verbal pattern that unifies the poem.6
7035958694Shakespearean sonnetconsists of 3 quatrains and a couplet; a 14-lined poem, usually written in rhymed iambic pentameter; abab cdcd efef gg7
7035958695Petrarchan sonnet(also called an Italian sonne) a sonnet consisting of an octave with the rhyme pattern abbaabba, followed by a sestet often with the rhyme pattern cdecde or cdcdcd8
7035958696sonnet: a lyric poem of fourteen lines, usually in iambic pentameter, with rhymes arranged according to certain definite patterns. It usually expresses a single, complete idea or thought with a reversal, twist, or change of direction in the concluding lines.9
7035958697elegya poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.10
7035958698dramatic monologuea poem in which a speaker addresses a silent or absent listener as if engaged in private conversation11
7035958699euphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant12
7035958700archaismThe use of deliberately old-fashioned language.13
7035958701epic simileAn elaborate comparison developed over several lines of verse14
7035958702anaphoraThe repetition of words at the beginning of successive lines or stanzas (in a poem)15
7035958703ellipsiswhen words are consciously omitted for poetic effect16
7035958704malapropisma word humorously misused17
7035958705narrative poema poem that tells a story18
7035958706lyric poemA typically short poem that does not tell a story but expresses the personal feelings or thoughts of a speaker19
7035958707balladA poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas20
7035958708quatrainA four-line stanza21
7035958709sestetA six-line stanza22
7035958710octaveAn eight-line stanza23
7035958711enjambmentA "run-on" line of poetry in which a logical part of sentence carries over from one line into the next.24
7035958712coupletA pair of rhyming lines25
7035958713pastoralA poem dealing with rural life26
7035958714odeA lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feelings toward the subject.27
7035958715poetic shift (dramatic shift)when the tone or subject changes suddenly in a poem28
7035958716stream of consciousnessa style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of a character's mind.29
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AP Literature Vocab #2 Flashcards

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7519735896AssimilateTo take in and incorporate as one's own0
7519735897CognizantAware1
7519735898AdroitExpert or nimble in the use of hands or body2
7519735899AllayTo put to rest; calm; quiet3
7519735900DiscursivePassing aimlessly from one subject to another; rambling4
7519735901EnnuiA feeling of utter weariness and discontent5
7519735902BravadoDisplay of courage6
7519735903BlazonTo publicly display7
7519735904FarcicalLudicrous; absurd8
7519735905FortuitousHappening or produced by chance9
7519735906CholericExtremely irritable or easily angered10
7519735907ColloquyA conversational exchange11
7519735908DirgeA mournful song or expression12
7519735909HyperboleExaggeration13
7519735910IncognitoHaving one's identity concealed14
7519735911DespotRuler with absolute power; Tyrant15
7519735912MesmerismA compelling attraction or fascination16
7519735913OmniscientHaving complete or unlimited knowledge17
7519735914ExpatriateTo banish; To withdraw18
7519735915FeignTo represent fictitiously; to put on an appearance of19
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Ap language Flashcards

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5565411993a-, an-Not, without Amoral, anesthetic, apolitical0
5565411994Circum-Around Circumstances, Circumference, Circumvent1
5565411995Pros-Toward, in front Prospect2
5565411996FerBear, bring Confer, transfer, refer3
5565411997Loqu, locutSpeak Loquacious, elocution4
5565411998MorphForm, structure, shape Metamorphosis, amorphous, morphology5
5565411999Nasc, natOf birth Nature, nascent, prenatal6
5565412000TropTurn Troposphere7
5565412001Ven, ventCome, go Intervene, convention, intervention8
5565412002Vert, versTurn Avert, version, vertigo9
5565412003Esce, escent, escenceBecoming Coalesce, convalescent, evanescence10
5565412004IsmBelief in Atheism, terrorism, socialism11
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AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

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5281163900SupplicationThe act of asking humbly or earnestly as in prayer to a god.0
5281163901LamentationAn express of deep sorrow, mourning.1
5281163902AuguryenA sign of what will happen in the future, an omen2
5281163903RivenTorn apart violently3
5281163904EnigmaticFull of mystery, difficult to understand4
5281163905MetonymnA figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another5
5281163906SynecdocheA figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole6
5281163907MirthGladness or happiness often accompanied with laughter7
5281163908DirgeA song in grief or lamentation.8
5281163909AuspiciousShowing or suggesting future success is likely9
5281163910ObsequiousExhibiting flattering attentiveness10
5281163911JocundMarked by or suggestive of high spirts11
5281163912GalledAngered or annoyed, irritated or inflamed12
5281163913HarrowTorment or cause great distress, pillage or plunder.13
5281163914ExhortativeServing to influence someone by words or advice14
5281163915CleaveTo divide by as if by cutting15
5281163916BaudyObscene, lewd16
5281221846WilesA trick intended to ensnare17
5281221847LimpidMarked by transparency or clear and simple in style18
5281221848AntithesisA rhetorical devise in which two opposites are put together to achieve a contrasting effect.19
5281221849LitotesA figure of speech where an understatement is employed by using double negatives20
5281221850ParadoxA situation that is seemingly contradictory21
5281221851AnaphoraRepetition of words or phrases used to emphasize important ideas.22
5281221852SylepsisOne word is used in two different senses23
5281221853FoilA character contrasts with another to highlight particularly qualities of the other character24
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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

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

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7252534926AbstractComplex, discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, seldom uses examples to support its points.0
7252534927AcademicDry and rhetorical writing; sucking all the life out of its subject with analysis.1
7252534929AestheticAppealing to the senses; a coherent sense of taste.2
7252534930AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.3
7252534931AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds.4
7252534932AllusionA reference to another work or famous figure.5
7252534933Anachronism"Misplaced in time." An aspect of a story that doesn't belong in its supposed time setting.6
7252534934AnalogyA comparison, usually involving two or more symbolic parts, employed to clarify an action or a relationship.7
7252534935AnecdoteA Short Narrative8
7252534936AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause that determines what a pronoun refers to.9
7252534937AnthropomorphismWhen inanimate objects are given human characteristics. Often confused with personification.10
7252534938AnticlimaxOccurs when an action produces far smaller results than one had been led to expect.11
7252534939AntiheroA protagonist who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.12
7252534940AphorismA short and usually witty saying.13
7252534941ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker talks directly to something that is nonhuman.14
7252534942ArchaismThe use of deliberately old-fashioned language.15
7252534943AsideA speech (usually just a short comment) made by an actor to the audience, as though momentarily stepping outside of the action on stage.16
7252534944AspectA trait or characteristic17
7252534945AssonanceThe repeated use of vowel sounds: "Old king Cole was a merry old soul."18
7252534946AtmosphereThe emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene19
7252534948BathosWriting strains for grandeur it can't support and tries too hard to be a tear jerker.20
7252534949PathosWriting evokes feelings of dignified pity and sympathy.21
7252534950Black humorThe use of disturbing themes in comedy.22
7252534951BombastPretentious, exaggeratedly learned language.23
7252534952BurlesqueBroad parody, one that takes a style or form and exaggerates it into ridiculousness.24
7252534953CacophonyIn poetry, using deliberately harsh, awkward sounds.25
7252534956CaricatureA portrait (verbal or otherwise) that exaggerates a facet of personality.26
7252534957CatharsisDrawn from Aristotle's writings on tragedy. Refers to the "cleansing" of emotion an audience member experiences during a play27
7252534958ChorusIn Greek drama, the group of citizens who stand outside the main action on stage and comment on it.28
7252534959ClassicTypical, or an accepted masterpiece.29
7252534960Coinage (neologism)A new word, usually one invented on the spot.30
7252534961ColloquialismA word or phrase used in everyday conversational English that isn't a part of accepted "school-book" English.31
7252534962Complex (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 implicit32
7252534963Conceit (Controlling Image)A startling or unusual metaphor, or to a metaphor developed and expanded upon several lines.33
7252534964DenotationA word's literal meaning.34
7252534965ConnotationEverything other than the literal meaning that a word suggests or implies.35
7252534966ConsonanceThe repetition of consonant sounds within words (rather than at their beginnings)36
7252534968DecorumA character's speech must be styled according to her social station, and in accordance to the situation.37
7252534969DictionThe words an author chooses to use.38
7252534970SyntaxThe ordering and structuring of words.39
7252534972DissonanceRefers to the grating of incompatible sounds.40
7252534974Dramatic IronyWhen the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not41
7252534977ElementsBasic techniques of each genre of literature42
7252534979EpicA very long narrative poem on a serious theme in a dignified style; typically deal with glorious or profound subject matter.43
7252534980EpitaphLines that commemorate the dead at their burial place.44
7252534981EuphemismA word or phrase that takes the place of a harsh, unpleasant, or impolite reality.45
7252534982EuphonyWhen sounds blend harmoniously.46
7252534983ExplicitTo say or write something directly and clearly.47
7252534984FarceExtremely broad humor; in earlier times, a funny play or a comedy.48
7252534986FoilA secondary character whose purpose is to highlight the characteristics of a main character, usually by contrast.49
7252534988ForeshadowingAn event of statement in a narrative that in miniature suggests a larger event that comes later.50
7252534990GenreA sub-category of literature.51
7252534991GothicA sensibility that includes such features as dark, gloomy castles and weird screams from the attic each night.52
7252534992HubrisThe excessive pride or ambition that leads to the main character's downfall53
7252534993HyperboleExaggeration or deliberate overstatement.54
7252534994ImplicitTo say or write something that suggests and implies but never says it directly or clearly.55
7252534995In media resLatin for "in the midst of things," i.e. beginning an epic poem in the middle of the action.56
7252534996Interior MonologueRefers to writing that records the mental talking that goes on inside a character's head; tends to be coherent.57
7252534997InversionSwitching the customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase.58
7252534998IronyA statement that means the opposite of what it seems to mean; uses an undertow of meaning, sliding against the literal a la Jane Austen.59
7252535000LampoonA satire.60
7252535001Loose sentenceA sentence that is complete before its end: Jack loved Barbara despite her irritating snorting laugh.61
7252535002Periodic SentenceA sentence that is not grammatically complete until it has reached it s final phrase: Despite Barbara's irritation at Jack, she loved him.62
7252535005MeaningWhat makes sense, what's important.63
7252535006MelodramaA form of cheesy theater in which the hero is very, very good, the villain mean and rotten, and the heroine oh-so-pure.64
7252535007MetaphorA comparison or analogy that states one thing IS another.65
7252535008SimileA comparison or analogy that typically uses like or as.66
7252535009MetonymyA word that is used to stand for something else that it has attributes of or is associated with.67
7252535010NemesisThe protagonist's arch enemy or supreme and persistent difficulty.68
7252535011ObjectivityTreatment of subject matter in an impersonal manner or from an outside view.69
7252535012SubjectivityA 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.70
7252535013OnomatopoeiaWords that sound like what they mean71
7252535014OppositionA pairing of images whereby each becomes more striking and informative because it's placed in contrast to the other one.72
7252535015OxymoronA phrase composed of opposites; a contradiction.73
7252535016ParableA story that instructs.74
7252535017ParadoxA situation or statement that seems to contradict itself, but on closer inspection, does not.75
7252535018ParallelismRepeated syntactical similarities used for effect.76
7252535019ParaphraseTo restate phrases and sentences in your own words.77
7252535020Parenthetical phraseA phrase set off by commas that interrupts the flow of a sentence with some commentary or added detail.78
7252535021ParodyThe work that results when a specific work is exaggerated to ridiculousness.79
7252535023PersonaThe narrator in a non first-person novel.80
7252535024PersonificationWhen an inanimate object takes on human shape.81
7252535026Point of ViewThe perspective from which the action of a novel is presented.82
7252535027OmniscientA third person narrator who sees into each character's mind and understands all the action going on.83
7252535028Limited OmniscientA Third person narrator who generally reports only what one character sees, and who only reports the thoughts of that one privileged character.84
7252535029ObjectiveA 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.85
7252535030First personA narrator who is a character in the story and tells the tale from his or her point of view.86
7252535031Stream 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.87
7252535033ProtagonistThe main character of a novel or play88
7252535034PunThe usually humorous use of a word in such a way to suggest two or more meanings89
7252535035RefrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.90
7252535038Rhetorical questionA question that suggests an answer.91
7252535039SatireAttempts to improve things by pointing out people's mistakes in the hope that once exposed, such behavior will become less common.92
7252535040SoliloquyA speech spoken by a character alone on stage, meant to convey the impression that the audience is listening to the character's thoughts.93
7252535042Stock charactersStandard or cliched character types.94
7252535043Subjunctive MoodA grammatical situation involving the words "if" and "were," setting up a hypothetical situation.95
7252535044SuggestTo imply, infer, indicate.96
7252535045SummaryA simple retelling of what you've just read.97
7252535046Suspension of disbeliefThe demand made of a theater audience to accept the limitations of staging and supply the details with their imagination.98
7252535047SymbolismA device in literature where an object represents an idea.99
7252535048TechniqueThe methods and tools of the author.100
7252535049ThemeThe main idea of the overall work; the central idea.101
7252535050ThesisThe main position of an argument. The central contention that will be supported.102
7252535051Tragic flawIn a tragedy, this is the weakness of a character in an otherwise good (or even great) individual that ultimately leads to his demise.103
7252535052TravestyA grotesque parody104
7252535053TruismA way-too obvious truth105
7252535054Unreliable narratorWhen the first person narrator is crazy, a liar, very young, or for some reason not entirely credible106
7252535055UtopiaAn idealized place. Imaginary communities in which people are able to live in happiness, prosperity, and peace.107
7252535056ZeugmaThe 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.108
7252535069Blank Verseunrhymed iambic pentameter.109
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AP Language Rhetorical Terms Flashcards

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7201009834Juxtaposition-The fact of two ideas generally not associated with one another in proximity being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect (to create contrast) Exp: Petals on a wet black bough0
7201021739Diction-Word choice that creates effect Exp: Slender vs. Skinny1
7201027046Repetition-A word used repeatedly for emphasis and to add meaning Exp: Her face was Beautiful, and her hair was flowing so Beautiful, with her Beautiful glistening eyes2
7201033514Ethos, Pathos, Logos-an appeal to ethics, and its a means of convincing someone of the character credibility of the persuader -an appeal to emotion (sad puppy) -an appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading by reason (facts)3
7222007159Irony-a state of affairs or an even that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result of4
7222035450Dramatic Irony- a literary device, originally used in Greek tragedy, by with the full significance of the character's words or actions are clear to the audience r reader although known to the character exp: Romeo and Juliet audience knows Juliet faked her death, but Romeo does not, and thinks she's really dead5
7222036624Situational Irony-Irony where actions or events have opposite result exp: In To Kill a Mockingbird Scout gets introuble for already knowing how to read6
7222033629Verbal Irony-where someone says the opposite if what they really mean or intend (sarcasm)7
7222044028Hyperbole-exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally Exp: Mark Twain-"I was quaking from head to foot, and could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far."8
7222053362Understatement-a figure of speech employed my writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is exp: dog on fire this is fine9
7281670943Allegory-a story,poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one exp: Fahrenheit 451 Chornical of Narnia10
7384305278Logical Fallacy-is a pattern of reasoning rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure that can neatly be expressed in a standard logic system11
7384305279Bias-prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.12
7384310560Reliabilitythe quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.13
7384313070Antithesis-a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.14
7384313071Litotesironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary Exp: Not bad ( which bad means good) positive contamination15
7384316391Coordinating Conjunctions-a conjunction placed between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of equal rank, e.g., and, but, or. Exp: for, and, nor, but, yet, so(fanboys)16
7661016092McCarthyism/Red Scare-McCarthyism is the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence.17
7661018699Mass Hysteria-(also known as collective hysteria, group hysteria, or collective obsessional behavior) is a phenomenon that transmits collective illusions of threats, whether real or imaginary, through a population in society as a result of rumors and fear (memory acknowledgment).18
7661039773Mob Mentality-describes how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors.19
7661046270Metonymy-the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant, for example suit for business executive, or the track for horse racing.20
7661049922Authorial Intrusion21
7661049923Allusion22
7661052520Parable23
7661055340Dramatic Character24
7661058069Dialogue25
7661061737Monologue26
7661065645Tragedy27
7661068670Catharsis28
7661073815Anaphora29
7661075693Cumulative Sentences30
7661078768Periodic Sentences31
7661082100Social Commentary32
7661085501Exigence33
7834907681Substantive Warrant-based on belief about the reliable and factual evidence.34
7834941030Authoritative Warrant-Based on a credibility of a source35
7834959499Motivational Warrant-based on the needs and value of the audience.36
7919621699Claim-statement that asserts something to be true. A claim can either be factual or a judgment. Claims can work on their own or in conjunction with other claims to form a larger argument.37
7919624107Ground-Something that serves as a foundation or means of attachment for something else;The foundation for an argument, belief, or action; a basis.38
7919624108Warrant-A warrant is the glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim.39
7919639193Backing-backing is the support or explanation provided for the warrant.40
7919641083Qualifiers- a word that qualifies the meaning of another, as an adjective or adverb; modifier. an adverb that modifies adjectives or other adverbs and typically expresses degree or intensity, as very, somewhat, or quite.41
7919651282Rebuttal-When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument.42
7919628860Backing-the movement of the place of formation of a sound toward the back of the mouth.43
7957157248Artificial-lacking naturalness or spontaneity; forced; contrived; feigned:44
8089129519Anaphone45
8089131393Chiasmus46
8089132975Apostrophe47
8089140259Anecdote- A short story 87787878787778778778748
8089143242Aphorism49
8089146442Toulmin Thesis50
8089149810Artistic Proof51
8089154127Inartistic Proof52
8089157487Substantive Warrant-53
8089163495Authoritative Warrant54
8089195034Motivational Warrant-based on the needs and values of the audience. It tries to reverse the average trend.55
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AP Language Vocabulary Unit 4 Flashcards

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5427735910Atrophynoun 1. the wasting away of a body organ or tissue 2. any progressive decline of failure verb 1. to waste away0
5427735911Bastionnoun 1. a fortified place, stronghold1
5427735912Concordnoun 1. a state of agreement, harmony, unanimity 2. a treaty, pact, covenant2
5427737499Consummateadjective 1. complete or perfect in the highest degree verb 1. to bring to a state of completion or perfection3
5427737500Disarraynoun 1. disorder, confusion verb 1. to throw into disorder4
5427745869Exigencynoun (plural) 1. urgency, pressure 2. urgent demand, pressing need 3. an emergency5
5427745870Flotsamnoun 1. floating debris 2. homeless, impoverished people6
5427745871Freneticadjective 1. frenzied, highly agitated7
5427745889Gleanverb 1. to gather bit by bit 2. to gather small quantities of grain left in a field by the reapers8
5427749283Grousenoun 1. a type of game bird 2. a complaint verb 1. to complain, grumble9
5427749284Incarcerateverb 1. to imprison, confine,jail10
5427749285Incumbentadjective 1. obligatory, required noun 1. one who holds a specific office at the time spoken of11
5427751496Jocularadjective 1. humorous, jesting, jolly, joking12
5427751497Ludicrousadjective 1. ridiculous, laughable, absurd13
5427751498Mordantadjective 1. biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style 2. sharply or bitterly harsh14
5427753059Nettlenoun 1. a prickly or stinging plant verb 1. to arouse displeasure, impatience, or anger 2. to vex or irritate severely15
5427753060Pecuinaryadjective 1. consisting of or measured in money 2. of or related to money16
5427753061Pusillanimousadjective 1. contemptibly cowardly or mean-spirited17
5427754474Recumbentadjective 1. in a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting18
5427754475Stratagemnoun 1. a scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end19
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50 AP Literature Terms Flashcards

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7250654965Ars Poetica"the art of poetry"0
7250661332Archaic LanguageWords that were once common but that are no longer used.1
7250686197BalladA sung poem that recounts a dramatic story2
7250689062CadenceQuality of spoken text formed by combining the text's rhythm with the inflection of voice.3
7250693369CaricatureA character with exaggerated features or traits4
7250697203CatharsisRefers to the emotional release felt by the audience at the end of a tragic drama.5
7250702276Stock CharacterA type of flat character based on a stereotype6
7250704720ColonialismThe occupation of one country by another7
7250706935EpigramA short, witty statement8
7250709767EpiphanyA character's transformative moment of realization9
7250725894ElegyA contemplative poem on death and mortality often written for someone who has died10
7250735776MotifA recurring pattern of images, words, or symbols that reveals a theme in a work of literature.11
7250738075NovellaA short novel, Italian for "story"12
7250746183OdeA form of poetry used to meditate on or address a single object or condition.13
7250755831CaesuraA pause within a line of poetry mirroring natural speech.14
7250760933CoupletTwo line stanza15
7250761993TercetThree line stanza16
7250762096QuatrainFour line stanza17
7250764167SestetA six line stanza18
7250764169OctetAn eight line stanza19
7250767700SynecdocheFigure of speech, part represents the whole20
7250768885SyntaxThe arrangement of words in a sentence, clause, or phrase21
7250775790Tragic HeroA character that possesses a flaw that leads to their downfall22
7250779370Theatrical PropertyA prop in a play23
7250782076VignetteA short narrative scene or description24
7250783080VillanelleA form of poetry where 5 tercets are followed by a quatrain25
7250785987ZuegmaOne verb is used with multiple objects so the definition of the verb is changed26
7250791284WordplayTechnique by which writers manipulate language27
7250800524Harlem RenaissanceA movement in the 1920s and 1930s marked by a great flowering of black arts and culture centered in the Harlem neighborhood of NYC.28
7250804278hookAn opening piece of writing designed to catch the audience's attention.29
7250806690HubrisAn excessive level of pride that leads to the protagonist's downfall.30
7250810208iconographyThe images or symbols used by an artist or present in a work of art31
7250813248in medias resLatin for "in the middle of things"32
7250816408KafkaesqueHaving the nightmarish, uncanny characteristics of Kafka's stories33
7250817527Literary ElementsThe components that together create a literary work.34
7250819931LyricA short poem expressing the personal feelings of a first-person speaker.35
7277518820SatireA literary work that uses irony to critique society or an individual.36
7277527567Interrupted sentenceA sentence that is modified by interruptions that add description or details.37
7277540882Perriodic SentenceA sentence that begins with details, qualifications, or modifications building towards the main clause.38
7281309116EpigraphA quotation preceding a work of literature that helps set the text's mood or suggests its themes.39
7281317751ExpositionBackground or contextual information told to the reader.40
7281321996FarceA dramatic form marked by wholly absurd situations or raucous wordplay.41
7281329854IambThe most common metrical foot in English poetry. One unstressed syllable followed by a stressed.42
7281335405ImpressionismA movement of French painters in the 1870s-80's about capturing subjective experience of seeing things.43
7281352963Passive voiceSubject doesn't act but is acted on44
7281358810ResolutionThe working out of a plot's conflicts.45
7281367732Stream of consciousnessA technique in which prose follows the logic and flow of a character's thought processes.46
7281374656Stage DirectionsNotes in the script of a play that set guidelines for the performance47
7281380208Prose PoemA blending of prose and poetry48
7281381709RealismA literary technique that renders works that feels realistic.49
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