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AP English Literature Terms Flashcards

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7096089496AllegoryA story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for something else0
7096089497BalladA narrative poem written in four-line stanzas, characterized by swift action and narrated in a direct style.1
7096089498BildungsromanA novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education2
7096089499ElegyA lyric poem that laments the dead3
7096089500Lyric PoemA poem of a single speaker who expresses his thoughts and feelings4
7096089501PastoralLiterature that describes country or rural life5
7096089502SatireA style of writing that ridicules human weaknesses, vice or folly in order to promote social reform6
7096089503SonnetA lyric poem of 14 lines, usually in iambic pentameter7
7096089504TragedyA type of drama in which the characters experience reversals of fortune, usually for the worse8
7096089505VillanelleA nineteen-line lyric poem that relies heavily on repetition9
7096089506CoupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem10
7096089507CaesuraA strong pause within a line of verse11
7096089508End RhymeA rhyme that occurs at the end of lines12
7096089509EnjambmentA run-on line of poetry in which logical and grammatical sense carries over from one line into the next13
7096089510SpeakerThe voice in a poem that talks to the reader (not to be confused with the poet)14
7096089511AlliterationA repetition of initial consonant sounds15
7096089512Biblical AllusionA reference to a statement, person, place or event that is known from the Bible16
7096089513AssonanceA repetition of vowel sounds in non-rhyming words17
7096089514EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight18
7096089515HyperboleA gross exaggeration for effect; overstatement19
7096089516ParadoxA statement that appears to contradict itself but contains a truth beneath the surface20
7096089517PersonificationThe endowment of inanimate objects or abstract concepts with animate or living qualities21
7096089518SimileA comparison of two unlike things using like or as22
7096089519MetaphorA comparison between essentially unlike things without an explicitly comparative word such as like or as23
7096089520FoilCharacters that contrast and emphasize the traits of the hero24
7096089521MoodThe general emotional effect of a poem, story or scene from a story25
7096089522JuxtapositionTwo contrasting elements placed side by side26
7096089523OxymoronContradictory terms brought together to express a paradox for strong effect27
7096089524RepetitionTechnique in which a sound, word, phrase or line is repeated for emphasis28
7096089525ImageryDescriptions that appeal to one of the 5 senses29
7096089526SymbolA concrete object that stands for itself and for something broader than itself as well30
7096089527SoliloquyA speech in a play that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on the stage31
7096089528Slant RhymeA rhyming sound that is not exact32
7096089529OverstatementA figure of speech in which exaggeration is used in the service of truth33
7096089530EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept34
7096089531Archaismthe use of deliberately old-fashioned language, sometimes used to create a feeling of antiquity35
7096089532Epithetan adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned36
7096089533SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is substituted for the whole37
7096089534OdeA lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner38
7096089535AnaphoraA 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.39
7096089536OctaveAn eight-line stanza40
7096089537QuatrainA four-line stanza41
7096089538SestetA six-line stanza42
7096089539ClicheA worn-out idea or overused expression43
7096089540Classical AllusionA reference to a statement, person, place or event that is known from Greek or Roman mythology44
7096089541ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule45
7096089542ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love46
7096089543Internal Rhymea rhyme created by two or more words in the same line of verse47
7096089544Blank Verseunrhymed iambic pentameter48
7096089545ArchetypeA recurring symbol, character, landscape, or event found in myth and literature across different cultures and eras49

AP Literature Vocab #2 Flashcards

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5012967193SettingUsed to identify and establish the time, place, and mood of the events of the story. Helps establish where, when, and under what circumstamces the story is taking place.0
5012967194ImageryUse of images especially in a pattern of related images, often figurative, to create a strong, unified sensory impression. Often supports the theme.1
5012967195ToneAuthor's attitude toward subject matter as revealed through style, syntax, diction, and figurative language. Creates a mood for the text.2
5012967196MoodThe ATMOSPHERE in the text created by the authors tone toward the subject. How WE feel about the text based on style, syntax, and diction.3
5012967197Dramatic monologueA poem or prose piece in which a character addresses the audience.4
5012967198ElegyA meditative poem, usually sad and reflective in nature. Sometimes concerned with the theme of death.5
5012967199AllegoryA form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, places, and narratives are equated with meaning outside of itself (Animal Farm).6
5012967200PersonificationA figure that endows animals, ideas, abstractions, and inanimate objects with human form.7
5012967201OxymoronA self-contradictory combination of words. "Bitter sweet"8
5012967202AntithesisA figure of speech characterized by strongly contrasting words, clauses, or ideas as in "Man proposes, God disposes".9

AP LITERATURE TERMS CONTINUED Flashcards

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4858161401Devices of soundThe technique of deploying the sound of words especially in poetry among devices of sound are rhyme alliteration assonance consonants in onomatopoeia. the devices are used for many reasons including to create a general effect pleasant or of discordant sound imitate another sound or to reflect a meaning0
4858161402Dramatic poemA poem which employs a dramatic form or some element or elements of Trumatic techniques as a means of achieving poetic and the dramatic monologue is an example.1
4858161403Extended metaphorAnd implied analogy or comparison which is carried to wrap a stanza or an entire poem2
4858161404Figurative languageWriting that uses figures of speech as opposed to literal language for that which is the actual or specifically denoted such as metaphor irony and simile3
4858161405Mixed metaphorsThe meaning of one metaphor with another immediately following which the first is Incongruous4
4858161406Narrative poemHey nondramatic poem which tells the story of presents in there to whether simple or complex long or short. epics and ballads are examples5
4858161407OctaveAnd eight line stanza6
4858161408Poetic footA group of syllables in the verse usually consisting of one accented syllable in one or two and accented syllables associated with it7
4858161409Rhyme royalA seven line stanza of iambic pentameter to read them ababbcc8
4858161410ScansionHey system for describing the meter of a palm by identifying the number of the types of feet per line9
4858161411SestetA six line stanza10
4858161412StructureThe arrangement of materials within a work the relationship of the parts of a work to the whole the logical divisions of work11
4858161413StyleThe mode of expression and language the characteristic manner of expression of an author12

AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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7105764989AnaphoraA 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.0
7105764990MetonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it1
7105764991AntithesisDirect opposite2
7105764992RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.3
7105764993Ad Hominem ArgumentAttacks the opposing speaker or another person rather than addressing the issues at hand4
7105764994AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.5
7105764995AllusionA reference to another work of literature, person, or event6
7105764996AnecdoteA brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event.7
7105764997EuphemismA mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing8
7105764998Colloquial LanguageSlang or common language that is informal9
7105764999DictionAn author's choice of words10
7105765000EthosAppeal to values, credibility11
7105765001PathosAppeal to emotion12
7105765002LogosAppeal to logic and reasoning13
7105765003ExpositionWriting or speech that is organized to explain14
7105765004ForeshadowingA hint of things to come15
7105765005HyperboleAn exaggeration16
7105765006JuxtapositionWhen two contrasting things are placed next to each other for comparison17
7105765007MetonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it18
7105765008OxymoronTwo contradictory words in one expression19
7105765009ParallelismA literary technique that relies on the use of the same syntactical structures20
7105765010ParadoxA seeming contradiction that in fact reveals some truth21
7105765011PersonaThe character created by the voice and narration of the speaker of a text22
7105765012RepetitionThe reiteration of a word or phrase for emphasis23
7105765013Aristotelian TriangleAlso known as the Rhetorical Triangle. Includes subject, speaker, and audience.24
7105765014Rhetorical DevicesThe specific language tools that an author uses to carry out a rhetorical strategy (diction, imagery, or syntax).25
7105765015Rhetorical StrategyThe way an author organizes words, sentences, and overall argument in order to achieve a particular purpose26
7105765016Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked for the sake of argument27
7105765017SatireTo ridicule or mock ideas, persons, events, or doctrines28
7105765018SyntaxArrangement of words in a sentence.29
7105765019ThemeCentral idea; not limited to one text (should be universal).30
7105765020ToneAuthor/speaker's attitude31
7105765021UnderstatementWhen an author assigns less significance to an event or thing than it deserves32
7105765022PersonificationThe assigning of human qualities to inanimate objects or concepts. An example: Wordsworth's "the sea that bares her bosom to the moon."33
7105765023Antithesisthe presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by phrase, clause, or paragraphs. "To be or not to be . . ." "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times . . ." "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country . . ."34
7105765024OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish," ___ is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."35
7105765025Sarcasmfrom the Greek meaning "to tear flesh," ___ involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device.36
7105765026Synecdoche. a figure of speech that utilizes a part as representative of the whole. "All hands on deck" is an example.37
7105765027Hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement38
7105765028Anaphorarepetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent.39
7105765029Euphonythe pleasant, mellifluous presentation of sounds in a literary work.40
7105765030Metonomya term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name" __ is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. For example: a news release that claims "The White House declared" rather than "The President declared"41
7105765031ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.42
7105765032Onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum.43
7105765033Cacophonyharsh and discordant sounds in a line or passage in a literary word.44
7105765034Metaphora direct comparison between dissimilar things. "Your eyes are stars" is an example.45
7105765035Symbolgenerally, anything that represents, stands for, something else. Usually, a ___ is something concrete—such as an object, action, character, or scene—that represents something more abstract.46
7105765036Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.47
7105765037Understatementthe opposite of exaggeration. It is a technique for developing irony and/or humor where one writes or says less than intended.48
7105765038HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.49
7105765039PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.50
7105765040ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, __ uses terms related to the five senses; we refer to visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory. For example, a rose may present visual __ while also representing the color in a woman's cheeks.51
7105765041Euphemisma more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something that might be inappropriate or uncomfortable. "He went to his final reward" is a common __ for "he died." They are also used to obscure the reality of the situation.52
7105765042Figure of SpeechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Examples are apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonomy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.53
7105765043IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what appears to be and what actually is true.54
7105765044SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and convention for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform humans or their society, ___ is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. The effect of __, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition.55
7105765045AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds, such as "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."56
7105765046EpigraphThe use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme. Hemingway begins The Sun Also Rises with two. One of them is "You are all a lost generation" by Gertrude Stein.57
7105765047Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. The independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect is to add emphasis and structural variety.58
7105765048NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.59
7105765049Ethosan appeal based on the character of the speaker. An __-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.60
7105765050Situational Ironya type of irony in which events turn out the opposite of what was expected.61
7105765051ConsonanceRepetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity.62
7105765052Pathosan appeal based on emotion.63
7105765053Logosan appeal based on logic or reason64
7105765054Verbal IronyIn this type of irony, the words literally state the opposite of the writer's true meaning65
7105765055AnecdoteA story or brief episode told by the writer or a character to illustrate a point.66
7105765056Abstract LanguageLanguage describing ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places.67
7105765057Denotationthe literal or dictionary meaning of a word68
7105765058CumulativeSentence which begins with the main idea and then expands on that idea with a series of details or other particulars69
7105765059Dramatic IronyIn this type of irony, facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or a piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work70
7105765060ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.71
7105765061Connotationthe interpretive level or a word based on its associated images rather than its literal meaning.72
7105765062RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, or any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.73
7105765063SyntaxThe grammatical structure of prose and poetry.74
7105765064AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity75
7105765065ArgumentA single assertion or a series of assertions presented and defended by the writer76
7105765066AllusionA reference contained in a work77
7105765067Parallelismrefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.78
7105765068Analogya literary device employed to serve as a basis for comparison. It is assumed that what applies to the parallel situation also applies to the original circumstance. In other words, it is the comparison between two different items.79
7105765069Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.80
7105765070DescriptionThe purpose of this rhetorical mode is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses.81
7105765071Ethical AppealWhen a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him or her based on a presentation of image of self through the text.82
7105765072ExpositionThe purpose of this rhetorical mode is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.83
7105765073EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.84
7105765074ArgumentationThe purpose of this rhetorical mode is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader.85
7105765075Didacticwriting whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. A ___ work is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns.86
7105765076NarrationThe purpose of this type of rhetorical mode is to tell the story or narrate an event or series of events.87
7105765077Colloquialthe use of slang in writing, often to create local color and to provide an informal tone. Huckleberry Finn in written in a __ style.88
7105765078Antecedentthe word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers.89
7105765079Stylean evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.90
7105765080ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition.91
7105765081ChiasmusArrangement of repeated thoughts in the pattern of X Y Y X. It is often short and summarizes a main idea.92
7105765082Balancea situation in which all parts of the presentation are equal, whether in sentences or paragraphs or sections of a longer work.93
7105765083ToneSimilar to mood, __ describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.94
7105765084Dialectthe recreation of regional spoken language, such as a Southern one. Hurston uses this in Their Eyes Were Watching God.95
7105765085AsyndetonCommas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words. The parts are emphasized equally when the conjunction is omitted; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjunction speeds up the flow of the sentence. X, Y, Z as opposed to X, Y, and Z.96
7105765086WitIn modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. Usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement.97
7105765087MoodThis term has two distinct technical meanings in English writing. The first meaning is grammatical and deals with verbal units and a speaker's attitude. The second meaning is literary, meaning the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.98
7105765088Dictionthe author's choice of words that creates tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning99
7105765089PolysyndetonDeliberate 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"100
7105765090ToneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.101
7105765091JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts102

AP Language Flashcards

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5873620826SynecdocheA literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part. Example: "bread and butter" (for "livelihood"), "suits" (for "businesspeople"), and "boots" (for "soldiers")0
5873626414Malapropismthe mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect Example: "dance a flamingo" should be "dance a flamenco"1
5873632295Haranguelecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner / a lengthy and aggressive speech.2
5873635388ArchetypeA very typical example of a certain person or thing3
5873636726JuxtapositionThe fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.4
5873640482ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify or govern two or more words when it is appropriate to only one of them or is appropriate to each but in a different way Example: On his fishing trip, he caught three trout and a cold.5
5873642881PolysyndetonA figure of speech in which several conjunctions are used to join connected clauses in places where they are not contextually necessary. Example: I ate the chicken, and the salad, and the turkey, and the wild rice, and the bread, and the mashed potatoes, and the cranberry sauce.6
5873644212AsyndetonThe omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence (opposite of Polysyndeton) Example: I came, I saw, I conquered.7
5873644213ChiasmusA rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order. Example: "ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country".8
5873645151DiacopeA rhetorical term meaning repetition of a word or phrase with one or two intervening words. Example: "They will laugh, indeed they will laugh,"9
5874268096Antithesisthe placing of a sentence or one of its parts against another to which it is opposed to form a balanced contrast of ideas, as in "Give me liberty or give me death."10
5874278068Euphemisma mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Example: "passed away" is a euphemism for "he died"11
5878024415Periodic SyntaxA periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end.12
5878024416Anaphorarepetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines E.g. "My life is my purpose. My life is my goal. My life is my inspiration."13
5878055540Syllogisman instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises); a common or middle term is present in the two premises but not in the conclusion, which may be invalid e.g. all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs14
5878056058epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.15
6073802973MetonymyReplaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated Is different from synecdoche since synecdoche refers to a thing by the name of one of its parts while metonymy describe another thing is closely linked to that particular thing, but is not a part of it. E.g. The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen refers to written words and sword to military force.)16
6606212284Periodic SentenceA long sentence that has the main point at the end17
6606213127Loose SentenceA long sentence that has the main point at the beginning18
6606235302Denotationthe literal or primary meaning of a word19
6606235716Connotationan idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.20

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6691966290AdageA proverb or short statement expressing a general truth0
6691966291ElegyA sad poem, usually written to praise and express sorrow for someone who is dead1
6691966292KenningA compound expression in Old English and Old Norse poetry with metaphorical meaning2
6691966293VicariousExperienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person3
6691966294AmbiguityThe quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness4
6691966295EpigramA pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. A short poem5
6691966296HamartiaA fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.6
6691966297LampoonPublicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.7
6691966298TropeA figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression8
6691966299BathosAn effect of anticlimax created by an unintentional lapse in mood from the sublime to the trivial or ridiculous9
6691966300Euphemisma mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.10
6691966301MotifA decorative design or pattern11
6691966302HubrisExcessive pride or self-confidence12
6691966303PastoralConcerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance13
6691966304BombastHigh-sounding language with little meaning used to impress people14
6691966305FarcdA comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization ludicrously15
6691966306Non-sequiturA conclusion of statement that does not logically follow the previous argument or statement16
6691966307AnachorismA thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned17
6691966308CanonPart of the story in an individual universe of that story18
6691966309HaranguA lengthy or expressive speech19

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