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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5736931965KenningA picturesque metaphorical compound0
5736931966CaesuraA pause or break in the middle of a line of poetry1
5736931967AphorismA principal expressed tersely in a few telling words2
5736931968Dramatic ironyReader knows something characters do not3
5736931969Situational ironySomething happens you would not expect4
5736931970Verbal ironyCharacter says something unexpected (appearance differs from reality)5
5736931971UnderstatementThe magnitude of what is stated falls detectably sort of the reality6
5736931972MeterRhythmic pattern in poetry established by recurring units of sound7
5736931973FootA unit of sound that consist of a combination of stressed or unstressed syllables8
5736931974(Anti)strophe2 of the 3 Stanzaic forms of the Greek chorale ode9
5736931975In medias resGreek term that literally means "in the midst of things "the story begins in the middle of the action10
5736931976Direct characterizationExplicitly telling the reader what a character is like11
5736931977Indirect characterizationRevealing of a character through things they do or say12
5736931978SatireBlending censure with humor to improve humanity13
5736931979EnjambmentOne line flows to the next (poetry) no punctuation14
5736931980SonnetShakespearean/Petrarchan15
5736931981CatharsisThe purging of guilt as a result of going through a tragic drama16
5736931982HubrisArrogant pride of protagonist17
5736931983HamartiaFatal misstep that leads to the downfall of a character in a tragedy18
5736931984FoilA character who is qualities emphasize those of the protagonists by providing a strong contrast with them19
5736931985MonologueAn extended speech uttered by one speaker to others where as if alone20
5736931986SoliloquySame as monologue just not extended21
5736931987ApostropheFigure of speech in which someone, some extract quality, or nonexistent person is directly addressed as if present22
5736931988AmbiguityState of having more than one meaning or interpretation23
5736931989SynecdocheFigure speech: the part represents the whole Example) 50 head of cattle24
5736931990Point of viewVantage point from which story is told25
5736931991DystopiaUndesirable imaginary society26
5736931992ThemeThe message an author wants to express to the reader27
5736931993NovellaShort novel approximately 100 pages28
5736931994PlotSeries of related events to create a story29
5736931995UtopiaPerfect society30
5736931996Dues ex machinaThe plot is resolved by the use of a highly improbable chance that solves a difficult problem31
5736931997SynesthesiaDescription of one since impressions using words that normally describe another example) a loud shirt32
5736931998StyleWriter's way of stating things33
5736931999ToneAuthors attitude toward the subject they are writing about34
5736932000MoodThe feeling or attitude the audience gets from reading a piece35
5736932001ConnotationRange of further associations in addition to the dictionary meaning36
5736932002JuxtapositionPlacing things side-by-side intentionally for effect37
5736932003MalapropismThe comic substitution of one word for another that is similar in sound, but different in meaning. it functions to make characters look ignorant or amusingly uneducated38
5736932004VoiceThe sense a written work conveys to a reader of the writers attitude, personality, and character39
5736932005MotifRecurring image, word, phrase, action, idea, object, or situation that appears in various words or throughout the same work40
5736932006AnachronismAnd event, object, custom, person, or thing that is out of its natural order of time41
5736932007MetonymyFigure of speech in which representative term is used for larger idea42
5736932008NarratorTeller of the story43
5736932009DissonanceHarshness of sound and or rhyme, either inadvertent or deliberate44
5736932010EuphonyA pleasing smoothness of sound, perceived by the ease with which the words can be spoken in combination45
5736932011LitotesFigure of speech were an affirmation is made indirectly by saying it's opposite, usually with effect of understatement46
5736932012EuphenismSubstituting a mild term in place of an offensive or more hurtful term for effect47

AP Literature & Composition Vocabulary: Tone Words Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
66523559191. Abhorrentcausing repugnance; detestable; loathsome. Utterly opposed, or contrary, or in conflict.0
66523585102. Acerbicharsh or severe, as of temper or expression: acerbic criticism.1
66523638343. Ambivalentuncertainty or fluctuation, esp. when caused by the inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things. the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing him or her in opposite directions.2
66523702634. Anguishedshowing excruciating or acute distress, suffering, or pain: the anguish of grief. Torment. Torture.3
66523767395. Appalledto fill with consternation or dismay. struck with fear, dread, or consternation.4
66523839746. Apprehensive-uneasy or fearful about something that might happen. perceptive; discerning (usually followed by of5
66523961847. Ardenthaving, expressive of, or characterized by intense feeling; passionate; fervent: an ardent vow; ardent love. intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous: an ardent theatergoer. an ardent student of French history. vehement; fierce: They were frightened by his ardent, burning eyes6
66523995198. Austeresevere in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent. grave; sober; solemn; serious: an austere manner. without excess, luxury, or ease; simple; limited; severe: an austere life. severely simple; without ornament: austere writing7
66524216769. Benevolentcharacterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings: a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile. Desiring to help others; charitable: gifts from several generous alumni. Intended for benefits rather than profit: a charitable institution8
665242167710. Callousunfeeling, insensitive to others9
665242167811. Candidfrank; outspoken; open and sincere: a candid critic. Free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; candid: an honest opinion. Honest; impartial10
665242167912. Causticcapable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. Severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark. Biting, mordant, bitter, scathing11
665242168013. Conciliatoryto overcome the distrust or animosity of; appease. To regain or try to restore (friendship or goodwill) by social behavior. To make or attempt to make compatible; reconcile12
665242168114. Contencious [kuh n-ten-shuh s]tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome: a contentious crew. Causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy: controversial issues13
665242168215. Cynical [sin-i-kuh l]like or characteristic of a cynic; distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, esp. by actions that exploit the scruples of others; bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic; sarcastic14
665242168316. Derisive (dĭ-rī'sĭv)contemptuous; mocking; jeering; expressing ridicule; causing or deserving scorn15
665242168417. Derogatory (dĭ-rŏg'ə-tôr'ē)tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory: a derogatory remark; belittling, uncomplimentary, denigrating16
665242168518. Desolate (děs'ə-lĭt)barren or laid waste; devastated: a treeless, desolate landscape; deprived or destitute of inhabitants; deserted; uninhabited; solitary; lonely: an isolated place; having the feeling of being abandoned by friends or by hope; forlorn; dreary; dismal; gloomy17
665242168619. Despondent (dĭ-spŏn'dənt)feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, discouragement, or gloom: despondent about failing health; disheartened, downhearted, melancholy, blue.18
665242168720. Diabolical (dī'ə-bŏl'ĭ-kəl)having the qualities of a devil; devilish; fiendish; outrageously wicked: a diabolic plot; Appropriate to a demon, especially in the degree of wickedness or cruelty.19
665242168821. Didactic (dī-dāk'tĭk)intended for instruction; instructive; inclined to teach or lecture others too much: a boring, didactic speaker. Teaching or intending to teach a moral lesson20
665242168922. Diffident (dĭf'ĭ-dənt)lacking confidence in one's ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy; restrained or reserved in manner, conduct; self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident21
665242169023 Disdainful (dĭs-dān'fəl)contemptuous, haughty, scornful; expressing extreme contempt; having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy22
665242169124. Dismal (dĭz'məl)causing gloom or dejection; gloomy; dreary; cheerless; melancholy: gloomy weather; characterized by ineptness or lack of skill, competence, effectiveness, imagination, or interest; pitiful: Our team played a horrible game. Hopeless23
665242169225. Ebullient (ĭ-bŏŏl'yənt)overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited: The award winner was in an ebullient mood at the dinner in her honor.24
665242169326. Elated (ĭ-lāt' ed)very happy or proud; jubilant; in high spirits: an elated winner of a contest; overjoyed, ecstatic25
665242169427. Euphoric (yōō-fôr'ik)a feeling of great happiness or well-being; a feeling of joy, confidence, or well-being sometimes26
665242169528. Exasperated (ĭg-zās'pə-rāt'ed)to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays; To make very angry or impatient; annoy greatly27
665242169629. Fatalisticthe acceptance of all things and events as inevitable; submission to fate: Her fatalism helped her to face death with stoic calm; the doctrine that all events are subject to fate or inevitable predetermination28
665242169730. Fervent (fûr'vənt)having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent: a fervent admirer; a fervent plea; hot; burning; glowing; impassioned, passionate29
665242169831. Flippant (flĭp'ənt)frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness; characterized by levity: The audience was shocked by his flippant remarks about patriotism;30
665242169932. Graveserious or solemn; sober; weighty, momentous, or important; threatening a seriously bad outcome or involving serious issues; critical31
665242170033. Iidyllic (ī-dĭl'ĭk)unspoiled, sylvan, pastoral; charmingly simple or rustic: his idyllic life in Tahiti. Straightforward and carefree: a pleasant vacation in a seashore cottage; excellent and delightful in all respects; "an idyllic spot for a picnic."32
665242170134. Inane (ĭn-ān')lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions; empty; void; pointless33
665242170235. Incredulous (ĭn-krěj'ə-ləs)indicating or showing unbelief: an incredulous smile; not credulous; disinclined or indisposed to believe; skeptical34
665242170336. Indignant (ĭn-dĭg'nənt)feeling, characterized by, or expressing intense displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base: indignant remarks; an indignant expression on his face; angry, resentful, infuriated, mad35
665242170437. Insolent (ĭn'sə-lənt)boldly rude or disrespectful; contemptuously impertinent; insulting: an insolent reply; brazen; contemptuous36
665242170538. Introspectiveconsider one's own internal state or feelings; to look into or examine (one's mind, emotions, etc.).37
665242170639. Laudatory (lô'də-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē)containing or expressing praise: overwhelmed by the speaker's laudatory remarks. Adulatory, complimentary, commendatory38
665242170740. Melancholy (měl'ən-kŏl'ē)a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression; sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness; Sadness or depression of the spirits; gloomy; mournful39
665242170841. Mirthful (mûrth'fəl)joyous; gay; jolly: a mirthful laugh; full of gladness and gaiety40
665242170942. Macabre (mə-kä'brə) muh-kah-bruhgruesome and horrifying; ghastly; horrible; of, about, dealing with, or representing death, esp. its grimmer or uglier aspect.41
665242171043. Naïvehaving or showing a lack of experience, judgment, or information; credulous; having or showing the unaffected simplicity of nature or absence of artificiality; unsophisticated; ingenuous42
665242171144. Ominous (ŏm'ə-nəs)portending evil or harm; foreboding; threatening; inauspicious: an ominous bank of dark clouds; a bad omen43
665242171245. Patronizingdisplaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner: a polite greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the pack; to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward a professor who patronizes his students.44
665242171346. Pedanticoverly concerned with minute details or formalisms, esp. in teaching; didactic, doctrinaire; Characterized by a narrow, often ostentatious concern for book learning and formal rules: a pedantic attention to details45
665242171447.Petulant (pěch'ə-lənt)moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head. Irritable, peevish, fretful, pettish, touchy; Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish46
665242171548. Pithy (pĭth'ē)brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse; forcible: a pithy observation; succinct, pointed, meaty, concise47
665242171649. Poignantemotionally impactful; keen or strong in mental appeal: a subject of poignant interest; affecting or moving the emotions48
665242171750. Repugnantdistasteful, objectionable, or offensive; opposed or contrary, as in nature or character; making opposition; antagonistic, adverse, hostile49
665242171851. Resignedsubmissive or acquiescent (āk'wē-ěs'ənt)--willing to carry out orders or wishes of another50
665242171952. Reticent (rět'ĭ-sənt)disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved; taciturn, quiet, uncommunicative; reluctant or restrained; Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to oneself. Restrained or reserved in style.51
665242172053. Reverentfeeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful: feeling or showing profound respect or veneration52
665242172154. Scathing (skāthing)bitterly severe, as a remark; harmful, injurious, or searing; to attack with harsh criticism; excoriate.53
665242172255. Terse-neatlyeffectively concise; brief and pithy; abruptly concise; curt; brusque; succinct, compact, neat, concentrated54
665242172356. Turgid (tûr'jĭd)inflated, overblown, or pompous; bombastic: turgid language; Excessively ornate or complex in style or language; grandiloquent: turgid prose.55
665242172457. Vehement (vē'ə-mənt)zealous; ardent; impassioned; characterized by rancor or anger; violent; strongly emotional; intense or passionate56
665242172558. Vivaciouslively; animated; gay; spirited; brisk57
665242172659. Whimsicalgiven to whimsy or fanciful notions; capricious; erratic; unpredictable58
665242172760. Wistfulcharacterized by melancholy; longing; yearning; reflective, musing, meditative, forlorn59

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5393728607AbstractThought of apart from concrete realities.0
5393728608AcademicPlacing a great emphasis on reading and studying rather than technical work1
5393728609AestheticConcerned with pure emotion rather than pure intellectuality2
5393728610AnachronismAnything out of time or place3
5393728611AnthropomorphismWriter gives human qualities to non- human beings4
5393728612AntiheroProminent character that has characteristics that is not like a hero5
5393728613AtmosphereTypes of Feelings that a reader gets from details6
5393728614PathosQuality of an experience in life/work that stirs up emotions7
5393728615Black humorMorbid humor that is used to express cruelty of the modern world8
5393728616BombastWriting that is meant to sound important but is not sincere or meaningful9
5393728617CacophonyWords used that have unmelodious sounds to achieve desired results10
5393728618CaricatureAspects of a subject that are exaggerated to create silly or comic effect11
5393728619CatharsisUsed for cleansing of emotions of the character/ a change that leads to emotional rejuvenation12
5393728620Coinage (neologism)New word or phrase not used regularly by most speakers and writers13
5393728621EpicLong narrative poem. Usually related to heroic deeds of a person with unusual courage and bravery14
5393728622EpitaphInscription in memory of a person15
5393728623FarceMakes use of highly exaggerated and funny situations aimed to entertain16
5393728624GothicCombines fiction and horror, death and sometimes romance17
5393728625HubrisExtreme pride and arrogance shown by character that ultimately brings his downfall18
5393728626InversionTechneque which the normal order is reversed to achieve effects of emphasis and / or meter19

AP LITERATURE Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4420717041unruly, irritable, arguementativeFractiousness0
5588915185arrogantly contemptuousSupercilious1
5588928160nimble; skillful use of hands/bodyDeft2
5588939134skeptical; indicating disbeliefIncredulous3
5588942822lacking vitality/vigorlanguid4
5588950527to improviseextemporizing5
5588957658assertive, dictatorialperemptory6
5588966609arroganthaughty7
5588971594appearance, specifically expression of the facecountenance8
5588998329having a shrill, irritating sound or qualitystrident9
5589011112quality of being wasteful in spendingprodigality10
5589050181intensely emotional; impassionedvehement11
5589056177gullibilitycredulity12
5589106822sudden emotional actionimpetuous13

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6715521718allegorystory or poem that can be used to reveal a hidden meaning0
6715521719alliterationbeginning of same letter or sound in closely connected words1
6715521720allusionindirect of passing reference2
6715521721anaphorarepetition in first part of a sentence , to have an artistic meaning3
6715521722antagonista hostile person who is opposed to another character4
6715521723apostrophefigure of speech used to adresss an imaginary character5
6715521724approximate rhymewords in rhyming pattern that sound alike6
6715521725asidewhen a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by other actors on the stage7
6715521726assonancerepetition of vowel sounds8
6715521727blank versepoetry written in meter without an ending rhyme9
6715521728cacophonyblend of unharmonious sounds10
6715521729caesurapause in the middle of a line11
6715521730catharsisthe release of emotions through art (emotional cleanse)12
6715521731flat characterstory character who have no depth, usually has one personality or characteristic13
6715521732round charactercharacter who has complex personality: contradicted person14
6715521733dynamic characterchanges throughout the story, through major conflict15
6715521734static characterperson who doesn't change throughout story keeps same personality16
6715521735characterizationprocess of revealing characters personality17
6715521736climaxpoint where conflict hits its highest point18
6715521737comedydrama that is amusing or funny19
6715521738conflictstruggle between opposing forces20
6715521739connotationsecondary meaning to a word21
6715521740consonancerepetition of same consonant in words close together22
6715521741couplettwo rhyming lines in a verse23
6715521742denotationthe literal meaning of a word24
6715521743denouementfinal outcome of the story25
6715521744deus ex machinaresolution of a plot by chance or coincidence26
6715521745didactic writingwriting with a primary purpose to teach or preach27
6715521746direct presentation of characterauthor telling the reader how a character is and what actions it will do further in the story28
6715521747double rhymerhyme where the repeated vowel is in the second last syllable of words involved (ex; born scorn)29
6715521748dramatic expositionprose commentaries, to provide background information about the characters and their world30
6715521749end rhymerhymes occurring at the end of line31
6715521750end stopped lineline ending in regular punctuation32
6715521751English sonneta sonnet rhyming ababcdcdededgg33
6715521752epiphanywhen a character receives a spiritual insight into they life34
6715521753euphonysmooth choice and arrangement of sounds35
6715521754extended figureA figure of speech sustained or developed through a considerable number of lines or through a whole poem.36
6715521755falling actionEvents after the climax, leading to the resolution37
6715521756feminine rhymelines rhymed by their final two syllables38
6715521757figurative languageLanguage that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.39
6715521758figure of speecha way of saying something other than the ordinary way40
6715521759footbasic unit in the scansion or measurement of verse , stressed and un stressed syllables41
6715521760formexternal pattern or shape of a poem42
6715521761free versePoetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme43
6715521762hamartiatragic flaw which causes a character's downfall44
6715521763imageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)45
6715521764indirect presentation of characterthe personality of a character is revealed by what he or she does or says46
6715521765internal rhymeA word inside a line rhymes with another word on the same line47
6715521766ironyA contrast between expectation and reality48
6715521767verbal ironyA figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant49
6715521768dramatic ironyIrony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.50
6715521769irony of situationrefers to an occurrence that is contrary to what is expected or intended51
6715521770italian sonnetA sonnet consisting of an octave with the rhyme pattern abbaabba, followed by a sestet with the rhyme pattern cdecde or cdcdcd52
6715521771masculine rhymeA rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable53
6715521772melodramaa play based upon a dramatic plot and developed sensationally54
6715521773metaphorA comparison without using like or as55
6715521774meterA regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry56
6715521775metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it57
6715521776motivationA need or desire that energizes and directs behavior58
6715521777narratorPerson telling the story59
6715521778octave8 line stanza60
6715521779onomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.61
6715521780hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor62
6715521781oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.63
6715521782paradoxA contradiction or dilemma64
6715521783paraphraseA restatement of a text or passage in your own words.65
6715521784personificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes66
6715521785plotSequence of events in a story67
6715521786point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told68
6715521787omniscient point of viewThe point of view where the narrator knows everything about the characters and their problems - told in the 3rd person.69
6715521788third person limited point of viewnarrator tells the story from only one character's pov70
6715521789first person point of viewa character in the story is actually telling the story himself/herself71
6715521790objective point of viewa narrator who is totally impersonal and objective tells the story, with no comment on any characters or events.72
6715521791protagonistMain character73
6715521792quatrainA four line stanza74
6715521793rhythmA regularly recurring sequence of events or actions.75
6715521794rhyme schemeA regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem76
6715521795rising actionEvents leading up to the climax77
6715521796sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt78
6715521797satireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.79
6715521798scansionAnalysis of verse into metrical patterns80
6715521799sestet6 line stanza81
6715521800settingThe context in time and place in which the action of a story occurs.82
6715521801simileA comparison using "like" or "as"83
6715521802soliloquyA long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage84
6715521803sonnet14 line poem85
6715521804stanzaA group of lines in a poem86
6715521805stream of consciousnessprivate thoughts of a character without commentary87
6715521806syllabic verseVerse measured by the number of syllables rather than the number of feet per line.88
6715521807symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else89
6715521808synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa90
6715521809synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")91
6715521810tercet3 line stanza92
6715521811terza rimaa verse form with a rhyme scheme: aba bcb cdc, etc.93
6715521812themeCentral idea of a work of literature94
6715521813toneAttitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character95
6715521814tragedyA serious form of drama dealing with the downfall of a heroic or noble character96
6715521815truncationUtilizing a melody with part of the end omitted.97
6715521816understandmentthe deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it actually is; a deliberate under-emphasis98
6715521817verseA single line of poetry writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme99
6715521818vilanellea nineteen-line poem with two rhymes throughout, consisting of five tercets and a quatrain, with the first and third lines of the opening tercet recurring alternately at the end of the other tercets and with both repeated at the close of the concluding quatrain.100

AP Literature Final Vocab Review Flashcards

AP literature and composition; grammar, analysis, and literary devices

Terms : Hide Images
6668839978PhraseA group of words0
6668839979ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.1
6668839980Comma splice (run-on sentence)two sentences joined incorrectly with only a comma2
6668839981FragmentA word, phrase, or clause that does not form a full sentence3
6668839982Coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)join ideas that are similar; place a comma before you write sentences/clauses4
6668839983Clarityclearness in thought or expression5
6668839984StructureAn organized system that shows a clear pattern6
6668839985Word choice (Diction)The way the writer carefully selects words to give precise descriptions, create a particular mood, and increase the impact of their writing.7
6668839986Thesis StatementThe statement that presents the overall purpose of an essay8
6668839987ParaphrasingTaking someone else's thoughts and putting them into your own words as a way of summarizing them9
6668839988Authorial Intentauthors purpose of writing10
6668839989Historical Context/Historical CriticismAn approach to literature that uses history as a means of understanding a literary work more clearly; moves beyond both the facts of an author's personal life and the text itself to examine the social currents in which the author composed the work.11
6668839990FormalismEmphasizes the form of a literary text to determine its meaning, focusing on literary elements and how they work to create meaning inside the text12
6668839993Dichotomya division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different13
6668839994Figurative LanguageLanguage that communicates ideas beyond the ordinary or literal meaning of the words.14
6668839996Unreliable Narratora narrator whose account of events appears to be faulty, misleadingly biased, or otherwise distorted15
6668839997Malapropisma word humorously misused; ludicrous misuse of a word16
6668839998OnomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.17
6668839999OxymoronA figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction18
6668840000symbolismAn object, character, figure, or color that is used to represent an abstract idea or concept.19
6668840001Dramatic IronyIrony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the literary work.20
6668840002ArchetypeA constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, or mythology. Example: Alice must pass a series of tests as she makes her way through21
6668840003FoilA character who illuminates the qualities of another character by means of contrast.22
6668840004AllusionA brief reference in a literary work to a person, place, thing, or passage in another literary work, usually for the purpose of associating the tone or theme of the one work with the other.23
6668840005ForeshadowingA warning or indication of a future event.24
6668840007AnagnorisisThe recognition or discovery by the protagonist of the identity of some character or the nature of his own predicament, which leads to the resolution of the plot.25
6668840008Poetic Justicevirtue is ultimately rewarded or vice punished, often by an ironic twist of fate intimately related to the character's own conduct.26
6668840009Deus Ex MachinaAn unexpected power or event saving a hopeless situation, especially as a plot device in a play or novel, from the Latin "a god from a machine."27
6668840010DenounementThe final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are resolved.28
6668840011RepetitionRepeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis29
6668840012Rhyme SchemeThe pattern of rhymes in a poem.30
6668840013Rhythm (Meter)Pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables31
6668840014Line breaksplaces where lines of poetry end, to add emphasis to certain words or phrases.32
6668840015CesuraA pause in a line or verse, not interrupting rhythm/meter; grand pause33
6668840016MetaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared. A comparison of two unlike things without using the word like or as.34
6668840017SimileA comparison using "like" or "as" A comparison of two unlike things using like or as35
6668840018HyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor36
6668840019ImageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)37
6668840020PersonificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes38
6668840021AlliterationRepetition of initial consonant sounds39
6668840022AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity40
6668840023MoodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader41
6668840024ToneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.42
6668840025ThemeA topic or a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work; central idea.43
6668840026StanzaA fixed number of lines of verse forming a unit of a poem44
6668840027CoupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem.45
6668840028Free VersePoetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme46
6668840029Blank VersePoetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter47
6668840030Metric Foota group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm.48
6668840031Iambduh DUM, unstressed-stressed49
6668840032TrocheeDUM duh, stressed-unstressed50
6668840033DactylDUM duh duh, stressed-unstressed-unstressed51
6668840034Anapestduh duh DUM, unstressed-unstressed-stressed52
6668840035SpondeeDUM DUM, stressed-stressed53
6668840036Pyrrhicduh duh, unstressed-unstressed54
6668840037ExpositionA narrative device, often used at the beginning of a work that provides necessary background information about the characters and their circumstances.55
6668840038Rising ActionA series of events that builds from the conflict. It begins with the inciting force and ends with the climax.56
6668840039ClimaxThe turning point in the action (also known as the "crisis") and/or the highest point of interest or excitement.57
6668840040Falling ActionEvents after the climax, leading to the resolution58
6668840041ResolutionEnd of the story where loose ends are tied up59
6668840042ConflictA struggle between opposing forces; an inherent incompatibility between the objectives of two or more characters or forces.60
6668840043Inciting Indecentthe event that introduces the major struggle or conflict of the plot, eventually realized in the climax.61
6668840044Venacularthe native language or dialect of a country or region; everyday or informal language62
6668840045Chronologythe arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.63
6668858265pathetic fallacyThe attribution of human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects or to nature, esp. reflective of the mood64
6668858266anaphoraA 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.65
6668860340metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it66
6668860341synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa67
6668862851point of viewThe perspective from which the story is told68
6668862852characterizationActions, dialogue, and narrative description that reveal a sense of a character's personality to the reader.69
6668862853ironyA contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.70
6668862854paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.71
6668865364allegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.72

AP Literature Vocab Flashcards

Definitions from Joel Littauer's list for AP educators

Terms : Hide Images
17506270AllegoryA story illustrating an idea or a moral principle in which objects take on symbolic meanings.0
17506271AllusionA reference in one literary work to a character or theme found in another literary work.1
17506272AmbiguityA statement which can contain two or more meanings.2
17506273AnalogueA comparison between two similar things.3
17506274AnecdoteA very short tale told by a character in a literary work.4
17506275AphorismA brief statement which expresses an observation on life, usually intended as a wise observation.5
17506276ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker speaks directly to something or someone not present.6
17506277AntecedentThe noun that a pronoun replaces.7
17506278AntithesisContrasting ideas or images through the use of parallel structure.8
17506279ArchetypeA theme, character, plot, or symbol that recurs over time and in different cultures.9
17506280AsideA device in which a character in a drama makes a short speech which is heard by the audience but not by other characters in the play.10
17506281AssonanceThe repetition of vowel soounds in a literary work, esp. in a poem.11
17506282BalladA story in poetic form, often about tragic love and usu. sung.12
17506283Blank VerseA poem written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.13
17506284CacophonyAn unpleasant combination of sounds.14
17506285EuphonyA pleasant combination of sounds.15
17506286CaesuraA pause within a line of poetry which may or may not affect the matrical count.16
17506287CantoA subdivision of an epic poem.17
17506288Carpe Diem"Catch the day"18
17506289CharacterizationThe method a writer uses to reveal the personality of a character in a literary work.19
17506290ChiasmusTwo phrases in which the syntax is the same but the placement of the words is reversed.20
17506291ColloquialismInformal or slang expression.21
17506292ConceitA far-fetched simile or metaphor, that is sustained.22
17506293Concrete PoetryA poem that visually resembles something found in the physical world.23
17506294DenotationA word's dictionary definition.24
17506295ConnotationA word's emotional content.25
17506296ConsonanceThe repetition of consonant sounds with differing vowel sounds in words near each other in a line or lines of poetry.26
17506297Dramatic MonologueThe occurrence of a single speaker saying something to a silent audience.27
17506298ElegyA poem lamenting death.28
17506299EpigraphA brief quotation which appears at the beginning of a literary work.29
17506300EpithetA word or phrase preceding or following a name which serves to describe the character.30
17506301EulogyA formal statement of praise.31
17506302EuphemismA mild word of phrase which substitutes for another which would be undesirable because it is too direct, unpleasant, or offensive.32
17506303Free VerseUnrhymed poetry with lines of varying lengths, and containing no specific metrical pattern.33
17506304HyperboleA figure of speech in which an overstatement or exaggeration occurs.34
17506305ImageryA word or group of words in a literary work which appeals to one or more of the senses.35
17506306InferenceA judgement based on reasoning rather than on direct or explicit statement.36
17506307In Medias ResTechnique of starting a narrative in the middle of the action.37
17506308LitotesA form of understatement made by negating the opposition.38
17506309MeiosisA form of understatement.39
17506310Lyric PoemA short poem wherein the poet expresses an emotion or illuminates some life principle.40
17506311Iambic PentameterUnstressed, stressed41
17506312TrocheeStressed, unstressed42
17506313Anapestunstressed, unstressed, stressed43
17506314DactylStressed, unstressed, unstressed44
17506315SpondeeStressed, stressed45
17506316MetonymyA figure of speech in which a word represents something else which it suggests.46
17506317Mixed MetaphorA combination of metaphors that produces a confused or contradictory image.47
17506318MotifSomething repeated in a work.48
17506319Narrative PoemA poem which tells a story.49
17506320OdeA poem in praise of something diving or expressing some noble idea.50
17506321ParableA brief story, told or written in order to teach a moral lesson.51
17506322ParadoxA situation or a statement that seems to contradict itself, but on closer inspection, does not.52
17506323Parallel StructureA repetition of sentences using the same structure.53
17506324PastoralHaving to do with shephards and rustic settings.54
17506325Pathetic FallacyA fallacy of reason in suggesting that nonhuman phenomena act from human feelings.55
17506326Point of ViewA piece of literature that contains a speaker who is speaking either in the first person, telling things from his or her own perspective, or in the third person, telling things from the perspecitve of an onlooker.56
17506327SatireA piece of literature designed to ridicule the subject of the work.57
17506328SonnetA lyric poem of fourteen lines whose rhyme scheme is fixed.58
17506329SymbolismA device in literture where an object represents an idea.59
17506330SynecdocheA figure of speech wherein a part of something represent the whole thing.60
17506331SynaesthesiaOne sensory experience described in terms of another sensory experience.61
17506332Theatre of the AbsurdA drama based on an absurd situation.62
17506333TropeA figure of speech that is not literal.63
17506334ZeugmaA technique where the same verb is used in two different ways in the same sentence.64
17506335ToneTone expresses the author's attitude toward his or her subject.65
17506336VoltaThe part of a sonnet that shifts meaning.66

AP Literature Flashcards Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5765972219ColonialismOne country has control over another country, occupying it with settlers and exploiting it economically0
5765981914Post-colonialismStudying the legacy of colonialism1
5765988417OrientalismWay of seeing people that exaggerates the differences2
5765991060AlterityLack of identification with one's community3
5765994506SubalternBeing of lower status4
5765998170Dependency TheoryDominant culture creates dependency on its existence5
5766000731MimicryOne culture mimics the behavior of the other6
5766005808Ecological ImperialismDominant culture takes over environment7
5766009252NihilismDisbelief in any purpose, nothing means anything8
5766017522AtheismLack of belief in God/higher power9
5766019330HumanismPrime importance to humans rather than the supernatural10
5766024606TranscendentalistDivinity pervades all nature and humanity11
57660302004 Principles of NietzschePhilosophy of History Will to Power God is Dead Uber-mensch12
57660366853 Stages of Philosophy of HistoryPremoral God Extra-moral13
5766042800PremoralMaster morality, good is what is powerful14
5766044788GodSlave morality, what is good is what god says15
5766050686Extra-moralIndividual "master", no right and wrong, each person finds it for themself16
5766056302Will to PowerGreat man accepts truths, wills to live delibrately17
5766061862Tragic PessimismLife is terrible and tragic18
5766064390God is DeadGod didn't create man, man created god, act instead of follow19
5766068326Uber-mensch"superman", bends world to fit what he/she wants20
5766074725Puritanismorganized religion, blind faith21
5766080724Deismreligious system, questioning faith22
5766083712Marxismpoor will overpower the wealthy and redistribute the power23
5766089161Environmentalismhumans take advantage of environment until too late24
5766092632Archetypecentral idea in society and stories25
5766095649Feminismwomen expected to give until they have nothing left26
5766097151Languagecontrols all aspects of a text27
5766100117Signifiersword's letters or sounds28
5766102950FreudianId Ego Superego29
5766104911Idpleasure principle, unconscious urges and desires30
5766112434Egoself, reality principle31
5766114247Superegoego ideal, moral guardian32
5766117945New Criticism/formalismlook at work without other influences33
5766121829Philosophical criticismlook at moral values in the work, look at work through view of philosophy34
5766126098BiographicalLook at work by understanding the author better35
57661321695 Branches of PhilosophyMetaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics, Esthetics36
5766136334Metaphysicsstudy of existence37
5766138123Epistemologystudy of knowledge38
5766141565ethicsstudy of action39
5766143502politicsstudy of force40
5766144864estheticsstudy of art41
57661496273 Parts of Hegelian TragedyThesis, antithesis, synthesis42
5766151308thesisintellectual proposition43
5766154526antithesisnegates the thesis44
5766156278synthesisresolves the conflict by reconciling common truths and starting the process over again45
5766160597Teleological argumenthistory and humanity is heading a direction46
5766162408Zeitgeistspirit of the times; general cultural, artistic, and philosophical climate of the times47
57661740504 Themes of ExistentialismMoral Individualism, Subjectivity, Choice and Commitment, and Dread and Anxiety48
5766178969Moral Individualismhighest good for the individual is to find his or her own unique vocation49
5766184438subjectivitypersonal experience and acting on one's own convictions are essential in arriving at the truth50
5766190175Choice and commitmenthuman beings do not have a fixed nature or essence51
5766195113dread and anxietyone experiences not only a fear of specific objects but also a feeling of general apprehension52
5766205940Metaphorcomparison without using like or as53
5766207009similecomparison using like or as54
5766209168metonymwhen one item stands in for another through association55
5766214906synecdochea part is used to reference the whole56
5766222340hyperboleexaggeration57
5766224365personificationgiving human qualities to non-human58
5766225626Metaphysical conceitsets up an analogy between spiritual quality and physical object59
5766244204synesthesiaconfusion of the senses60
5766247635situational ironywhat happens is not what is expected61
5766253102verbal ironywhat is said is not what is meant62
5766255487dramatic ironyaudience knows something the character doesn't63
5766258310romantic ironyaudience is deceived by author64
5766260406cosmic ironycharacter falsely believes they have free will65
5766263851structural ironyform doesn't match function66

AP Literature Vocab V (Syntax) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6678400954polysyndetonusing several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in 'he ran and jumped and laughed for joy')0
6678400955asyndetonWhen the conjunctions (such as "and" or "but") that would normally connect a string of words, phrases, or clauses are omitted from a sentence1
6678400956periodic 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.2
6678400957cumulative (loose) sentencebegins with an independent clause and finishes with modifying constructions3
6678400958anaphorathe repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences4
6678400959balanced sentencea sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast (George Orwell: "If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.")5
6678400960parallel sentence (parallelism)Two or more words or constructions must be in the same grammatical form - infinitives, verbs, gerunds, participles, perpositional phrases, clauses, etc. This style is impressive and pleasing to hear, elaborates rhythm and order, and shows economy by using one element of a sentence to server three or four others. For example: To complain of the age we live in, to murmur at the present possessors of power, to lament the past, to conceive extravagant hopes of the future, are the common dispositions of the greatest part of mankind.6
6678400961clausea grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb7
6678400962phrasean expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb8
6678400963inverted syntaxa sentence constructed so that the predicate comes before the subject (ex: In the woods I am walking.)9
6678400964juxtapositionplacing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast10
6678400965antithesisThe juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance11
6678400966sentence varietyusing a variety of sentence patterns to create a desired effect12
6678400967simple sentencea sentence having no coordinate clauses or subordinate clauses13
6678400968compound sentencea sentence with two or more coordinate independent clauses, often joined by one or more conjunctions14
6678400969complex sentencea sentence composed of at least one main clause and one subordinate clause15
6678400970compound-complex sentenceat least one dependent clause and two or more independent clauses16
6678400971appositivea noun or noun phrase that renames the noun it follows: Mrs. R, my teacher, ...17
6678400972rhetorical questionA question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer18

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