AP Literature Terms Flashcards

4921037820	Allegory	An allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples.	0
4921050455	Allusion	An allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples.	1
4921078243	Analogy	An analogy is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create understanding regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.	2
4942465599	Anecdote	a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. Amusing anecdotes many times find their way into wedding receptions, family reunions and any other gathering of people who know each other well.	3
4942485669	Anthropomorphism	the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.	4
4942498296	Archetype	An archetype is a reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. Archetypes are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. They serve as great examples of their kind. a very typical example of a certain person or thing.	5
4942513851	Authorial Intrusion	When the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader. Authorial Intrusion establishes a one to one relationship between the writer and the reader where the latter is no longer a secondary player or an indirect audience to the progress of the story but is the main subject of the author's attention.	6
4942523848	Bildungsroman	form of storytelling whereby the author bases the plot on the overall growth of the central character throughout the timeline of the story. As the story progresses, the subject undergoes noticeable mental, physical, social, emotional, moral, and often spiritual advancement and strengthening before the readers' eyes. A form of storytelling where the author focuses on the central character's growth throughout the story.	7
4942547986	Characterization	the concept of creating characters for a narrative. Characters may be presented by means of description, through their actions, speech, thoughts and interactions with other characters.	8
4942556976	Circumlocution	Circumlocution is a form of writing where the writer uses exaggeratedly long and complex sentences in order to convey a meaning that could've have been stated in a shorter sentence. Circumlocution involves stating an idea or a view in an indirect manner that leaves the reader guessing and grasping at the actual meaning.	9
4942574915	Conflict	a literary element that involves a struggle between two opposing forces usually a protagonist and an antagonist. It can have external aggressors or can even arise from within the self.	10
4942586484	Deus es Machina	It refers to the incidence where an implausible concept or character is brought into the story in order to make the conflict in the story resolve and to bring about a pleasing solution. The use of Deus ex Machina is not recommended as it is seen to be the mark of a poor plot that the writer needs to resort to random, insupportable and unbelievable twists and turns to reach the end of the story. easy way for the author to make up a resolution to a conflict	11
4942606151	Doppelganger	It refers to a character in the story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character. Doppelgangers of the main characters usually bear the ability to impersonate the original but have vastly different spirits and intentions. The doppelganger usually has a different appearance but an earthly soul and supernatural hoodwinking abilities that allow it to fool other unsuspecting characters. A copy of a important or genuine character. A twin or double of some character, usually in the form of an evil twin.	12
4942635693	Epilouge	a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.	13
4942662897	Epithet	an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.These descriptive words and phrases can be used to enhance the persona of real and fictitious places, objects, persons and divinities ex: Richard the Lion Heart	14
4942692228	Euphemism	The purpose of euphemisms is to substitute unpleasant and severe words with more genteel ones in order to mask the harshness. The literary practice of using a comparatively milder or less abrasive form of a negative description instead of its original, unsympathetic form. This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes and things "embarrassing	15
4942706339	Foil	is a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character.	16
4942709717	Foreshadowing	the use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Foreshadowing is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.	17
4942729009	Hyperbaton	literary device wherein the author plays with the regular positioning of words and phrases and creates a differently structured sentence to convey the same meaning; used to add more depth and interest to the sentence structure. ex: sweet, she was. Yoda is an example	18
4942741476	Hyperbole	involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. The purpose of hyperbole is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point.	19
4942753214	Imagery	when the author uses words and phrases to create "mental images" for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author's writings.	20
4942765221	Irony	playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.	21
4942841789	Juxtaposition	Wherein the author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them.	22
4942861145	Malapropism	the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement. Malapropism is used to convey that the speaker or character is flustered, bothered, unaware or confused and as a result cannot employ proper diction. Ex: Dogberry	23
4942883565	Metaphor	A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things not using the word "like" or "as" to make the comparison. ex: The promise between us was a delicate flower.	24
4942892923	Motif	any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.	25
4942903522	Nemesis	the use of a nemesis refers to a situation of poetic justice wherein the positive characters are rewarded and the negative characters are penalized.	26
4942908736	Oxymoron	a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction ex: falsely true	27
4986179440	Paradox	a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. A paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. ex: I must be cruel to be kind	28
4986218132	Personification	Personification is one of the most commonly used and recognized literary devices. It refers to the practice of attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals.	29
4986221622	Plot	The plot usually refers to the sequence of events and happenings that make up a story. There is usually a pattern, unintended or intentional, that threads the plot together. The plot basically refers to the main outcome and order of the story.	30
4986229263	Point of View	manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story. The point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and influences the tone in which the story takes place.	31
4986238243	Portmanteau	this device refers to the practice of joining together two or more words in order to create an entirely new word. This is often done in order to create a name or word for something by combining the individual characteristics of 2 or more other words. ex: smog smoke and fog	32
4986275776	Prolouge	A prologue can be understood to be a sort of introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a "sneak peek" into the story.	33
4986281912	Satire	refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of satire is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the satire.	34
4986295428	Setting	used to identify and establish the time, place and mood of the events of the story. It basically helps in establishing where and when and under what circumstances the story is taking place.	35
4986298587	Simile	referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. By using similes a greater degree of meaning and understanding is attached to an otherwise simple sentence. He is like a mouse in front of the teacher.	36
4986310015	Stream of Consciousness	In literature, the phrase refers to the flow of these thoughts, with reference to a particular character's thinking process. This literary device is usually used in order to provide a narrative in the form of the character's thoughts instead of using dialogue or description.	37
4986328482	Suspense	the intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. It basically leaves the reader holding their breath and wanting more information.	38
4986332212	Symbol(ism)	literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.	39
4986339610	Syntax	refers to the actual way in which words and sentences are placed together in the writing. Usually in the English language the syntax should follow a pattern of subject-verb-object agreement.	40
4986357950	Theme	the base that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece. The theme links all aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject. T	41
4986362017	Tone	is the perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development. Tone can portray a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous.	42
4986385026	Tragedy	refer to a series of unfortunate events by which one or more of the literary characters in the story undergo several misfortunes, which finally culminate into a disaster of 'epic proportions'.	43
4986402959	Understatement	the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.	44