AP English Literature Literary Terms Flashcards

4840862243	Theme	Can be defined as "a salient abstract idea that emerges from a literary work's treatment of its subject matter; or a topic recurring in a number of literary works	0
4840867052	Metaphor	A figure of speech that compares two things which are basically dissimilar Ex: "All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree."	1
4840879517	Simile	a figure of speech, comparing two essentially unalike things through the use of specific words of comparison (like, as, for example) Ex: "From the floor to the ceiling, like a huge organ, rise the burnished arms *seriously if you don't know what a simile is by now you need to leave	2
4840890697	Verbal Irony	the use of words to convey a meaning that is the exact opposite of its literal meaning ex:" I'm sorry professor, but I must not tell lies" potter for the win	3
4840894752	Ambiguity	use of language where the meaning is unclear or has two or more possible interpretations or meanings. It can be created through a weakness in the way the writer expressed him/herself, but is often used by writers quite deliberately to create layers of meaning in the mind of the reader	4
4840910059	Diction	refers to word choice as a reflection of style; different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning (purpose, tone, point of view, persona, verve, and color are all affected by this)	5
4840917820	Satire	text that reveals a critical attitude towards some element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way - it is meant to improve society through humor, not to tear it down through vicious ridicule -it targets groups or large concepts rather than individuals -it's very creative and takes audience knowledge and perception to appreciate	6
4840938192	Motif	a dominant theme, subject or idea which runs through a piece of literature; can assume a symbolic importance	7
4859097267	Characterization	the process author's use to develop characters and create images of the characters for the audience	8
4859103486	Metonymy	a figure of speech where the term for one thing is applied for another with which it is closely associated in experience, or where a part represents the whole	9