AP LIT QUIZ Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is an Allegory?
A narrative in which characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. (Three little pigs)
Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell.
What is an Allusion?
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event. (Don’t be such a grinch! He was a real Romeo with the girls..)
Example: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
What is Ambiguity?
A word or phrase with multiple meanings, causing uncertainty or confusion.
(He gave her cat food…did he feed her cat, or give her food that’s for cat?)
What is an Anachronism?
A detail that is out of its proper time period. (Character using cellphone in the 1800s???WHAT)
Example: A character using a smartphone in a story set in the 1800s.
What is an Anagram?
A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another. (GUM becomes MUD)
Example: “listen” becomes “silent.”
What is an Anapest?
A metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by a long one.
(2 UNstressed, 1 STRESSed)
- un der STAND
Example: “understand.”
What is Anaphora?
Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
(I have a dream…I have a dream)
(you is kind, you is smart, you is important)
Example: “I have a dream… I have a dream…”
What is Anthropomorphism?
Attributing human characteristics to animals or objects. (Talking animals in WINNIE THE POOH)
Example: Talking animals in Winnie the Pooh.
What is Antithesis?
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases. (It was the best of times, it was the worst of times)
In Harry Potter
- Voldemort’s spells all aim to destruct, whereas Dumbledore’s are equally amazing, but meant to disarm, distinguish, or defend
Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
What is an Aphorism?
A concise statement that expresses a general truth or principle.
(ACTIONS speak louder than words)
Example: “Actions speak louder than words.”
What is an Apostrophe?
A direct address to an absent person, thing, or abstract concept.
(oh DEATH, where is your sting?)
Example: “O Death, where is thy sting?”
What is an Archetype?
A typical character, action, or situation representing universal patterns of human nature.
( A HERO)
Example: The “hero’s journey.”
What is Assonance?
The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. (RAIN in SPAIN falls mainly on the PLAIN)
Example: “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”
What is Cacophony?
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
(“What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore.”)
What is Chiasmus?
A rhetorical device where words or concepts are repeated in reverse order.
(Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You)
Example: “Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You.”
What is Circumlocution?
The use of many words to say something that could be said more simply.
(Lots of detail, could be more concise - maybe to add imagery)
What is Consonance?
The repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end of words.
(pitter, patter the T sound is the same, home and same, M sounds the same)
Example: “pitter-patter.”
What is Dissonance?
A lack of harmony among sounds, often creating tension.
harsh, impolite words to evoke anger/ tension
What is Ekphrasis?
A vivid description of a work of art or scene.
imagery, but for describing art
What is Ellipsis?
The omission of one or more words that are understood from the context.
Example: “She went to the store, and he to the park.”
What is Enjambment?
The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line or stanza in poetry.
goes over to the next line of a poem
What is Hyperbole?
Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. (IM SO HUNGRY I COULD EAT A HORSE)
Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
What is Imagery?
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Example: “The bright, golden sun dipped below the horizon.”
What is Situational Irony?
When the expected outcome is different from what actually happens. (FIRE STATION BURNING)
Example: A fire station burning down.
