AP Notes 6 (51-60) Flashcards
IRONY
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning
is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in
quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between
the appearance and the reality.
PARENTHESIS
Parenthesis is a stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to
place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers
insert into a paragraph or passage. However, if they leave it out, even then grammatically it does
not affect the text that is correct without it. Writers mark them off by round and square brackets
or by commas, dashes, little lines and brackets. As far as its purpose is concerned, this verbal unit
provides extra information, interrupts syntactic flow of words, and allows the readers to pay
attention on explanation. However, the overuse of parenthesis may make sentences look
ambiguous and poorly structured
SARDONIC
grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those
“TONE” words that describe writing that fits the meaning.
SATIRE
Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption
of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve
humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which
stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption. One current example at this
writing was something spoken by Steven Colbert the other night on his show:
POLEMICAL
relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech.
“a polemical essay” could be any of the following (synonyms)
critical, hostile, bitter, polemic, virulent, vitriolic, venomous, caustic, trenchant, cutting, acerbic, sardoni
c, sarcastic, scathing, sharp, incisive, devastating
AMBIGUITY
Ambiguity or fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more
than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent. HOWEVER…most
students who are just learning about language use it without thought and it detracts from their
writing. Here is a good example of purposeful use to “tag” a teenager speaking…what is
ambiguous in this sentence?
ARCHETYPE
An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.
FUNCTION OF AN ARCHETYPE
The use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the characteristics and situations in their social and cultural context. By using common archetype, the writers attempt to impact realism to their works, as the situations and characteristics are drawn from experiences of the wold.
TRAGIC FLAW
Is a literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgement and often it is hubris (pride). Can you ascertain what the tragic flaw of this character might be from his monologue?
"To be, pr not to be-that is the question:
ASSERTION
When someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true enough it may not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact. Often, it is without a proof or any support. Its purpose is to express ideas or feelings directly, for instance. “I have put my every effort to complete this task today.”
