AP Terms Flashcards
1
Q
abstract
A
An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research
2
Q
adage
A
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language
3
Q
allegory
A
A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibly an ethical meaning
4
Q
alliteration
A
The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose
5
Q
allusion
A
A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea
6
Q
ambiguity
A
A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation
7
Q
anachronism
A
A person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set
8
Q
analogy
A
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things
9
Q
annotation
A
A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature
10
Q
antagonist
A
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict
11
Q
antithesis
A
A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences: “They promised freedom but provided slavery”
12
Q
aphorism
A
A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment
13
Q
Apollonian
A
In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior
14
Q
apostrophe
A
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present
15
Q
archetype
A
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form
16
Q
assonance
A
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose
17
Q
ballad
A
A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited
18
Q
bard
A
A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment
19
Q
bathos
A
The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality
20
Q
belle-lettres
A
French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general
21
Q
bibliography
A
A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.
22
Q
Bildungsroman
A
A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal
23
Q
blank verse
A
Poetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton
24
Q
bombast
A
Inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects
25
burlesque
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation
26
cacophony
Grating, inharmonious sounds
27
caesura
A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse, often (but not always) marked by punctuation
28
canon
The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied
29
caricature
A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things
30
carpe diem
Literally, "seize the day"; enjoy life while you can, a common theme in literature
31
catharsis
A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy
32
classic
A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time
33
classicism
Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint
34
climax
The high point, or turning point, of a story or play
35
coming-of-age story
A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment, education, doses of reality, or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturity
36
conceit
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language
37
connotation
The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase
38
consonance
The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry
39
couplet
A pair of rhyming lines in a poem
40
denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
41
denouement
The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction
42
deus ex machina
In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem
43
diction
The choice of words in oral and written discourse
44
Dionysian
As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses
45
dramatic irony
A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character, ex. Oedipus Rex
46
elegy
A poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value
47
ellipsis
Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation
48
elliptical construction
A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence "May was hot and June the same," the verb "was" is omitted from the second clause
49
empathy
A feeling of association or identification with an object or person
50
end-stopped
A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.
51
enjambment
In poetry, the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them
52
epic
An extended narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero that is generally larger than life and is often considered a legendary figure, i.e. Odysseus, Beowulf, Homer's Iliad, Vergil's Aeneid.
53
epigram
A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement
54
euphony
Pleasing, harmonious sounds
55
epithet
An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing, ex. sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, sun-bright lake
56
eponymous
A term for the title character of a work of literature
57
euphemism
A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. "pass away" instead of "die"
58
exegesis
A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature
59
expose
A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings
60
exposition
The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature
61
explication
The interpretation or analysis of a text.
62
extended metaphor
A series of comparisons between two unlike objects
63
fable
A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior
64
falling action
The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict
65
fantasy
A story containing unreal, imaginary features
66
farce
A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.
67
figurative language
Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language, it implies meanings. Includes metaphors, similes, and personification, among others.
68
first-person narrative
A narrative told by a character involved in the story, using first-person pronouns such as I and we.
69
flashback
A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.
70
foot
A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.
71
foreshadowing
Providing hints of things to come in a story or play
72
frame
A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative
73
free verse
A kind of poetry without rhymed lines, rhythm, or fixed metrical feet
74
genre
A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay
75
Gothic novel
A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action
76
harangue
A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade
77
heroic couplet
Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.
78
hubris
The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death
79
humanism
A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity
80
hyperbole
Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect
81
idyll
A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place
82
image
A word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled, or felt
83
in medias res
"In the middle of things"--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events, but at some other critical point.
84
indirect quotation
A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased
85
invective
A direct verbal assault; a denunciation
86
irony
A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected
87
kenning
A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities, as in "ring-giver" for king and "whale-road" for ocean
88
lampoon
A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation
89
light verse
A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse, but sometimes with a satirical thrust
90
litotes
A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer
91
loose sentence
A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences, i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses
92
lyric poetry
Personal, reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject
93
maxim
A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth
94
melodrama
A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response
95
metaphor
A figure of speech that compares unlike objects
96
metaphysical poetry
The work of poets, particularly those of the seventeenth century, that uses elaborate conceits, is highly intellectual, and expresses the complexities of love and life
97
meter
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry
98
metonymy
A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: "The White House says..."
99
Middle English
The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.
100
mock epic
A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness, using conventions such as invocations to the Muse, action-packed battle scenes, and accounts of heroic exploits.
101
mode
The general form, pattern, and manner of expression of a work of literature
102
montage
A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea
103
mood
The emotional tone in a work of literature
104
moral
A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature
105
motif
A phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature
106
muse
One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer
107
myth
An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society
108
narrative
A form of verse or prose that tells a story
109
naturalism
A term often used as a synonym for realism, also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.
110
non sequitur
A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before
111
novella
A work of fiction of roughly 20,000 to 50,000 words--longer than a short story, but shorter than a novel
112
novel of manners
A novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group
113
ode
A lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feeling towards the subject
114
Old English
The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.
115
omniscient narrator
A narrator with unlimited awareness, understanding, and insight of characters, setting, background, and all other elements of the story
116
onomatopoeia
The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning
117
ottava rima
An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem
118
oxymoron
A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect
119
parable
A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived
120
paradox
A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true
121
paraphrase
A version of a text put into simpler, everyday words
122
pastoral
A work of literature dealing with rural life
123
pathetic fallacy
Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects
124
pathos
That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow
125
pentameter
A verse with five poetic feet per line
126
periodic sentence
A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words, the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.
127
persona
The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader, a viewer, or the world at large
128
personification
A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics
129
plot
The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
130
picaresque novel
An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote, Moll Flanders
131
point of view
The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.
132
prosody
The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry
133
protagonist
The main character in a work of literature
134
pseudonym
Also called "pen name" or "nom de plume"; a false name or alias used by writers. Ex: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
135
pulp fiction
Novels written for mass consumption, often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots
136
pun
A humorous play on words, using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings
137
quatrain
A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem
138
realism
The depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.
139
rhetoric
The language of a work and its style; words, often highly emotional, used to convince or sway an audience
140
rhetorical stance
Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject
141
rhyme
The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals, used mostly in poetry.
142
rhyme scheme
The pattern of rhymes within a given poem
143
rhythm
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry
144
roman a clef
French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction
145
romance
An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places
146
sarcasm
A sharp, caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony, which is more subtle
147
satire
A literary style used to poke fun at, attack, or ridicule an idea, vice, or foible, often for the purpose of inducing change
148
scan
The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.
149
sentiment
A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature
150
sentimental
A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish
151
setting
The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time, place, historical milieu, and social, political, and even spiritual circumstances
152
simile
A figurative comparison using the words like or as
153
sonnet
A popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.
154
stanza
A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter, rhyme, or some other plan
155
stream of consciousness
A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind
156
style
The manner in which an author uses and arranges words,
157
subplot
A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play, usually connected to the main plot
158
subtext
The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature
159
symbolism
The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object
160
synecdoche
A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ("fifty masts" for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ("days" for life, as in "He lived his days in Canada"). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ("pigskin" for football)
161
syntax
The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words
162
theme
The main idea or meaning, often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built
163
title character
A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character
164
tone
The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence
165
tragedy
A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish
166
trope
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image, symbol, simile, and metaphor
167
verbal irony
A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words
168
verse
A synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry
169
verisimilitude
Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.
170
versification
The structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. For example: monometer = 1foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet, and so forth
171
villanelle
A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes
172
voice
The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker
173
wit
The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene
174
An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research
abstract
175
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language
adage
176
A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibly an ethical meaning
allegory
177
The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose
alliteration
178
A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea
allusion
179
A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation
ambiguity
180
A person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set
anachronism
181
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things
analogy
182
A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature
annotation
183
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict
antagonist
184
A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences: "They promised freedom but provided slavery"
antithesis
185
A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment
aphorism
186
In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior
Apollonian
187
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present
apostrophe
188
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form
archetype
189
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose
assonance
190
A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited
ballad
191
A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment
bard
192
The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality
bathos
193
French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general
belle-lettres
194
A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.
bibliography
195
A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal
Bildungsroman
196
Poetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton
blank verse
197
Inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects
bombast
198
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation
burlesque
199
Grating, inharmonious sounds
cacophony
200
A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse, often (but not always) marked by punctuation
caesura
201
The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied
canon
202
A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things
caricature
203
Literally, "seize the day"; enjoy life while you can, a common theme in literature
carpe diem
204
A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy
catharsis
205
A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time
classic
206
Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint
classicism
207
The high point, or turning point, of a story or play
climax
208
A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment, education, doses of reality, or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturity
coming-of-age story
209
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language
conceit
210
The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase
connotation
211
The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry
consonance
212
A pair of rhyming lines in a poem
couplet
213
The dictionary definition of a word
denotation
214
The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction
denouement
215
In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem
deus ex machina
216
The choice of words in oral and written discourse
diction
217
As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses
Dionysian
218
A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character, ex. Oedipus Rex
dramatic irony
219
A poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value
elegy
220
Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation
ellipsis
221
A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence "May was hot and June the same," the verb "was" is omitted from the second clause
elliptical construction
222
A feeling of association or identification with an object or person
empathy
223
A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.
end-stopped
224
In poetry, the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them
enjambment
225
An extended narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero that is generally larger than life and is often considered a legendary figure, i.e. Odysseus, Beowulf, Homer's Iliad, Vergil's Aeneid.
epic
226
A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement
epigram
227
Pleasing, harmonious sounds
euphony
228
An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing, ex. sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, sun-bright lake
epithet
229
A term for the title character of a work of literature
eponymous
230
A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. "pass away" instead of "die"
euphemism
231
A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature
exegesis
232
A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings
expose
233
The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature
exposition
234
The interpretation or analysis of a text.
explication
235
A series of comparisons between two unlike objects
extended metaphor
236
A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior
fable
237
The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict
falling action
238
A story containing unreal, imaginary features
fantasy
239
A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.
farce
240
Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language, it implies meanings. Includes metaphors, similes, and personification, among others.
figurative language
241
A narrative told by a character involved in the story, using first-person pronouns such as I and we.
first-person narrative
242
A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.
flashback
243
A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.
foot
244
Providing hints of things to come in a story or play
foreshadowing
245
A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative
frame
246
A kind of poetry without rhymed lines, rhythm, or fixed metrical feet
free verse
247
A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay
genre
248
A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action
Gothic novel
249
A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade
harangue
250
Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.
heroic couplet
251
The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death
hubris
252
A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity
humanism
253
Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect
hyperbole
254
A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place
idyll
255
A word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled, or felt
image
256
"In the middle of things"--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events, but at some other critical point.
in medias res
257
A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased
indirect quotation
258
A direct verbal assault; a denunciation
invective
259
A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected
irony
260
A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities, as in "ring-giver" for king and "whale-road" for ocean
kenning
261
A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation
lampoon
262
A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse, but sometimes with a satirical thrust
light verse
263
A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer
litotes
264
A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences, i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses
loose sentence
265
Personal, reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject
lyric poetry
266
A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth
maxim
267
A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response
melodrama
268
A figure of speech that compares unlike objects
metaphor
269
The work of poets, particularly those of the seventeenth century, that uses elaborate conceits, is highly intellectual, and expresses the complexities of love and life
metaphysical poetry
270
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry
meter
271
A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: "The White House says..."
metonymy
272
The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.
Middle English
273
A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness, using conventions such as invocations to the Muse, action-packed battle scenes, and accounts of heroic exploits.
mock epic
274
The general form, pattern, and manner of expression of a work of literature
mode
275
A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea
montage
276
The emotional tone in a work of literature
mood
277
A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature
moral
278
A phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature
motif
279
One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer
muse
280
An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society
myth
281
A form of verse or prose that tells a story
narrative
282
A term often used as a synonym for realism, also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.
naturalism
283
A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before
non sequitur
284
A work of fiction of roughly 20,000 to 50,000 words--longer than a short story, but shorter than a novel
novella
285
A novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group
novel of manners
286
A lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feeling towards the subject
ode
287
The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.
Old English
288
A narrator with unlimited awareness, understanding, and insight of characters, setting, background, and all other elements of the story
omniscient narrator
289
The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning
onomatopoeia
290
An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem
ottava rima
291
A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect
oxymoron
292
A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived
parable
293
A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true
paradox
294
A version of a text put into simpler, everyday words
paraphrase
295
A work of literature dealing with rural life
pastoral
296
Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects
pathetic fallacy
297
That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow
pathos
298
A verse with five poetic feet per line
pentameter
299
A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words, the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.
periodic sentence
300
The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader, a viewer, or the world at large
persona
301
A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics
personification
302
The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
plot
303
An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote, Moll Flanders
picaresque novel
304
The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.
point of view
305
The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry
prosody
306
The main character in a work of literature
protagonist
307
Also called "pen name" or "nom de plume"; a false name or alias used by writers. Ex: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
pseudonym
308
Novels written for mass consumption, often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots
pulp fiction
309
A humorous play on words, using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings
pun
310
A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem
quatrain
311
The depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.
realism
312
The language of a work and its style; words, often highly emotional, used to convince or sway an audience
rhetoric
313
Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject
rhetorical stance
314
The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals, used mostly in poetry.
rhyme
315
The pattern of rhymes within a given poem
rhyme scheme
316
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry
rhythm
317
French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction
roman a clef
318
An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places
romance
319
A sharp, caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony, which is more subtle
sarcasm
320
A literary style used to poke fun at, attack, or ridicule an idea, vice, or foible, often for the purpose of inducing change
satire
321
The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.
scan
322
A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature
sentiment
323
A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish
sentimental
324
The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time, place, historical milieu, and social, political, and even spiritual circumstances
setting
325
A figurative comparison using the words like or as
simile
326
A popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.
sonnet
327
A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter, rhyme, or some other plan
stanza
328
A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind
stream of consciousness
329
The manner in which an author uses and arranges words,
style
330
A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play, usually connected to the main plot
subplot
331
The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature
subtext
332
The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object
symbolism
333
A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ("fifty masts" for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ("days" for life, as in "He lived his days in Canada"). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ("pigskin" for football)
synecdoche
334
The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words
syntax
335
The main idea or meaning, often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built
theme
336
A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character
title character
337
The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence
tone
338
A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish
tragedy
339
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image, symbol, simile, and metaphor
trope
340
A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words
verbal irony
341
A synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry
verse
342
Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.
verisimilitude
343
The structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. For example: monometer = 1foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet, and so forth
versification
344
A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes
villanelle
345
The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker
voice
346
The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene
wit
