American Lit > Vcab > Flashcards

Vcab Flashcards

(103 cards)

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1
Q

Onomatopoeia

A

is the process of creating a word that
phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes.
Such a word itself is also called an onomatopoeia. Common onomatopoeias

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2
Q

Nonfiction

A

Prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people,
such as biography or history. Examples: Expository, argumentative,
functional, and opinion pieces; essays on art or literature; biographies;
memoirs; journalism; and historical,

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3
Q

Oxymoron

A

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms
appear in conjunction (e.g. faith unfaithful kept him falsely true ). is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in
Shakespeare’s line from Romeo and Juliet, “Why, then, O brawling love!

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4
Q

Paradox

A

seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition
that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Examples: Here are some famous examples of paradox: “I can’t live with or
without you” (With or Without You, lyrics by U2) “Whatever you do in life will

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5
Q

Science Fiction

A

Fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological
advances and major social or environmental changes, frequently portraying
space or time travel and life on other planets. Examples: Science fiction is
often called the “literature of ideas.” Sci-fi novels include a wide variety of

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6
Q
  1. Understatement
A

presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or
less important than it actually is. Examples: A modest understatement
would be: “I did OK on that test.” You scrape the entire side of your car. A
comedic understatement would be: “It is only a small scratch.” Describing

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7
Q

Tragedy

A

An
event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such
as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe. Examples: Romeo and
Juliet is a tragedy. .. Oedipus Rex is a tragedy. When Oedipus

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8
Q

Soliloquy

A

An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or
regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.Examples:
From Romeo and Juliet-Juliet speaks her thoughts aloud when she learns

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9
Q

Similie

A

A is a figure of speech that directly compares two things.
differ from other metaphors by highlighting the similarities between
two things using comparison words such as “like”,

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10
Q

Setting

A

The manner, position, or direction in which something is set. 2 : the

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11
Q

Regionalism

A

59.
The theory or practice of regional rather than central systems
of administration or economic, cultural, or political affiliation. Examples:
Free-trade areas, customs unions, common markets, and economic unions.
… The most basic form is a free-trade area, such as EFTA, which eliminates

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12
Q

Resolution

A

A firm decision to do or not to do something. Examples:

Sometimes the conflict is resolved in a way that is painful for characters,

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13
Q

Motif

A

A distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary
composition. Examples: A repeated reference or visual of shattered glass

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14
Q

Satire

A

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and
criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of
contemporary politics and other topical issues. Examples: Here are some
common and familiar examples of satire: political cartoons-satire political
events and/or politicians. … The Importance of Being Earnest-dramatic

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15
Q

Moral

A

The lesson

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16
Q

Stream of consciousness

A

-A person’s thoughts and conscious reactions to
events, perceived as a continuous flow. The term was introduced by William
James in his Principles of Psychology (1890).

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17
Q

Metaphor

A

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an
object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

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18
Q

Style

A

55.

a manner of doing something. Examples :She picked a red rose

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19
Q

Meter

A

56.The SI base unit of length (equivalent to approximately 39.37 inches),
first introduced as a unit of length in the metric system. Examples :Once
upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered,

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20
Q

Moral

A

Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the
goodness or badness of human character.

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21
Q

Suspense

A

57.
-A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what
may happen. Examples: wondering

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22
Q

Myth

A

63.
A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a
people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically
involving supernatural beings or events. Examples: Icarus flying too close
to the sun until his wax wings melted

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23
Q

Humor

A

37
The quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in
literature or speech. Examples

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24
Q

Hyperbole

A

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Examples :There’s enough food in

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25
Idiom
39. Phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Examples: if you say someone has "cold feet," it doesn't
26
Imagery
40. Part of the figurative language in a literary work, whereby the author uses vivid images to describe
27
Irony
41. The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic
28
Juxtaposition
42. The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with a contrasting effect. Examples :What's
29
Legend
43. A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated. Example : Ali Baba, the Fountain of Youth, Paul Bunyan, Kraken, Atlantis, the Loch Ness Monster, and Bigfoot.
30
Memoir
44. A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. Examples:Henry David
31
Flash forward
46. A is a scene that temporarily takes the narrative forward in time from the current point of the story in literature, film, television and other media. Flashforwards are often used to represent events expected, projected, or imagined to occur in the future. Example The ghost of Christmas future takes him to see what
32
Parody
48. An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. Examples:
33
Personification
49. The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. Examples :Lightning
34
Plot
50. A plan made in secret by a group of people to do something illegal or harmful. Examples :The king died and
35
Dialect
14 . A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group. Example : Cantonese to the Chinese
36
Dialogue
15. | -Conversation between two or more people
37
Point of view
51. A particular attitude or way of considering a matter. Examples: If the narrator is a participant in the story, it is more likely that the point of view would be first person,
38
Stereotype
52. A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Examples:Someone
39
Diction
16. The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Examples: We would not address a stranger in the same way as a good friend, and we would not address a boss in that same
40
Drama
17 is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in
41
Epic
18. A long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation. Example : Perhaps the most
42
Epigram
19. A pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. Example:Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." JFK. "Little strokes fell great oaks
43
Epithet
20. An adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. Example: French king Charles the Bald and Spanish king Philip the
44
Essay
21. is, generally, a piece of writing that gives the author's own argument, but the definition is vague, overlapping with those of a letter, a papclassifieder, an article, a pamphlet, and a short story. Essays have traditionally been sub- as formal and informal.
45
Exposition
22. A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory. Examples: The place to show the reader
46
Fable
23. A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral. Examples: The fox and the grapes. This
47
Farce
24. A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.Examples: National Lampoon's"
48
Fiction
25. literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact, though it may be based on a true story or situation. Types of literature in the fiction genre include the novel, short
49
Figurative language
26. Phrasing that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to get a message or point across. This definition dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and comes from the Old French word "figuratif." meaning "metaphorical." Writers create figurative
50
Flashback
27. is when memories of a past trauma feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. Examples: A woman is about to get married. As she puts on her veil, she remembers
51
Foil
28. Prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from | succeeding. Examples:John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men. George and
52
Autobiography
The story of a person's life written by that person. | Example:Charles Dickens'
53
Biography
9. An account of someone's life written by someone else. Example:Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (made even more famous by the musical "Hamilton," created by Lin-Manuel Miranda) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Into
54
Atmosphere
The dominant mood or feeling conveyed by a piece of writing. | Example: The ozone and other
55
Characterization
10. Characterization- The creation or construction of a fictional character. Example: 11. Classicism: Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship, especially from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Example: 12. Climax-The climax or turning point of a narrative work is its point of highest tension and drama, or it is the time when the action starts during which the solution is given. The climax of a story is a literary element. Example: Often the climax is recognized as the most exciting part of a story. Examples of Climax: In Romeo and Juliet, the climax is often recognized as being the moment when Romeo kills Tybalt. At this point, Romeo is doomed and the play begins the downfall of the young protagonist. 13. Comedy-Comedy is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or any other entertainment medium. Example :
56
Classicism
11. Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship,
57
Climax
12. Climax-The climax or turning point of a narrative work is its point of highest tension and drama, or it is the time when the action starts during which the solution is given.
58
Comedy
13. is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio,
59
Alliteration
The repetition of a similar sound most often consonants sounds at the beginning of words. Example : Betty Botter bought some butter, but she said this butter's
60
Allusion
2 - A reference in a work of literature to a character, a place or a situation from history from music and art or another work of literature. Example: Chocolate is his Kryptonite.
61
Analogy
3. A comparison to show similarities between two things that are otherwise dissimilar. Writers often use an analogy to explain something unfamiliar by comparing it to something
62
Antagonist
A person or a force that opposes the protagonist or central characters in a story or drama. The reader is generally meant not to sympathize with the antagonist. Example: lago
63
Aphorism
5. A short pointed statement that expresses a wise or clever | observation about the human experience.
64
Aside
6. In play a comment made by a character that is heard by the audience or another character but is not heard by the audience or another character is not heard by another character on stage. Example : A character in a play may share secret feelings about another character
65
Atmosphere
The dominant mood or feeling conveyed by a piece of writing. | Example : The ozone and
66
Filch
To take from cash drawer
67
Flout
Sneer, snicker
68
Fractious
SYNONYMs: refractory, recalcitrant, peevish
69
precept
SYNONYMS: principle, maxim
70
salutary
The cute new puppy had a salutary effect on her health. SYNONYMS; salubrious, curative ANTONYMS: detrimental, deleterious,
71
Scathing
(adj.) bitterly severe, withering; causing great harm Sometimes a carefully reasoned discussion does more to change people's minds than a scathing attack. SYNONYMS: searing, harsh, ferocious, savage
72
Scourage
source of severe punishment or criticism Jonathan Swift used wit to scourage the British government for its cruel treatment of Ireland Competing teams consider my
73
Amnesty
(n.) a generallpardon for an offense against a government in general, any act of forgiveness or absolution Many political prisoners were freed under the amenesty granted by the new
74
Autonomy
(n.) self-government, political control Even after the thirteen colonies gained autonomy from England, many Americans ciung to English traditions SYNONYM: home rule ANTONYMS: dependence, subjection, colonial
75
Axiomatic
(adj.) self-evident expressing a universally accepted principle or rule One should not accept the idea that the camera never lies as an axiomatic truth. SYNONYM: taken for granted ANTONYMS: questionable, dubious,
76
Biazon
(v.) to adorn or embellish; to display conspicuously; to publish or proclaim widely They will blazon the results of the election across the Internet and every television set in the land. SYNONYMS: broadcast, trumpet ANTONYMS: hide, conceal, cover
77
Caveat
(n.) a warning or caution to prevent misunderstanding or discourage behavior The well known Latin phrase "cave at emptor" means "Let the buyer beware.
78
Equitable
(adj.) fair, just, embodying principles of justice He did more work, so a sixty-forty split of the profits seemed an equitable arrangement. SYNONYMS: right, reasonable, evenhanded
79
Extricate
(V.) to free from entanglements or difficulties; to remove with effort The ring must have slid off my
80
Precept
1. Her approach to the problem seems to have been guided by the time-honored precept that "Force is the remedy for nothing
81
Autonomy
2. Since the close of Werld War Il, almost 100 former colonies have gained full autonomy and joined the family of
82
Extricate
3. She has made so many contradiciory promises to so many people that I don't see how she can extricate herself from
83
Axiomatic
5. It is axiomatic. that democracy, more than any other form of government, calls for the active participation of
84
Equitable
6. The decision was a disappointment to me, but after thinking it over, I had to agree that it was equitable
85
Amnesty
The new government, seeking to restore normal conditions, declared a(n) amnestiv for all political prisoners.
86
Scourage
8. It was Lincoln who said: *Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty of war may speedily pass 8. It was Lincoln who said: *Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty ——- of war may speedily pass away.
87
Straitaced ?
*The standards of behavior generally accepted in Victorian times would probably be rejected today as excessively_ Straitaced
88
Caveat
10. I tried to warn them of the dangers involved in such an undertaking, but all my Caveat and admonitions fell on deaf ears.
89
Unwieldy
11. The carton was not heavy, but it was so unwidely us to carry it to the shed. that it took four of
90
Vapid
12. Even the most talented actors could not breathe life and credibility into the vapid lines of that silly play.
91
Filch
13. Who would have thought that the new treasurer could sink so low as to flich money from the club's petty cash fund?
92
Scathing
14. My teacher's criticism of my term paper was so _ scathing reading it I felt thoroughly crushed. that after
93
Fractious
15. It became clear that the squad of policemen would be unable to control the small but fractious crowd of angry protesters.
94
Salutary
Failures are always unpleasant, but if you learn from them, they may have a(n) 17. Failures are always unpleasant, but if you learn from them, they may have a(n) Saluatory effect on your future career.
95
Transient
16. His fame as a football star proved to be tronsient himsell just another young ran looking for a job. , and he
96
soporitic
(säp a rif' ik) 土乙0 /My sister announced in a severe and seouchra) tone of voice that we were out of cookies SYNONYMs: doleful, lugubrious, mortuary 17. straitlaced (strät' last) ``` (n.) something that induces sleep He claimed that the musical, despite its energy. was ———- through the entire second act. and that he had slept Shakespeare's Juliet drinks a _Soporitfic SYNONYMS: (n.) narcotic, anesthetic so as to appear to be dead- a trick she ```
97
Sepulchral
Funeral, gloomy #4 ( /My sister announced in a severe and seouchra) tone of voice that we were out of cookies SYNONYMs: doleful, lugubrious, mortuary
98
Straitlaced
(adi.) extremely strict in regard to moral standards and conduct; prudish, puritanical Travelers may find people overseas Straitloced in some ways but surprisingly free in others. SYNONYMs: highly conventional, overly strict, stuffy ANTONYMS: lax, loose, indulgent, permissive, dissolute
99
Unwieldy
(ad.) not easily carried, handled, or managed because of size or complexity We loaded the truck with the chairs and the coffee table bul the grand piano was too unwiedly SYNONYMS: cumbersome, bulky, clumsy, impractical
100
Vapid
(ad).) dull. uninteresting, tiresome; lacking in sharpness, flar. liveliness, or force While critics called the movie vania I thought the performers were very compelling. SYNONYMS: insipid, lifeless, colorless ANTONYMS: zesty, spicy, savory, colorful, lively
101
Transient
(adj.) lasting only a short time, fleeting; (n.) one who stays ony a short time His bad mood was fronsient and or the time he'd finished his breakfast, he was smiling. Many farm hands lived the lives of transient during the Great Depression. SYNONYMS: (adj.) impermanent, ephemeral, evanescent
102
Extricate
3. She has made so many contradiciory promises to so many people that I don't see how she can ———- herself from the situation
103
Soporific
(n.) something that induces sleep He claimed that the musical, despite its energy. was Soporific through the entire second act. and that he had slept Shakespeare's Juliet drinks a _Soporitfic SYNONYMS: (n.) narcotic, anesthetic so as to appear to be dead- a trick she is soon lo regai ANTONYMS: (adj.) stimulating: (n.) stimulant,

American Lit (1 decks)

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