AP literature terms

A narrative with a literal meaning and a secondary, symbolic meaning is called an __.

Allegory

A __ is a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' is known as a __.

Simile

Assigning human traits to non-human entities is referred to as __.

Personification

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses is called __.

Imagery

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities is known as __.

Symbolism

A contrast between expectation and reality is referred to as __.

Irony

The repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a phrase is called __.

Alliteration

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally are termed __.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction is called an __.

Oxymoron

A literary device used to give hints or clues about what will happen later in the story is known as __.

Foreshadowing

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story is called a __.

Motif

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences is known as __.

Anaphora

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, or settings side by side for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts is called __.

Juxtaposition

A statement that appears contradictory but may reveal an underlying truth is known as a __.

Paradox

A moment of sudden revelation or insight experienced by a character is called an __.

Epiphany

A rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order is known as __.

Chiasmus

A form of figurative expression where expertise and opinion are offered in a particular area is known as __.

Punditry

A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals or society is known as __.

Satire

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness is referred to as __.

Ambiguity

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing is known as __.

Diction

The implied or associated meaning of a word beyond its literal definition is called __.

Connotation

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance is known as an __.

Allusion

An artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing nature, individualism, emotion, and the glorification of the past is called __.

Romanticism

A literary piece that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists is known as a __.

Pastiche

A manuscript or piece of writing that has been written on and erased is a __.

Palimpsest

A literary tradition that idealizes romantic love and chivalric values is known as __.

Courtly Love

The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words to create rhythm is called __.

Assonance

The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity within a sentence or phrase is known as __.

Consonance

A literary technique that attempts to represent everyday activities as they are is called __.

Realism

A literary movement that suggests that environment and heredity determine human behavior is known as __.

Naturalism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice is called __.

Existentialism

A concept where individuals feel isolated or detached from their surroundings is referred to as __.

Alienation