Ap Lit

Abstract

A summary of the main points of a text or a concept that is not tangible.

Anachronism

An error in chronology, where something is placed in a time period where it does not belong.

Antecedent

A word, phrase, or clause that is referred to by a pronoun or other substitute later in the text.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words to create rhythm or enhance meaning.

Ballad

A form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that tells a story.

Burlesque

A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious work or genre.

Dirge

A mournful song or piece of music, often played at funerals.

Epic

A lengthy narrative poem, often detailing heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.

Feminine Rhyme

A rhyme that occurs between stressed syllables followed by one or more unstressed syllables.

Interior Monologue

A narrative technique that reveals a character's inner thoughts and feelings.

Inversion

A literary technique where the normal order of words is reversed for emphasis or poetic effect.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

Parallelism

The use of similar structures in two or more phrases, clauses, or sentences to create balance and rhythm.

Persona

The voice or character that an author adopts in a literary work, distinct from their own identity.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as."

Stock Characters

Stereotypical characters that are easily recognizable and often recur in literature.

Subjunctive Mood

A verb form used to express hypothetical or non-real situations, wishes, or demands.

Travesty

A distorted or exaggerated imitation of a serious work, often for comedic effect.

Tragic Flaw

A character trait that leads to the downfall of a protagonist in a tragedy.

Utopia

An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.

Accent

The emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word in speech.

Aesthetic

A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty in art and literature.

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Anticlimax

A disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events.

Antihero

A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes.

Atmosphere

The overall mood or feeling evoked by a literary work.

Caricature

An exaggerated portrayal of a character or situation, often for comic effect.

Conceit

An extended metaphor that makes a surprising connection between two seemingly dissimilar things.

Doggerel

A comic verse that is often poorly written and has a irregular rhythm.

Elegy

A poem or song written in honor of someone deceased, expressing sorrow or lamentation.

Enjambment

The continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break in poetry.

Parable

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Pastoral

A literary work that idealizes rural life and nature, often contrasting it with urban life.