AP terms 4

Paradox

is a statement that contradicts itself or must be both true and untrue simultaneously. Paradoxes are quirks in logic that demonstrate how our thinking sometimes goes haywire, even when we use perfectly logical reasoning to get there.
• In literature the contradiction usually reflects a truth about life.

Oxymoron

an expression in which two words that
contradict each other are joined

Ad Hominem

an argument attacking an individual’s character rather than his or her position on an issue

Ad Populum

an appeal to popularity, arguing that something is true simply
because many people believe it

ad vericundiam

argument that appeals to authority, it is an argument that a claim is true because it is supported by an authority figure – often irrelevant authority

Circular Reasoning

an argument that assumes the very thing it is trying to prove is true.

syllogism

a three-part deductive argument in which a conclusion is based on a major premise and a minor premise

Tautology

needless repetition which adds no meaning or understanding, or the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style

Pedantic

characterized by an excessive display of learning or scholarship, overly formal language. Focus on rules, minor details,

antithesis

___ literally means “opposite” – it is
usually the opposite of a statement, concept,
or idea. In literary analysis, an __ Syntaxis a
pair of statements or images in which the one
reverses the other. The pair is written with
similar grammatical structures to show more
contrast.

Syntax

a set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought

Pun

A pun is a literary device that is also known as a “play on words.” Puns involve words (homophones) with similar or identical sounds but with different meanings.

Epiphanhy

an “Aha!” moment. As a literary device, epiphany (pronounced ih- pif–uh-nee) is the moment when
a character is suddenly struck with a life- changing realization which changes the rest of the story.

Understatement

figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is

Cadence

is derived from the Latin word cadentia, which means “a falling.” It is the term used to signal the rising and falling of the voice when reading a literary piece. In poetry, it is the momentary changes in rhythm and pitch. Cadences help set the rhythmic pace of a literary piece