vocab 1 & 2

Abstract

N. Abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research

Ad hominem

Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason

The adage, Aphorism, Maxim

A saying or proverb containing a generally accepted truth or sentiment

Allegory

A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface S+S+S+...

Alliteration

Repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem

Allusion

Reference to a person, place, event, meant to create an effect or enhance meaning

Ambiguity

Avagueness of meaning; conscious lack of clarity to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations

Anachronism

Person, scene, or event that fails to correspond with the appropriate time era

Analogy

The comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things

Anecdote

The brief narrative is often used to illustrate an idea or make a point

Annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature

Antagonist

Character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict

Antecedent

A word to which a pronoun refers

Antithesis

Rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences

Apollonian

In contrast to Dionysian, refers to the noblest, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior

Apostrophe

A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present

Arch

Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful

Archetype

An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a model or form

Assonance

Repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry

Bard

A poet

Bathos

Insincere or overdone sentimentality Belles-Lettres French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general

Burlesque

A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation

Cacophony Grating

inharmonious sounds

Canon

The works considered important in national literature or period

Caricature

likeness of striking qualities in persons and things

Carpe Diem

Seize the day a common theme

Circumlocution

Literally "talking around" a subject

Bombast

inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects

Classic

A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time

Classical, classicism

Derives from orderly qualities of Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint

Clause

Structural element of a sentence consisting of a subject and verb

Climax

The high point, or turning point of a story

Comparison/contrast

A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted

Conceit

An elaborate, usually intellectually ingenious poetic comparison or image, such as an analogy or metaphor

Concrete detail

A highly specific , particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract

Connotation

The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase

Consonance

The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words

Critique

An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, its limitations, and its conformity to a set of standards

Cynic

One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct

Deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word

Denouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a story

Descriptive detail

Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place, or thing

Deus ex machine

In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem

Diction

An author's choice of words

Didactic

Having an instructive purpose

Digression

Portion of writing that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic

Dionysian

Distinguished from Apollonian, refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses

Dramatic irony

The audience or reader knows something about a situation that a character does not know

Elegy

Poem or prose that laments on the passing or death of someone or something

Ellipses

... indicates the omission of words in a thought or quotation

Elliptical construction

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words.

Empathy

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person (what it is to BE them)

Epic

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero

Epigram

A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement

Euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds

Epithet

An adjective or phrase that captures a quality of a person or thing

Eponymous

A term for the title character of a work of literature