AP LIT Glossary Terms 1-25

Abstract (style)

Writing that deals with ideas, concepts, or qualities rather than concrete objects or events.

Academic (style)

Formal, analytical, and fact-based writing that emphasizes logical structure over emotional appeal.

Accent

The emphasis placed on a syllable in speech or poetry.

Aesthetics

The study or philosophy of beauty in art and literature.

Allegory

A narrative in which characters, events, or settings symbolize abstract concepts or moral truths.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.

Allusion

A reference to another work, event, or figure, often without explicit identification.

Anachronism

Something placed in a time period where it does not belong.

Analogy

A comparison between two unlike things to explain or clarify an idea.

Anecdote

A short, personal story used to illustrate a point.

Antecedent

The word or phrase that a pronoun refers back to.

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human traits or behaviors to animals, gods, or objects.

Anticlimax

A disappointing or trivial conclusion following a build-up of expectations.

Antihero

A central character lacking traditional heroic qualities such as bravery or morality.

Aphorism

A concise, witty statement of truth or principle.

Apostrophe

Addressing an absent person, object, or abstract idea directly.

Archaism

The use of old-fashioned or obsolete language.

Aside

A short comment or speech in drama heard by the audience but not by other characters.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

Atmosphere

The mood or emotional tone created by a literary work.

Ballad

A narrative poem, often in song form, traditionally passed down orally.

Black Humor

Comedy that makes light of serious, disturbing, or taboo subjects.

Bombast

Overly inflated, pompous language with little real meaning.

Burlesque

A humorous imitation that exaggerates style or content for comic effect.

Cacophony

Harsh, discordant sounds used for effect in writing.