Vocab 1-2 AP Lit

Abstract

(in writing) this is typically complex, discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, and seldom uses examples to support its points.

Anticlimax

a disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events Antihero - a protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine)

Archaism

the use of deliberately old-fashioned language.

Allegory

a literary work in which the characters represent abstract ideas; a symbolic representation

Antecedent

the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers.

Aphorism

a brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.

Ballad

any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form.

Couplet

two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme

Denotation

the dictionary definition of a word

Dramatic Irony

(theater) irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

Epic

a long narrative poem written in elevated style which present the adventures of characters of high position and episodes that are important to the history of a race or nation

Euphony

any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds

Foot

the basic unit of rhythmic measurement in a line of poetry

Foreshadowing

the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot

Gothic Novel

a novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action

Hyperbole

a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor

Inversion

the reversal of the normal order of words

Irony

a contrast between what is expected and what actually exists or happens

Masculine Rhyme

final syllable of first word rhymes with final syllable of second word (scald recalled)

Melodrama

a form of cheesy theater in which the hero is very, very good, the villain mean and rotten, and the heroine oh-so-pure.

Nemesis

the protagonist's arch enemy or supreme and persistent difficulty.

Paradox

a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

Personification

the act of attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas etc.

Pun

a play on words, often achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings

Rhetorical Question

a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered

Simile

a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with 'like' or 'as')

Symbolism

a device in literature where an object represents an idea.

Theme

the main idea of the story

Travesty

a grotesque or grossly inferior imitation

Utopia

an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal