Ap literature terms

Anti hero

A protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine). Ex. Rorschach

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event. Ex. Pandora’s box

Nemesis

The protagonist’s arch enemy or supreme and persistent difficulty. Ex. Joker to Batman.

Tragic flaw

The character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall. Ex Walter white’s ego.

Theme

A main idea or moral lesson of the story. Ex coming of age.

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. Example: remeo thinking Juliet is dead

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. Ex: titanic

Gothic novel

A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action. Ex: Frankenstein

Foreshadowing

The use of hints and clue to suggest what will happen later in a plot. Ex: Lenny keeps killing animals then a person

Allegory

A literary work in which the attached represent abstract ideals; a symbolic representation. Ex: animal farm-Soviet revolution.

Symbolism

A device in literature where an object represents an idea. Ex: rabbits in mice in men represent lennies dream

Motif

A recurring element in a literary work-such as an image, symbol, phrase ,situation, or idea-that helps develop or reinforce the themes of the story. Ex: red represents love

Hyperbole

A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor. Ex: I’m so hungry I can eat a horse

Irony

A contrast between what is expected and what actually exists or happens. Ex butcher shop worker didn’t have meat for dinner.

Juxtaposition

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, or images side by side (or close together) to highlight their contrasts or sometimes unexpected similarities. Ex: good and evil against each other