AP Lit 3rd Set of Terms

Metonymy

Metonymy

a figure of speech in which one object or idea takes the place of another with which it has a close association

Ode

a form of poetry such as sonnet or elegy. A literary technique that is lyrical in nature, but not very lengthy. Usually praise about people, natural scenes, and abstract ideas

Omniscient

writing a narrative in third person, in which the narrator knows the feelings and thoughts of every character in the story

Oxymoron

a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing/or contradictory. Creates an impression, enhances a concept, and even entertains the reader

Paradox

a statement that first seems to be contradictory, but makes sense upon reflection

Pathos

a device designed to inspire emotions from readers.

Personification

when an idea or thing is given human attributes and/or feelings or is spoken of as if it were human. Common form of metaphor

Prosody

the study of meter, intonation, and rhythm of a poetic work. Term that uses meter, rhythm, tempo, pitch, and loudness in a speech for conveying info about the meanings and structure of an utterance.

Resolution

the unfolding or solution of a complicated issue in a story following the climax. AKA denouement

Rhyme

literary device, featured particularly in poetry, in which identical or similar concluding syllables in different words are repeated. Usually function of sound rather than spelling

Rhythm

lit device that demonstrates the long and short patterns through stressed and unstressed syllables

Rising Action

a plot in a series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a narrative. Includes all decisions, characters’ flaws, and background circumstances that together create turns and twists leading to a climax

Round Character

a character with a complex personality, depth in feelings, depth in passions.

Satire

device for the artful ridicule of folly or vice as a means of exposing or correcting it. Subject is usually human fraility

Sentimentality

the experience, display, effect, and interpretation of emotion, and bringing those emotions about in readers

Simile

a figure of speech in which two essentially dissimilar objects or concepts are expressly compared with one another through the use of “like” or “as”

Situational Irony

a form of irony in which something takes place that is different or the opposite of what is expected to happen

Soliloquy

a device in the form of a speech or monologue spoken by a single character in a theatrical play or drama. Used for the character to express their inner thoughts and feelings that are not intended to be heard or known by other characters in the play or the audience members

Sonnet

a poem generally structured in the form of 14 lines, usually iambic pentameter, that expresses a thought or idea and utilizes an established rhyme scheme

Speaker

the voice that speaks behind the scene.