Ap Lit terms #4

allegory

a literary device where characters, events, or settings represent abstract ideas or moral qualities

Amplification

a literary device used to enhance or exaggerate a statement for emphasis.

anastrophe

literary device that involves the inversion of the usual order of words in a sentence, often for emphasis or to maintain a specific meter

bibliomancy

the practice of foretelling the future by interpreting a randomly chosen passage from a book, especially the Bible.

circumlocution

The use of many words to express an idea that could be communicated more succinctly, often used to avoid directness or to soften the subject matter

denotation

the literal dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotional or cultural associations. It represents the basic, objective meaning of a term

dramatic irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect:

epithet

an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned:

euphemism

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

fable

a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral:

faulty parallelism

when elements in a sentence that should be grammatically similar are mismatched, creating awkward or unclear writing.

malapropism

the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar sounding one, often with an amusing effect (e.g. ‘dance a flamingo’ instead of flamenco)

metonymy

the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant, for example suit for business executive, or the turf for horse racing

motif

a recurring element—such as an image, idea, symbol, or action—that reinforces the themes and adds depth to a work

nemesis

formidable opponent or force that is intrinsically linked to the protagonist’s downfall, often embodying their flaws, fears, or fate

onomatopoeia

words that are made to make an impression of a sound

ex: boom, pow

pathetic fallacy

literary device where human emotions or characteristics are attributed to nature or inanimate objects to reflect a character’s feelings or set the mood

periphrases

literary device that involves the use of indirect or roundabout expressions to convey a meaning that could be expressed more succinctly. It often replaces a straightforward term with a longer, more descriptive phrase, adding depth and artistry to the writing

polysyndeton

literary device in which multiple coordinating conjunctions are deliberately used in succession to create emphasis, rhythm, or a sense of accumulation.

simile

a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion).

situational irony

a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs, used to build suspense, deepen themes, or inject humor into the story

spoonerism

the initial sounds or letters of two or more words are swapped, often creating a humorous or nonsensical effect.

synesthesia

literary technique where writers combine sensory imagery to create a more evocative experience for the reader, involves the intermingling of different senses, such as sight, sound, and taste, to enhance the emotional connection and depth of the text

synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in England lost by six wickets (meaning ‘the English cricket team’).

Verbal irony

when a speaker says something that intentionally contrasts with their true meaning, often to convey humor, criticism, or emphasis