AP Lit Terms 9

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Asyndeton

The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.

Chiasmus

A rhetorical device in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

Voice

The individual style, tone, and personality of a writer or speaker as expressed through their choice of words and point of view.

Absolutes

Words or phrases that are free from limitation or qualification, such as "always," "never," "all," or "none."

Denouement

The final resolution, outcome, or clarification of the intricate plot or climax in a story.

Deus ex machina

An unexpected, artificial, or improbable power, event, or character suddenly introduced to resolve a seemingly hopeless situation or plot conflict.

Refrain

A repeated line, phrase, or group of lines recurring at regular intervals in a poem or song, usually at the end of a stanza.

Hubris

Excessive pride, self