Ap Lit 5th Set of Terms

Stanza

Stanza

In poetry, a division of four or more lines having a fixed length, meter, or rhyming scheme

Static Character

a character that does not undergo inner changes or changes only a little. A character that doesn’t develop or grow

Stock character

a character of a type quickly recognized and accepted by the reader and requiring no development by the writer

Stream-of-consciousness technique

the continuous flow of thoughts of a person and recorded in literature as they occur.

Stress

the emphasis that falls on certain syllables and not others. The foundation of poetic rhythm

Symbol

an object, person, situation, or action that has a literal meaning in the story, but suggests or represents other meanings

Synecdoche

a figure of speech in a which a part of something is used to signify the whole, or vice-vers

Syntax

a set of rules in a language, dictating how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought

Tone

a literary device that reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work

Tragedy

a literary device signifying a story or drama that presents an admirable or courageous character that confronts powerful forces inside and/or outside themselves. They do so with dignity and are undone by a critical character flaw or by the cruelty of fate

Tragic flaw

a literary device that represents a flaw or deficiency in character that results in the downfall of the hero in a tragic literary work. The principal defect in character or judgement that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero.

Unreliable narrator

a character who tells a story with a lack of credibility

Verbal irony

when a speaker says something contradictory to what they intend to say. This is intentional and contadictory to the character’s emotions and actions

Romanticism

one of the recurring themes linked to imagination, idealism, inspiration, intuition, or individualism. Often criticizes the past, stresses upon sensibility, isolation of the writer, and pays homage to nature

Theme

central, deeper meaning of a written work. Writers convey theme, reader perceives and interprets it, rather than having writer writing overtly/directly state theme. Helps reader develop greater understanding of the world itself

Understatement

a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is

Unity

when all parts of a written work are used to achieve the same goal, to express on complete meaning

Bildungsroman

a novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character, from their youth to adulthood. Coming-of-age novel, where the protag matures

Epic

a long narrative poem that is elevated and dignified in theme, tone, and style. Celebrates heroic deeds and historically important events.

Conceit

a comparison that is convoluted, unconventional, and/or improbable