AP Lang Literary Terms #2

Paradox

Definition: A statement that seems false but is true Example: "Less is more" in design philosophy

Parallelism

Definition: Using similar sentence structures for emphasis Example: "She ran fast, jumped high, and threw far"

Anaphora

Definition: Repeating words at the start of sentences Example: "We shall fight on land, we shall fight on sea"

Chiasmus

Definition: Reversing word order in repeated phrases Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you"

Antithesis

Definition: Contrasting opposite ideas in parallel structure Example: "To err is human, to forgive divine"

Zeugma (Syllepsis)

Definition: One word connecting to two others differently Example: "He broke his promise and his mother's heart"

Parenthetical Idea

Definition: Extra information set off by parentheses Example: "The movie (which lasted three hours) was boring"

Parody

Definition: Funny imitation that mocks the original Example: "Weird Al" Yankovic's song parodies

Persona

Definition: The fictional narrator telling the story Example: Holden Caulfield in "Catcher in the Rye"

Alliteration

Definition: Repeating beginning consonant sounds in words Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"

Assonance

Definition: Repeating vowel sounds within words Example: "Hear the mellow wedding bells"

Consonance

Definition: Repeating consonant sounds at word endings Example: "Pitter patter" of rain

Onomatopoeia

Definition: Words that sound like what they describe Example: "The bee buzzed loudly"

Internal Rhyme

Definition: Rhyming words within the same line Example: "I went to town to buy a gown"

Slant Rhyme

Definition: Words that almost rhyme but don't exactly Example: "Orange" and "sporange" (if that were a word!)

End Rhyme

Definition: Words that rhyme at line endings Example: "Twinkle, twinkle little star / How I wonder what you are"

Rhyme Scheme

Definition: The pattern of rhymes in a poem Example: ABAB pattern: cat/dog/bat/log

Stressed and Unstressed Syllables

Definition: Emphasis patterns in spoken words Example: "RAIN-bow" (first syllable stressed)

Meter

Definition: Regular rhythm pattern in poetry Example: The steady beat in nursery rhymes

Free Verse

Iambic Pentameter

Definition: Ten-syllable lines with alternating stress pattern Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question"

Sonnet

Definition: Fourteen-line poem with specific rhyme scheme Example: Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18"

Polysyndeton

Definition: Using many "and"s or "or"s in lists Example: "We ate pizza and burgers and fries and cake"

Pun

Definition: Wordplay using multiple meanings of words Example: "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like bananas"

Rhetoric

Definition: The art of persuasive speaking or writing Example: Political campaign speeches

Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle

Definition: Writer, audience, and subject relationship in communication Example: A persuasive essay connecting all three elements

Rhetorical Question

Definition: Question asked for effect, not expecting answer Example: "Is this really the best we can do?"

Romanticism

Definition: Art emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism Example: Paintings of dramatic landscapes and emotions

Sarcasm

Definition: Bitter, mocking comments using irony Example: "Great job!" said to someone who failed

Satire

Definition: Humor used to criticize society's flaws Example: "The Daily Show" mocking political news

Appositive

Definition: Extra information about a noun Example: "My brother, the doctor, called yesterday"

Clause

Definition: Group of words with subject and verb Example: "When it rains" (dependent) + "I stay inside" (independent)

Balanced Sentence

Definition: Two equal parts that mirror each other Example: "Easy come, easy go"

Compound Sentence

Definition: Two complete thoughts joined together Example: "I like coffee, but she prefers tea"

Complex Sentence

Definition: One main idea with dependent parts Example: "Although it's raining, we'll go hiking"

Cumulative Sentence

Definition: Main idea first, then additional details Example: "The dog ran, barking loudly, chasing the cat"

Periodic Sentence

Definition: Details first, main idea at the end Example: "After hours of studying, she finally passed the test"

Simple Sentence

Definition: One complete thought with subject and verb Example: "Birds fly"

Declarative Sentence

Definition: Statement that gives information Example: "The sky is blue"

Imperative Sentence

Definition: Command or request to do something Example: "Close the door"

Interrogative Sentence

Definition: Question seeking information or response Example: "What time is it?"

Style

Definition: Writer's unique way of expressing ideas Example: Hemingway's short, simple sentences

Symbol

Definition: Object representing a deeper meaning Example: A dove representing peace

Syntax/Sentence Variety

Definition: How words and sentences are arranged Example: Mixing short and long sentences for effect

Theme

Definition: Main message or lesson of work Example: "Good triumphs over evil" in fairy tales

Thesis

Definition: Main argument or point of writing Example: "Schools should start later for better student health"

Tone

Definition: Writer's attitude toward the subject Example: Playful tone in children's books

Understatement

Definition: Making something seem less important intentionally Example: "The tornado caused minor inconvenience" (when it destroyed everything)

Litotes

Definition: Understatement using double negative for emphasis Example: "That wasn't bad" (meaning it was very good)