AP English Literature - Glossary Terms (26-50)

cadence

the rhythmic flow or sequence of sound in language

canto

a major unit of division in epics or long narrative poems, serving a similar function to chapters in novels

caricature

a character whose central traits are exaggerated to the point of ridiculousness, often for comic effect

catharsis

intense emotion effect that a tragedy has on the audience

chorus

a group of performers who provide commentary on the action of a play, often through song, dance, and recitation

colloqualism

the use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech

conceit

highly elaborate and extended metaphor that compares two very dissimilar things

connotation

the emotional, cultural, or social associations and implications associated with a word beyond its literal meaning

consonance

repetition of consonant sounds within words or at the end of words in close proximity

couplet

pair of consecutive lines of poetry that typically rhyme and have the same meter

decorum

the appropriate behavior, speech, and conduct expected in a given situation

denotation

the literal, dictionary definition of a word

diction

the writer’s choice of words and phrases

dirge

a song or poem composed to express grief or mourning

dissonance

the use of harsh, clashing, or conflicting elements in language, themes, or character behavior to create tension and impact

doggerel

a style of poetry characterized by its irregular rhythm and rhyme, often used for comic or satirical effect

dramatic irony

a literary device that highlights the difference between a character’s understanding of a given situation and that of the audience

dramatic monologue

a type of poetry or prose in which a single character speaks to a silent audience

elegy

a poem of serious reflection, particularly one that mourns the loss of someone who has died

enjambment

continuing a line after the line breaks

epic

a long narrative poem

epitaph

a short written tribute or inscription in memory of a deceased person

euphemism

a figure of speech that replaces a work or phrase with one that is more mild, indirect, or polite, often to avoid discomfort or awkwardness

euphony

pleasantness or melodiousness in language, achieved through harmonious sounds and smooth flow of words

farce

a type of comedy characterized by ridiculous plots, exaggerated characters, and over-the-top situations