ap lang terms pg 6 and 7

satire

A work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions, for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform humans or their society, this is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the satirist, such as irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of this are varied, depending on the writer’s goal, but when this is good, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition.

simile

An explicit comparison using “like” or “as,” or “if.”

style

The consideration has two purposes:

1. An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some of these authors’ choices are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author (or writer emulating that author’s style). These can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, or laconic, to name only a few examples.

2. Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.

subject compliment

The word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it or (2) describing it. The former is technically called a predicate nominative, the latter a predicate adjective.

subordinate clause

Like all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, the subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause depends on a main clause, sometimes called an independent clause, to complete its meaning.

syllogism

From the Greek for “reckoning together,” this is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises—the first one called “major” and the second “minor”—that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.

• Major premise: All men are mortal

• Minor premise: Socrates is a man

• Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal

This conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises are valid. These may also present the specific idea first (Socrates) and the general idea second (All men)

symbol/symbolism

Generally, anything that represents or stands for something else. Usually, this is something concrete, such as an object, action, character, or scene—that represents something more abstract. However, these can be much more complex.

natural symbols

Use objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them (dawn symbolizing hope or a new beginning, a rose symbolizing love, a tree symbolizing knowledge).

Conventional symbols

Those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious symbols, such as a cross or Star of David; national symbols, such as a flag or an eagle; or group symbols, such as a skull and cross bones for pirates or the scales of justice for lawyers).

literary symbols

Sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of works and are generally recognized. However, a work’s symbols may be more complicated such as the whale in "Moby Dick" and the jungle in “Heart of Darkness.”

syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses and sentences. This is similar to diction, but you can differentiate the two by thinking of this as referring to groups of words, while diction refers to individual words.

theme

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually, this is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, this may be directly stated, especially in expository or argumentative writing. Frequently, this can be stated as a “universal truth.” that is, a general statement about the human condition, or about society, or about man’s relation to the natural world.

thesis

In expository writing, this is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven this.

tone

Similar to mood, this describes the author’s attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both. This is easier to determine in spoken language rather than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help determine this. Some describing words for this are “playful,” “serious,” “businesslike,” “sarcastic,” “humorous,” “formal,” “ornate,” and “somber.”

transition

A word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, this effectively signals a shift from one idea to another. A few commonly used words or phrases are “furthermore,” “consequently,” “nevertheless,” “for example,” “in addition,” “likewise,” “similarly,” and “on the contrary.”

understatement

The ironic minimizing of fact, this presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and empathetic. This is the opposite of hyperbole. Two specific types of this exist.

litotes

A figure of speech by which an affirmation is made indirectly by denying its opposite. It uses understatement for emphasis, frequently with a negative assertion.

meiosis

The Greek term for understatement or belittling; a rhetorical figure by which something is referred to in terms less important than it really deserves. It describes something that is very impressive with simplicity.

wit

In modern usage, this is intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. This statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker’s verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. This usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, this originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally (in the early 17th century), it grew to mean-quick perception including creative fancy.

Which is an example of satire?

Our city solved traffic by banning cars and replacing them with synchronized pogo sticks. Commuters report great calf workouts, though rainy days remain chaotic.

Which is an example of simile?

Her voice was as smooth as velvet on a cold morning. It instantly calmed everyone in the room.

Which is an example of style?

"Rain fell." versus "A relentless, silver downpour hammered the cobblestones." Each sentence conveys the same event.

Which is an example of subject compliment?

The winner of the science fair is she. (She is a predicate nominative renaming the subject winner.)

Which is an example of subordinate clause?

Although the storm knocked out the power, we still managed to enjoy a quiet candlelit dinner.

Which is an example of syllogism?

All humans are mortal, and Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Which is an example of symbol/symbolism?

She planted an oak tree in her backyard after her daughter was born. Over time, the growing tree represented her child’s strength and maturing life.

Which is an example of natural symbols?

A raging storm brewed over the ocean as the two nations prepared for war. The dark clouds naturally symbolized the impending chaos and conflict.

Which is an example of conventional symbols?

The driver stopped immediately when the light turned red. Society universally agrees that red signifies a mandate to halt.

Which is an example of literary symbols?

In The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock shines across the water. It serves as a literary symbol for Gatsby's unattainable hopes and dreams.

Which is an example of syntax?

"Gently, the snow fell on the quiet town," creates a soft, descriptive pacing. In contrast, "The snow fell gently" delivers a direct, straightforward statement.

Which is an example of theme?

Throughout the novel, characters continuously sacrifice personal gain to protect their neighbors. The overarching theme demonstrates that true community requires quiet selflessness.

Which is an example of thesis?

While modern technology improves global communication, it simultaneously reduces face-to-face social skills among adolescents. Therefore, schools must implement digital literacy programs to restore balance.

Which is an example of tone?

"Great, another standard-issue Monday," he muttered, rolling his eyes at the alarm. His dry, sarcastic tone made his frustration instantly clear.

Which is an example of transition?

The team struggled through the first half of the season due to frequent injuries. Consequently, the coach restructured their practice schedule to focus on recovery.

Which is an example of understatement?

"It's a bit breezy today," she remarked during a Category 5 hurricane.

Which is an example of litotes?

"Running a marathon in under three hours is no easy feat." (Using "no easy feat" emphasizes that it is actually extremely difficult.)

Which is an example of meiosis?

After accidentally slicing off his entire thumbnail while chopping vegetables, he simply shrugged and said, "It’s just a scratch."

Which is an example of wit?

"I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying," Oscar Wilde famously quipped.