AP Lit Poetry Vocab

Analogy

Comparison of a subject to something that is similar.

Anaphora

Intentional repetition of words at the beginning of successive lines

Antithesis

A figure of speech characterized by strongly contrasting terms, calluses, and ideas.

Apostrophe

Addressing the dead. (As is they were living)

Chiasmus

In which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse order.

Conceit

An extended metaphor, used extensively by metaphysical poets of the 17th century.

Diction

Denoting the word choice and phrasing. May be described by the quality of the lang.

Dramatic Situation

Who is the speaker? To whom is she/he speaking?

Epiphany

Means a sudden, overwhelming insight or revelation evoked by a commonplace object.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech involving great exaggeration and used to emphasize strong feelings.

Imagery

Sensory representation of an object.

Litotes

In which a point affirmed by negating its opposite.

Metonymy

The substitution of the name of one object for the name of another closely associated with it.

Oxymoron

A rhetorical antithesis, two apparently contradictory terms are brought together to form a sharper perception.

Pathetic fallacy

A special type of personification in which inanimate aspects of nature can sympathize with human qualities and feelings.

Paradox

Self contradictory.

Periphrasis

In which a point is stated in deliberate circumlocution. Euphemism is a type of periphrasis.

Pun

That plays on words that have the same or nearly sound but sharply contrasted meanings. (Humorous Effect)

Synecdoche

Part of something represents the whole such as in the expression “all hands on deck.”

Tone

A manner, feeling, or atmosphere.