AP Lit- Group 16

Melodrama

A dramatic work that exaggerates emotions and emphasizes sensational events, often featuring clear moral distinctions between characters.

Montage

A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea.

Motif

A recurring pattern of images, words, or symbols that reveals a theme in a work of literature.

Theme

The theme of any literary work is the underlying message that acts as the foundation for the entire literary piece.

Muse

One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer.

Parable

A tale told explicitly to illustrate a moral lesson or conclusion. Parables can take the form of drama, poetry, or fiction.

Most of Jesus’ teachings were done in parable form.

Myth

An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of cultural or religious tradition of a group or society. Myths are often used to explain natural phenomena. Almost every culture has a creation myth, for example.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is narrated, influencing how events and characters are perceived. It can be first-person, second-person, or third-person.