AP Lit terms #3

personification

giving human qualities to non-human things

point of view

Narrative perspective; how the story is told.

predicate adjective

adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject

prose

Ordinary written or spoken language.

repetition

The act of repeating something that has already been said or written

rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

simile

Comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

sarcasm

Ironic or bitter remark.

satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices. It aims to bring about social or political change.

predicate nominative

A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject. It completes the meaning of the subject.

subject complement

A word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject. It can be an adjective (predicate adjective) or a noun (predicate nominative).

paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth. often challenge common sense and invite a reevaluation of understanding.

parallelism

The use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose which correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc. It adds balance and clarity to writing and enhances rhythm.

parody

A work that imitates the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated or humorous way. It is often used to critique or mock the original work for comedic effect or to make a point about society or culture.

pedantic

Being excessively concerned with formalism, accuracy, and precision, often making a show of learning. Can also mean someone is too worried about minor details or rules.

periodic sentence

A sentence in which the main clause or predicate is withheld until the end. This creates suspense and forces

rhetorical modes

Patterns of organization used to develop and present ideas effectively in writing or speaking. Common rhetorical modes include narration, description, exposition (including process analysis, definition, classification, and comparison/contrast), and argumentation. Each mode serves a specific purpose in conveying information or persuading an audience.

rhetorical question

a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather to get an answer