AP Literature and Composition - Vocabulary Terms

volta (in poetry)

the turn or shift in a poem’s tone, subject or argument - often seen in sonnets where the speaker’s perspective or emotion changes. 

agon

the central conflict or formal debate between two opposing characters or forces

allegory

story, poem or image that operates on two levels: the literal and the symbolic. the characters and events represent broader ideas.

archaic language

uses words or expressions that were once common but are now outdated. 

lyrical language

emotional, musical, and expressive often reflecting the speaker’s inner feelings or thoughts rather than telling a story.

iambic pentameter 

a type of poetry meter with five iambs per line. (da-DUM-da-DUM-da-DUM-da-DUM-da-DUM)

soliloquy

a speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts, emotions, or motives directly to the audience. 

dramatic monologue (in poetry)

a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their personality and situation through their speech. 

Omniscient

knows everything - the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters, as well as past, present, and future events. 

Objective

presents facts without revealing characters inner’ thoughts or feelings - they describe only what can be seen or heard. 

Blank Verse

unrhymed iambic pentameter 

Hubris 

excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to a character to defy moral law or the gods - and ultimately to their downfall. 

in medias res

in the middle of things.

tragic hero

a protagonist with noble qualities and a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall and evokes pity and fear in the audience.

chorus (in greek theater)

a group of performers who comment on the action of the play, reflect on its themes, and represent the voice or moral conscience of society.