AmLit

Anagnorisis

the moment of realization in a tragedy that shows the tragic hero understanding their own responsibility for their fate (connects to Melville's Benito Cereno as a tragedy, changing the genre changes the meaning. Benito experiences an Anagnorisis in the story; has a moment of recognition) necessary for catharsis: allows art to connect to people (placating effect)

Intermittency

 irregular patterns, comes and goes in irregular intervals rather than at a steady pace (connects to Burke, waves show this pattern of intermittency and unpredictability which is a key to the sublime. Senses of vastness, power, and danger that connect to the sublime. Connects to Benito Cereno, which has a distinct atmosphere of the sublime, where nothing is as it seems)

Physiognomy

 19th century belief that there is a predictive relationship between the appearance of your face and body and your mentality and probable actions. Douglass connects this to the typical characterization of African features and stereotypes

Avarice

extreme greed for wealth or material gain, on a hoarding level (extreme, calculated greed). Connects to Turner's "the slave ship" painting, the people who caught and purchased black slaves were very greedy with transporting them

Effeminacy

the embodiment of traits, behaviours or appearances in boys or men that are traditionally associated with women (delicate, soft). Connects to Douglass' argument for the effeminity of society in his address about John Brown in 1859

Catharsis

 the process of releasing and providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. Connects to the idea of anagnorisis being necessary for catharsis. Can connect to Benito Cereno experiencing anagnorisis to experience catharsis

Anaphora

repetition of the same word or clause at the beginning of successive lines. Adds musicality and rhythm, emphasis and intensity or urgency. Connects to Walt Whitman, as this is a key characteristic of his poems (e.g. Song of Myself: "Oh captain! My Captain"

Free Verse

A type of poetry that doesn't use consistent meter, rhyme patterns or particular structure. Connects to Walt Whitman, as he created this form. Representative of new beginnings in America and pushing past the norm. Can be seen in "Year of Meteors" or "Song of Myself"

Aporia

A structuring absence or emptiness. Connects to Douglass' "Narrative of the Life," and how he refrains on explaining the details of his escape in order to allow others to escape in the same way.