AP Literature Vocabulary Knowt-ready Study Sheet

Vocabulary practice flashcards defining literary devices and narrative techniques required for AP Literature students.

Syntax

The arrangement of words, phrases, and sentences in writing.

Diction

An author's specific choice of words.

Connotation

The feelings or ideas associated with a word beyond its literal meaning.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Symbolism

The use of a person, object, place, or event to represent a larger idea.

Irony

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens or is meant; include verbal, situational, and dramatic types.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says something different from, or opposite to, what they really mean.

Situational Irony

When the outcome is different from what is expected.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that a character does not.

Figurative Language

Language that is not meant to be taken literally and creates a special effect or meaning.

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.'

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Hyperbole

An intentional exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

Personification

Giving human qualities or actions to something nonhuman.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole, or the whole represents a part.

Metonymy

Replacing the name of something with a closely related word or idea.

Conceit

An extended, often unusual or complex comparison developed over several lines or throughout a work.

Juxtaposition

Placing two things close together to emphasize their differences or similarities.

Parallelism

Using similar grammatical structures, words, or phrases to create balance and emphasis.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues that suggest what may happen later in a story.

Allusion

A brief reference to a well-known person, event, place, myth, work, or idea.

Narrative Point of View (POV)

The perspective from which a story is told.

First-Person POV

A narrator tells the story using words such as 'I,' 'me,' 'my,' and 'we.' The narrator is a character in the story.

Second-Person POV

The narrator addresses the reader using 'you.'

Third-Person POV

A narrator outside the story refers to characters as 'he,' 'she,' 'they,' or by name; can be limited or omniscient.

Third-Person Limited

A third-person narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

Third-Person Omniscient

An all-knowing narrator can reveal the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

Stream of Consciousness

A style that presents a character's thoughts and feelings as they naturally flow through the mind.

Catharsis

The emotional release or cleansing an audience experiences after intense events in literature, especially tragedy.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect expression used instead of one that may sound harsh or unpleasant.

Colloquialism

An informal word or expression commonly used in everyday conversation.

In Medias Res

Beginning a story in the middle of the action instead of at the chronological beginning.