Ap Lit Vocab 1

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abstract

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an abbreviated synopsis of a longer wrok of scholarship or research

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adage

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a saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language

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allegory

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a story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibly an ethical meeting

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alliteration

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repetition of one of more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose

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allusion

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a reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea

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ambiguity

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a vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to envoke multiple meanings and interpretations

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anachronism

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a person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set

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analogy

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a comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things

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annotation

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a brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature

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antagonist

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a character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict

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antithesis

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a rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences

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aphorism

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a short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment

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Apollonian

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in contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and being

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apostrophe

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a locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present

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archetype

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an abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form

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assonance

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the repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose

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ballad

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a simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited

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bard

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a poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment

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bathos

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the use of insincere or overdone sentimentality

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belle-lettres

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French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general

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bibliography

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a list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work

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Bildungsroman

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a German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal

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blank verse

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poetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton. It is "blank" because the lines generally do not rhyme.

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bombast

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inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects

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burlesque

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a work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation

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cacophony

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grating, inharmonious sounds

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caesura

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a pause somewhere in the middle of a verse, often (but not always) marked by punctuation

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canon

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the works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied

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caricature

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a grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons or things

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carpe diem

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literally, "seize the day"; enjoy life while you can, a common theme in literature

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catharsis

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a cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy

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classic

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a highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time

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classical, classicism

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deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint

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climax

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the high point, or turning point, of a story or play

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coming-of-age-sotry/novel

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a tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disallusionment, education, doses of reality, or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturity.

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conceit

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a witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language

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connotation

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the suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase

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consonance

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the repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or line of poetry

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couplet

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a pair of rhyming lines in a poem