Barron's Ap Lit Terms

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An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research.

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Abstract

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

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Adage

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A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibly an ethical meaning. In works such as Spenser's The Faerie Queen and Bunyon's Pilgrim's Progress, the story and characters represent values beyond themselves.

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Allegory

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The repitition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose.

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Alliteration

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

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Allusion

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A vagueness of meaning; a concious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretations.

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Ambiguity

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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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Anachronism

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A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things.

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Analogy

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

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Annotation

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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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Antagonist

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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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Antithesis

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

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Aphorism

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In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human human nature and behavior.

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Apollonian

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A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present,

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Apostrophe

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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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Archetype

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

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Assonance

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

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Ballad

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

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Bard

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The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality

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Bathos

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

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Belle-lettres

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

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Bibliography

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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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Bildungsroman

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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 kinds generally do not rhyme.

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Blank verse

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Inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects.

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Bombast

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

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Burlesque

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Grating, inharmonious sounds

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Cacophony

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

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Caesura

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

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Canon

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A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.

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Caricature

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

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Carpe diem

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

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Catharsis

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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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Classic

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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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Classical, classicism

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The high point or turning point of a story or play

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Climax

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A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood

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Coming-of-age story/ novel

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A witty or ingenious though; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language.

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Conceit

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The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase

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Connotation

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The repitition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry

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Consonance

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A pair of rhyming lines in a poem.

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Couplet

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The dictionary definition of a word.

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Denotation

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The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of ficticn

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Denouement

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In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem

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Deus ex machina

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The choice of words in oral and written discourse

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Diction

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As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure seeking impulses

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Dionysian

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A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.

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Dramatic irony

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A poem or prose selection that laments or mediated on the passing or death of something or someone of value.

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Elegy

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Three periods (...)indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation

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Ellipsis

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A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words.

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Elliptical construction

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A feeling of association or identification with and object or person

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Empathy

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A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation,

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End-stopped