English Vocab

Front 1

abstract

Back 1

an abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research

Front 2

adage

Back 2

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

Front 3

allegory

Back 3

a story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface

Front 4

alliteration

Back 4

the repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem

Front 5

allusion

Back 5

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

Front 6

ambiguity

Back 6

a vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation

Front 7

anachronism

Back 7

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

Front 8

analogy

Back 8

a comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things

Front 9

annotation

Back 9

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

Front 10

anatagonist

Back 10

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

Front 11

antithesis

Back 11

a rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences, as in the following:
"They promised freedom but provided slavery"
"Ask not waht your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"

Front 12

aphorism

Back 12

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

Front 13

Apollonian

Back 13

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

Front 14

apostrophe

Back 14

a locution that addresses a person of personified thing not present. ex:
"Oh, you cruel streets of Manhattan, how I detest you!"

Front 15

archetype

Back 15

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

Front 16

assonance

Back 16

the repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines of a poem

Front 17

ballad

Back 17

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

Front 18

bard

Back 18

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

Front 19

bathos

Back 19

the use of insincere or overdone sentimentality

Front 20

belle-lettres

Back 20

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

Front 21

bibliography

Back 21

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

Front 22

Bildungsroman

Back 22

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

Front 23

bombast

Back 23

inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects

Front 24

burlesque

Back 24

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

Front 25

cacophony

Back 25

grating, inharmonious sounds

Front 26

caesura

Back 26

a pause somewhere in the middle of a verse, often marked by punctuation

Front 27

canon

Back 27

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

Front 28

caricature

Back 28

a grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things

Front 29

carpe diem

Back 29

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

Front 30

catharsis

Back 30

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