Ap English Literature - Literary Terms

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abstract

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An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work 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 a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface.

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alliteration

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

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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 evoke multiple meanings and interpretation.

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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, as in the following: "They promised freedom but provided slavery."; "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

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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 behavior.

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apostrophe

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

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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 of a poem.

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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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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 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 and 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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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 suggest 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 a line of poetry.

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couplet

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A pair of rhyming lines in a poem. Two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter is sometimes called a heroic couplet.