Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Terms
List of terms to know for AP English Midterm
62
English
12th Grade
01/14/2010

Additional English Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Abstract
Definition
An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research
Term
Adage
Definition
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language
Term
Allegory
Definition
A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphoric, or possibly an ethical meaning
Term
Anachronism
Definition
A person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set
Term
Analogy
Definition
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things
Term
Annotation
Definition
A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature
Term
Antagonist
Definition
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict
Term
Antithesis
Definition
A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences
Term
Aphorism
Definition
A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment
Term
Apollonian
Definition
Refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior
Term
Apostrophe
Definition
An expression that addresses a personified thing not present
Term
Archetype
Definition
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example
Term
Assonance
Definition
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose
Term
Ballad
Definition
A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited
Term
Bathos
Definition
The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality
Term
Bildungsroman
Definition
A novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal
Term
Blank Verse
Definition
Poetry written in iambic pentameter; does not rhyme
Term
Bombast
Definition
Inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects
Term
Burlesque
Definition
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject
Term
Cacophony
Definition
Grating, inharmonious sounds
Term
Caesura
Definition
A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse
Term
Canon
Definition
The works considered most important in a national literature or period
Term
Caricature
Definition
A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things
Term
Catharsis
Definition
A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of dramatic tragedy
Term
Conceit
Definition
A witty or ingenious thought
Term
Consonance
Definition
Repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry
Term
Denotation
Definition
Dictionary definition of a word
Term
Denouement
Definition
The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction
Term
Dionysian
Definition
Sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses
Term
Dramatic Irony
Definition
Audience/Reader knows more about a situation than a character
Term
Elegy
Definition
Poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing or death of something or someone
Term
Ellipsis
Definition
(...) indicating omission of words
Term
Elliptical Construction
Definition
Sentence containing deliberate omission of words
Term
Epic
Definition
Extended narrative poem that tells of adventures and exploits of a hero (larger than life and legendary figure)
Term
Epigram
Definition
A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement
Term
Euphony
Definition
Pleasing, harmonious sounds
Term
Epithet
Definition
An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing
Term
Eponymous
Definition
Term for the title character of a work of literature
Term
Euphemism
Definition
Mild/less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term (pass away vs. die)
Term
Exegesis
Definition
Detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature
Term
Expose
Definition
Piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties or other shortcomings
Term
Exposition
Definition
Background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose
Term
Explication
Definition
Interpretation/analysis of text
Term
Extended Metaphor
Definition
A series of comparisons between two unlike objects
Term
Farce
Definition
Comedy that contains an extravagant or nonsensical disregard of seriousness
Term
Invective
Definition
Direct verbal assault
Term
Lampoon
Definition
Mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation
Term
Maxim
Definition
Saying or proverb expressing common wisdom
Term
Melodrama
Definition
Events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response
Term
Metonymy
Definition
Figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated
Term
Metonymy
Definition
Figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated
Term
Montage
Definition
A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea
Term
Naturalism
Definition
View of experience that is bleak and pessimistic
Term
Onomatopoeia
Definition
Use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning
Term
Parable
Definition
Story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived
Term
Pastoral
Definition
Dealing with rural life
Term
Pathos
Definition
Stimulates pity or sorrow
Term
Realism
Definition
Depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration
Term
Rhetoric
Definition
Language of a work and its style used to convince or sway an audience
Term
Romance
Definition
Narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places
Term
Synecdoche
Definition
Figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole
Term
Verbal Irony
Definition
Discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words
Supporting users have an ad free experience!