AP Glossary 2 Flashcards
Definition of Foreshadowing
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.
Example of Foreshadowing
A writer says “Little did I know my decision to not show up would haunt me.”
Impact of Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing can create suspense and build tension in a story.
Definition of Genre
The major category that a literary work fits into.
Definition of Gothic
Writing characterized by mystery, gloom, fear/ or death. It also refers to an architectural style of the middle ages.
Example of Gothic
Ominous weather in the story
Definition of imagery
Word(s) that create a picture in the reader’s mind. Often involves the 5 senses.
Example of Imagery
The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.
Impact of imagery
Imagery can enhance the setting, meaning, and theme of the story.
Definition of Invective
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Example of Invective
A politician attacking his opponent verbally in a campaign.
Impact of Invective
To leave a harsh impact, used to undermine or discredit someone.
Definition of Irony
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Definition of Verbal Irony
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
Example of Verbal Irony
Someone trying to get you to run a faster mile but calls it a “walk in the park”.
Impact of Verbal Irony
Verbal Irony can add humor, persuasion, and sarcasm.
Definition of Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something that the character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Example of Dramatic Irony
The audience knows who the killer is but the protagonist has no clue.
Impact of Dramatic Irony
This adds anticipation, tension, but even a little bit of comedy.
Definition of situational irony
Found in the plot of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
Example of Situational Irony
Johnny spent two hours planning on sneaking into the theater just to find out he missed the movie, and kids were admitted free.
Impact of Situational Irony
It creates surprise and makes the story more enhancing.
Definition of Juxtaposition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison. Authors often use juxtaposition of ideas or examples in order to make a point.
Examples of Juxtaposition
Night and Day
Impact of Juxtaposition
It creates contract and adds depth.
Definition of mood
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice.
Definition of motif
A recurring idea in a piece of literature.
Example of a motif
“you never really understand another person until you consider things from his or her point of view” in To Kill a Mockingbird
Impact of a motif
To help emphasize main ideas, and to enrich a story.
Definition of Oxymoron
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox.
Example of an Oxymoron
“jumbo shrimp”
Impact of an Oxymoron
Creates a dramatic effect and adds Irony.
Definition of Pacing
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing. They can use a variety of devices to change the pacing of their words.
Example of Pacing
An author creating a fast-paced story to help move the plot along quicker.
Impact of Pacing
Controls the speed at which the narrative unfolds.
Definition of Paradox
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true.
Example of a Paradox
” You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without getting a job.”
Impact of a Paradox
Can add humor and provoke thought.
Definition of Parallelism
Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Example of Parallelism
“Cinderella swept the floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”
Impact of Parallelism
It can add pacing, emphasis, and organization.
Definition of Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.
Example of Anaphora
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Impact of Anaphora
Emphasizes key ideas and adding rhythm.
Definition of Chiasmus
When the same words are used twice in a succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.
Example of Chiasmus
“fair is foul and foul is fair”
Impact of Chiasmus
Makes the writing more memorable and can add rhythm.
Definition of Antithesis
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas with parallel structure.
Example of Antithesis
” It was the best of times it was the worst of times.”
Impact of Antithesis
Creates emphasis by juxtaposing ideas.
Definition of Zuegma(Syllepsis)
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
Example of Zuegma(Syllepsis)
“The butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.”
Impact of Zuegma(Syllepsis)
Adding emotion, creating tension, or surprising the reader.
Definition of Parenthetical Idea
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.
Example of Parenthetical Idea
“In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the gallon) America will be out of oil.”
Impact of Parenthetical Idea
To add extra non-essential information, usually clarifying or providing further context.
Definition of Parody
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original, and pokes fun at it, also being a form of an allusion.
Example of a Parody
The Simpsons doing parody Shakespeare plays.
Definition of Persona
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story. (not to be confused with alter-ego)
