AP Lang. Vocab. 3 Flashcards
Evocative
language that suggests meaning other than the denotative. Language that connects with emotions or feeling not associated with the actual meaning of a word
Syntactical inversion
inversion, also called anastrophe, in literacy style and rhetoric, the syntactic reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence, as , in english, the placing of an adjective after the noun it modifies, a verb before its subject
Apposition
in a grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way. The two elements are said to be in apposition
Didactic
frequently used for those literacy texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. Didactic, therefore, becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are ostentatiously dull and erudite. However, some literacy texts are entertaining as well as didactic
Conceit
figure of speech in which 2 vastly different objects are linked together with the help of similes or metaphors. Thus, conceit examples have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors.
Periodic sentence
the main clause with a predicate at the end. Used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. Also, create suspense or interest for the reader
Paradox
statement that appears to be self contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. Also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accept traditional ideas
Irony
figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from actual meaning of words. Difference between the appearance and reality
Parenthesis
stylistic device used to place or alongside. Qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage
Sardonic
grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner
Satire
employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. Intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. Uses fictional characters to expose and condemn their corruption
Polemical
relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech
Ambiguity
word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent. HOWEVER, most students who are just leaning about language use it without thought and it detracts from their writing.
Archetype
a universal symbol, maybe a character, theme, a symbol or setting. Many literacy critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and reoccurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literacy
Function Of Archetype
The use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context. By using common archetype, the writers attempt to impart realism o their works, as the situations and characters are drawn from the experiences of the world
Tragic Flaw
Literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgement, and is often hubris (pride)
Assertion
When someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true though it may not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylish approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or fact. Often, without proof or support. Its purpose is to express ideas or feelings directly.
Autobiography
Type of biography which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the authors life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the persons own pen, in his own words.
Memoir
A memoir is a record of memories and particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life
Cumulative Sentence
A cumulative sentence is known as a loose sentence that starts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight, provides main idea and then adds subordinate or modifying elements after the subject and predicate. Writers use these kind of sentences when they want to put forth the main idea first, and provide details to elucidate the idea further, thereafter consider how this is different to the periodic sentence.
Blank Verse
Literary device defined as un-rhyming verse written in iambic pentameter. In poetry or prose, it has a consistent meter.
