AP Language and Composition Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Active Voice
Definition
The subject of the sentence performs the action.
Active Voice
Effect
This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. “Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”
Active Voice
Active voice can help ensure clarity by making it clear to the reader who is taking action in the sentence.
Allusion
Definition
An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Allusion
His smile is like kryptonite to me.
Anecdote
Definition
A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Anecdote
Goethe once wrote a very long letter to one of his friends.
Anecdote
you can heighten the understanding and empathy your reader has for your point and so increase the chance that they will agree with it.
Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Antecedent
In grammar, the meaning of antecedent is more specific, as it refers to a word that comes before a different term that represents the original word.
Diction
Definition
Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Diction
The mountain man’s raspy diction made it hard for us to understand what he was saying.
Diction
Different types of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise
than street slang. You should be able to describe an author’s diction. You SHOULD NOT write in your thesis, “The author uses diction…”. This is essentially saying, “The author uses words to write.” (Duh.) Instead, describe the type of diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain).
Colloquial
Definition
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or
familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.
Colloquial
Colloquial language is used in informal writing situations and creates a conversational tone.
Colloquial
His colloquial talents were indeed of the highest order.
Connotation
-Definition
Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a
word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Connotation
(For example, “policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.)
Connotation
Asian dragon tattoos carry a very different connotation than their western cousins.
Denotation
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Denotation
Definition
Denotation is used when an author wants the reader to understand a word, phrase, or sentence in its literal form, without other implied, associated, or suggested meanings.
Denotation
The boy was pushy.
Jargon
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity. Lawyers speak using particular jargon, as do soccer players
Jargon
Jargon words are meant to enhance communication by simplifying a particular concept.
Jargon
Definition
A lawyer discussing an “amicus curiae brief”.
Vernacular
Definition
1. Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional
clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Vernacular
Vernacular literature is literature written in the vernacular—the speech of the “common people”.
Vernacular
His vernacular identified him as a Frenchman.
Didactic
Definition
A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Didactic
A didactic text is one that teaches and instructs, and originally, the idea was that learning should be done in an intriguing manner.
Didactic
he really loved teaching.
Adage
Definition
A folk saying with a lesson. “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Similar to aphorism and colloquialism.
Adage
Writers tend to use adages to communicate a particular message to readers. Since adages can be understood by a wide audience, they are an effective tool for this.
Adage
The show must go on.
Allegory
Definition
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent
qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth. Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is an allegory.
Allegory
Allegory allows writers to create some distance between themselves and the issues they are discussing, especially when those issues are strong critiques of political or societal realities.
Allegory
J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is seen as a fight between good and evil during the two world wars.
Aphorism
Definition
- A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle.
Aphorism
An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point. Ben Franklin wrote many of these in Poor Richard’s Almanac.
Aphorism
“God helps them that help themselves,”
Ellipsis
Definition
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Ellipsis
The term ellipsis is related to ellipse, which is the three periods used to show
omitted text in a quotation.
Ellipsis
“The whole day, rain, torrents of rain.”
Euphemism
Definition
- A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes they are used for political correctness.
Euphemism
Sometimes a euphemism is used to exaggerate correctness to add humor. “Vertically challenged” in place of “short.”
Euphemism
“Physically challenged,” in place of “crippled.”
Figurative Language
“Figurative Language” is the opposite of “Literal Language.” Literal language is
writing that makes complete sense when you take it at face value. “Figurative Language” is the opposite: writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Figurative Language
Definition
Fiction writers use figurative language to engage their audience using a more creative tone that provokes thinking and sometimes humor.
Figurative Language
The toast jumped out of the toaster.
Analogy
Definition
An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Analogy
When a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that the relationship between the first pair of variables is the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.
Analogy
“America is to the world as the hippo is to the jungle.”
Hyperbole
Definition
Exaggeration.
Hyperbole
It is applied to accentuate the thoughts, ideas and images presented in the literature and it dramatizes the overall text.
Hyperbole
“My mother will kill me if I am late.”
Idiom
Definition
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Idiom
amplify messages in a way that draws readers in and helps to awaken their senses.
Idiom
“I got chewed out by my coach.”
Metaphor:
Definition
Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.
Metaphor:
Metaphor, which allows writers to convey vivid imagery that transcends literal meanings, creates images that are easier to understand and respond to than literal language.
Metaphor:
“My feet are popsicles.”
Metonymy
Definition
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Metonymy
Metonymy is used to provide meaning and connections to concepts. Writers often use it in this way, as well as to be more poetic or simply to make a long sentence more concise.
Metonymy
“Relations between London and Washington have been strained,”
Synecdoche
Definition
A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its
parts, or vice versa.
Synecdoche
Synecdoche allows writers to vary and enhance their expression. Such figures of speech can emphasize the way that a part of something represents the whole.
Synecdoche
“The cattle rancher owned 500 head.”
Simile
Definition
Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very
different things.
Simile
Similes can make our language more descriptive and enjoyable. Writers, poets and songwriters make use of similes often to add depth and emphasize what they are trying to convey to the reader or listener in a vivid way.
Simile
“My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles.”
Synesthesia
–Definition
a description involving a “crossing of the senses.”
Synesthesia
Synesthesia is the term used in literature when one sense is used to describe another. This is a form of simile or metaphor where you use different senses to create an interesting picture in the reader’s mind.
Synesthesia
“A purplish scent filled the room.”
Personification
Definition
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.
Personification
Personification connects readers with the object that is personified. Personification can make descriptions of non-human entities more vivid, or can help readers understand, sympathize with, or react emotionally to non-human characters.
Personification
“The tired old truck groaned as it inched up the hill.”
Foreshadowing
Definition
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.
Foreshadowing
Authors use foreshadowing to create suspense or to convey information that helps readers understand what comes later. Foreshadowing can make extraordinary, even fanciful events seem more believable; if the text foreshadows something, the reader feels prepared for the events when they happen.
Foreshadowing
The recent outbreak of violence was foreshadowed by isolated incidents in the city earlier this year.
Imagery
Definition
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Imagery
Usually this involves the five senses. Authors often use imagery in conjunction with metaphors, similes, or figures of speech.
Imagery
The autumn leaves are a blanket on the ground.
Invective
Definition
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Invective
Invective is an important literary device in that the insult can arouse negative emotion in the audience as well as the target of the insult.
Invective
“you dirty rotten scoundrel.”
Irony
Definition
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Irony
Authors of factual text will use this when speaking directly to the reader in order to emphasize a point.
Irony
the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
Verbal irony
-Definition
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
Verbal irony
For example,
if your gym teacher wants you to run a mile in eight minutes or faster, but calls it a “walk in the
park” it would be verbal irony. If your voice tone is bitter, it’s called sarcasm.
Verbal irony
A woman spills her morning coffee on her white silk blouse and says, “This day couldn’t be off to a better start.”
Dramatic irony
Definition
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the
character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Dramatic irony
For example, in many horror movies, we (the
audience) know who the killer is, which the victim-to-be has no idea who is doing the slaying.
Sometimes the character trusts the killer completely when (ironically) he/she shouldn’t.
Dramatic irony
Girl in a horror film hides in a closet where the killer just went (the audience knows the killer is there, but she does not).
Situational irony
Definition
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it
makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
Situational irony
(For example, Johnny spent two hours planning on sneaking into the movie theater and missed the movie. When he finally did manage to sneak inside he found out that kids were admitted free that day).
Situational irony
A fire station burns down.
Juxtaposition
Definition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.
Juxtaposition
Authors often use juxtaposition
of ideas or examples in order to make a point.(For example, an author my juxtapose the average day of a
typical American with that of someone in the third world in order to make a point of social commentary).
Juxtaposition
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Mood
-Definition
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction).
Mood
Syntax is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length and strength and complexity also affect pacing
and therefore mood. Setting, tone, and events can all affect the mood.
Mood
The situation was hopeless.
Oxymoron
Definition
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
Oxymoron
wise fool
Pacing
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing. Writers can use a variety of devices (syntax, polysyndeton, anaphora, meter) to change the pacing of their words.
Pacing
Definition
An author’s pacing can be fast, sluggish, stabbing, vibrato, staccato, measured, etc.
Pacing
Alex was pacing the room when she returned.
Paradox
- A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true.
Paradox
Definition
In literature, paradoxes can elicit humor, illustrate themes, and provoke readers to think critically.
Paradox
“You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without getting a job.”
Parallelism
– (Also known as parallel structure or balanced sentences.) Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Parallelism
Definition
Parallelism is used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing.
Parallelism
“Cinderella swept the floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”
Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.
Anaphora
Definition
This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more
coherent.
Anaphora
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Chiasmus
Definition
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.
Chiasmus
Also called antimetabole.
Chiasmus
“Fair is foul and foul is fair.”
Antithesis
Definition
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel
structure.
Antithesis
When used correctly, antithesis highlights the stark difference between opposing ideas by placing them side-by-side in exactly the same structure.
Antithesis
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”
Zuegma
-Definition
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.
Zuegma
Zeugmas will either confuse the reader or inspire them to think more deeply, but if they’re well written they will achieve the latter.
Zuegma
“The butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.”
Parenthetical Idea
- Definition
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.
Parenthetical Idea
It is almost
considered an aside…a whisper, and should be used sparingly for effect, rather than repeatedly.
Parenthetical Idea
numbers. “In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the
gallon) America will be out of oil.”
Persona
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story.
Persona
Definition
The persona is almost invariably distinct from the author; it is the voice chosen by the author for a particular artistic purpose.
Persona
a child going to a new school for the first time wants others to think that he is popular, cool, and unafraid.
Polysyndeton
Definition
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions.
Polysyndeton
Normally, a conjunction is used only before the last item in a list. Polysyndeton is often used to slow down the pace of the writing and/or add an authoritative tone.
Polysyndeton
“I walked the dog, and fed
the cat, and milked the cows.”
Pun
Definition
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
Pun
“My dog has a fur coat
and pants!”
Rhetoric
The art of effective communication.
Rhetoric
Definition + Effect
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle
The relationships, in any piece of writing,
between the writer, the audience, and the
subject. All analysis of writing is essentially
an analysis of the relationships between the
points on the triangle.
Sarcasm
Definition
generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded.
Sarcasm
However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.
Sarcasm
“they’re really on top of things” to describe a group of people who are very disorganized is using sarcasm.
Satire
Definition
A work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect.
Satire
.It targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions. Good satire usually has three layers: serious on the surface; humorous when you discover that it is satire instead of reality; and serious when you discern the underlying point of the author.
Satire
Politicians are legitimate targets for satire.
Sentence
- Definition
A sentence is group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought.
Sentence
I like cookies.
Appositive
- A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its
meaning.
Appositive
Definition
The function of appositive in literary works is to provide information, which is either essential or additional. It also gives meanings to different sentences in literary texts, and helps in identifying other nouns. An appositive noun also defines, explains, and clarifies the meaning of a sentence.
Appositive
“Bob, the lumber yard worker, spoke with Judy, an accountant from the city.”
Clause
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.
Clause
An independent clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate
clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.
Clause
“Other than baseball, football is my favorite sport.”
Sentence structures:
Balanced sentence – A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each
other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically. “If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” Also
called parallelism.
Sentence structures:
Compound sentence - Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent
clauses.
Sentence structures:
Complex sentence - Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
Sentence structures:
Cumulative sentence – (also called a loose sentence) When the writer begins with an
independent clause, then adds subordinate elements. “He doubted whether he could ever
again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet
with perspiration.” The opposite construction is called a periodic sentence.
Sentence structures:
Periodic sentence - When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence.
The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause. “His
confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted
whether he could ever again appear before an audience.” The opposite construction is
called a cumulative sentence.
Sentence structures:
Simple sentence - Contains only one independent clause.
Sentence types:
Declarative sentence - States an idea. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question. “The ball is round.”
Imperative sentence - Issues a command. “Kick the ball.”
Interrogative sentence - Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which, who, whom, and whose). “To whom did you kick the ball?”
Style
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.’
Style
You create text styles to specify the format of text quickly, and to ensure that text conforms to industry or project standards.
Symbol
Anything that represents or stands for something else.
Symbol
Usually a symbol is something concrete
such as an object, actions, character…that represents something more abstract.
Symbol
Examples of symbols include the Whale in Moby Dick, the river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness, and the Raven in “The Raven.
Syntax/sentence variety
Grammatical arrangement of words.
Syntax/sentence variety
This is perhaps one of the most difficult
concepts to master. First, a reader should examine the length of sentences (short or long). How does
sentence length and structure relate to tone and meaning.
Syntax/sentence variety
“Jillian hit the ball.”
Theme
- The central idea or message of a work.
Theme
The theme may be directly stated in nonfiction works,
although not necessarily. It is rarely stated directly in fiction.
Theme
the war was not over.
Thesis
- The sentence or groups of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning,
or proposition. It should be short and clear. (also see argument)
Thesis
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic. A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction.
Thesis
The student’s experiments helped her formulate a thesis to share with her professor and classmates.
Tone
- A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and
organization.
Tone
To identify tone, consider how the piece would sound if read aloud (or how the author wanted
it to sound aloud).
Tone
the jolly carols travelled over the hills.
Understatement
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant
than it is.
Understatement
The effect can frequently be humorous.
Understatement
“Our defense played valiantly, and held the other team to
merely eight touchdowns in the first quarter.”
Litotes
- a particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement
which otherwise would be used.
Litotes
Depending on the tone and context of the usage, litotes either
retains the effect of understatement
Litotes
(The flavors of the mushrooms, herbs, and spices
combine to make the dish not at all disagreeable).
Inductive argument
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth
of the conclusion.
Inductive argument
In an inductive argument, the premises are intended only to be so strong that, if
they are true, then it is unlikely that the conclusion is false.
Inductive argument
In the past, ducks have always come to our pond. Therefore, the ducks will come to our pond this summer.
Sound argument
A deductive argument is said to be sound if it meets two conditions: First, that the line of
reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. Second, that the premises are true.
Sound argument
Firstly, a sound argument is a deductive argument. It’s trying to establish conclusive support for its conclusion. Secondly, the argument is valid: the premises, if true, would guarantee that the conclusion is also true. And on top of all that, the premises are actually true.
Sound argument
In some states, no felons are eligible voters, that is, eligible to vote.
Valid argument
An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
The following argument is valid, because it is impossible for the premises to be true and the
conclusion to nevertheless be false. We do not know if the argument is sound, because we do not
know if the premises are true or not.
Premise: Either Elizabeth owns a Honda or she owns a Saturn.
Premise: Elizabeth does not own a Honda.
Premise: Therefore, Elizabeth owns a Saturn.
The following argument is also valid, because the conclusion does follow logically from the
premises. However, the argument is not sound, because one of its premises is clearly untrue.
Premise: All flightless birds are man-eaters.
Premise: The penguin is a flightless bird.
Conclusion: Therefore, the penguin is a man-eater.
The following argument is not valid, even though its premises are true:
Premise: All baseballs are round.
Premise: All basketballs are round.
Premise: No football is round.
Premise: The earth is round.
Conclusion: The earth is either a baseball or a basketball, but not a football.
Unstated premises
Not every argument is fully expressed.
Unstated premises
Sometimes premises or even conclusions are left
unexpressed. If one argues that Rover is smart because all dogs are smart, he is leaving unstated
that Rover is a dog. Here the unstated premise is no problem;
Unstated premises
if Socrates is a human, then Socrates is mortal
