AP Vocabulary 49-74

Question 1

Periodic Sentence

Answer 1

Has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader.

Question 2

Paradox

Answer 2

It is a statement that appears to be self- contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in innovative way.

Question 3

Irony

Answer 3

Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between the appearance and the reality.

Question 4

Parenthesis

Answer 4

Parenthesis is a stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writes insert into a paragraph or passage.

Question 5

Sardonic

Answer 5

Grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those “TONE” words that describe writing that fits the meaning.

Question 6

Satire

Answer 6

Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles.

Question 7

Polemical

Answer 7

Relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech. “ polemical essay” could be any of the following synonyms: Bitter, critical, hostile

Question 8

Ambiguity

Answer 8

Ambiguity or fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent.

Question 9

Archetype

Answer 9

An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, Which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.

Question 10

Function of Archetype

Answer 10

The use of archetypical characters and situations give a literary work of universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context.

Question 11

Tragic Flaw

Answer 11

A 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 often it is hubris(pride).

Question 12

Assertion

Answer 12

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 stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact.

Question 13

Autobiography

Answer 13

Autobiography is one type of biography, which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s own pen. In his own words.

Question 14

Memoir

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Cumulative Sentence

Answer 15

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 the predicate.

Question 16

Blank Verse

Answer 16

Blank verse is a literary device defined as un-rhyming verse written in iambic pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line (pentameter.)

Question 17

Bildungsroman #1

Answer 17

A bildungsroman is a story of the growing up of a sensitive person who looks for answers to his questions through different experiences. Generally, such a novel starts with a loss or a tragedy that disturbs the main character emotionally. He or she leaves on a journey to fill that vacuum.

Question 18

Bildungsroman #2

Answer 18

During the journey, the protagonist gains maturity gradually and with difficulty. Usually, the plot depicts a conflict between the protagonist and the values of society. Finally, he or she accepts those values and they are accepted by the society, ending the dissatisfaction.

Question 19

Illusion

Answer 19

(Not to be confused with ALLUSION) An illusion is a false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. Literally speaking, an illusion is something that is false and not factual. It tricks the human brain into thinking an unreal into a real.

Question 20

Foil

Answer 20

In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character.

Question 21

Intertextuality

Answer 21

Intertextuality is a sophisticated literary device used in writing. In fact, it is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used a reference. Instead of employing referential phrases from different literary works, intertextuality draws upon the concept, rhetoric or ideology from other texts to be merged in the next text.

Question 22

Litotes

Answer 22

Litotes, derived from a Greek word meaning “simple”, is a figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. “ Not too bad” in place of “pretty good” would be an example.

Question 23

Utopia

Answer 23

The literary term utopia denotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society to the reader. Here, the “ perfect society” refers to ideal conditions achieved within the material world as opposed to the expected idealism of afterlife in Christianity or other religions.

Question 24

Sonnet

Answer 24

The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word “ sonetto”. It means a small or little song or lyric. In poetry, a sonnet has 14 lines and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a specific rhyme scheme and a “ volta” or a specific turn.

Question 25

Round Character

Answer 25

A round character in a novel, play or story is a complex personality. Similarly, a round character has many layers like onions. Writers define a round character fully both physically and mentally.