List 1: Words 1-20 Flashcards
Absolute (N)
qualifications; argument - a statement of the meaning or main point of a literary work
Ex. Truth, the value of love vs class and reputation, “only”, “always”, “never”
Adage (N)
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language
Ex. A penny saved is a penny earned, Proverbs
Ad hominem (N)
An argument addressing the person instead of the issue
Ex. How can you argue your case for vegetarianism when you are enjoying your steak?
Allegory (N)
An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Alliteration (N)
The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in poetry or prose
Ex. Her lackluster laugh had somehow lost its lilt
Allusion (N)
A reference to a person, place, or event (well-known to the audience) meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea
Ex. Chocolate was her Achilles’ heel
Ambiguity (N)
A vagueness of meaning to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation
Ex. Each of us saw her duck
Anadiplosis (N)
The repetition of a word or words in successive clauses in such a way that the second clause starts with the same word which marks the end of the previous clause (may be separated by a conjunction or an article)
Ex. “I am Sam; Sam I am.” - Dr. Seuss
Analogy (N)
A comparison that points out similarities between two contrasting things, typically extended further than a simple statement.
Ex. You are as annoying as nails on a chalkboard (this is also a simile)
Anaphora (N)
The repetition at the beginning of clauses for emphasis
Ex. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” (Great Expectations, Dickens)
Anecdote (N)
A very short tale told by a character in a literary work
Ex. A mother tells her son about a family vacation when she was growing up
Antagonist (N)
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict
Ex. The Joker in Batman
Antecedent (N)
The noun that a pronoun replaces
Ex. Lila = she
Antithesis (N)
Contrasting ideas or images through the use of parallel structure
Ex. Many are called, but few are chosen
Aphorism (N)
Brief saying embodying a moral, concise, statement or a principle or precept given in pointed words
Ex. The simplest questions are the hardest to answer, tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.