List 5 Flashcards
auteur
an artist with a distinct style
leitmotif
a recurring musical motif that accompanies a certain character or idea
deus ex machina
a person or thing in a story that suddenly appears and gives a contrived solution
pathos
an element of an artistic piece that evokes emotion, pity, or compassion
rapport
a friendly, harmonious relationship
double entendre
a word or phrase with two potential interpretations, one of which is usually more controversial or flavored
segue
to transition from one thing to another
plebeian
a member of the common people
terra incognita
unknown territory or land
tabula rasa
a blank slate, usually in reference to the hypothetically untouched mind
savoir faire
the ability to act acceptably in social situations
sine qua non
something indispensable
roman a clef
a novel using fictitious names to disguise real people or events
sonata
a musical piece typically with three or four movements in contrasting forms or keys
protégé
a novice who is trained, protected, and influenced by someone with expertise
raison d’être
a reason or justification for existence
modus vivendi
a feasible arrangement or compromise that bypasses difficulties
carpe diem
“seize the day;” the enjoyment of current pleasures without regard for the future
vulpine
relating to foxes
tempus fugit
“time flies”
jejune
particularly dull
proselytize
to convert another to one’s faith
acolyte
a disciple; a follower
ingenue
a naive young girl
weltschmerz
mental depression caused by the state of the world
atelier
an artist’s studio or workroom
memento mori
“remember you must die;” a reminder of mortality
peccadillo
a slight offense
farrago
a hodgepodge; a confused mixture
zeitgeist
the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era
