(mĕtŏn ĭmē) A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is

Transcription

1 (mĕtŏn ĭmē) A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. For example, a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather than "the President declared" is using metonymy; Shakespeare uses it to signify the male and female sexes in As You Like It: "doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat." The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional impact. 1a

2 metonymy 1b

3 (pronounced almost like "little tee") - a form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. Litote is the opposite of hyperbole. Examples: "Not a bad idea," "Not many," "It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain" (Salinger, Catcher in the Rye). 2a

4 litotes 2b

5 Also known as parallel construction. This is sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other or repeats patterns two or more times. 3a

6 Parallelism 3b

7 the art of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text; usually involves close reading and special attention to figurative language. 4a

8 explication 4b

9 The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished largely through word choice (diction). Syntax is often a contributor to this since word order and sentence length also affect pacing (thereby affecting this). 5a

10 Mood 5b

11 Author directly describes character. 6a

12 direct characterization 6b

13 Author subtly reveals the character through actions and interactions. 7a

14 indirect characterization 7b

15 A brief recounting of a relevant incident/story. These are often inserted into texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor. 8a

16 Anecdote 8b

17 A character or force in conflict with the main character. 9a

18 antagonist 9b

19 A character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work 10a

20 round character 10b

21 A character who grows, learns, or changes as a result of the story's action. 11a

22 dynamic character 11b

23 A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way 12a

24 analogy 12b

25 A comparison using like or as 13a

26 simile 13b

27 a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence 14a

28 inference 14b

29 the depiction of people, things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect. 15a

30 realism 15b

31 Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) 16a

32 imagery 16b

33 descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality 17a

34 caricature 17b

35 A direct or indirect reference to something that is presumably already known by the reader, such as an event, a myth, a location, a character, or a work of art. 18a

36 Allusion 18b

37 An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. 19a

38 Invective 19b

39 an evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. 20a

40 style 20b

41 Events turn out the opposite of what would reasonably be expected. 21a

42 Situational irony 21b

43 An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original and pokes fun at it. This is also a form of allusion since it is referencing a previous text, event, or person. 22a

44 Parody 22b

45 excessive pride that oftens affects tone 23a

46 hubris 23b

47 exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution 24a

48 elements of plot 24b

49 figure of speech in the form of a question posed for rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer 25a

50 rhetorical question 25b

51 A figure of speech using an implied comparison of seemingly unlike things, or the substitution of one for another, suggesting some similarity. It is usually identified by comparing objects directly, using words "was" or "is";(example: She was a cold-hearted snake.) 26a

52 Metaphor 26b

53 form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly 27a

54 satire 27b

55 From the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness." This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of oxymoron. 28a

56 Oxymoron 28b

57 harsh, awkward sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose 29a

58 cacophony; dissonance 29b

59 harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule 30a

60 sarcasm 30b

61 high point, or turning point or a story or play 31a

62 climax 31b

63 the immediate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot 32a

64 exposition 32b

65 an impersonal presentation of events and characters. It is a writer's attempt to remove himself or herself from any subjective, personal involvement in a story. Hard news journalism is frequently prized for its objectivity, although even fictional stories can be told without a writer rendering personal judgment. 33a

66 objectivity 33b

67 In literature, the perspective from which a story is told. There are two general divisions of point of view, and many subdivisions within those. (1) first person narrator tells the story with the first person pronoun, "I," and is a character in the story. This narrator can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an observing character. (2) third person narrator relates the events with the third person pronouns, "he," "she," and "it." There are two main subdivisions to be aware of: a. third person omniscient, in which the narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters b. third person limited omniscient, in which the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all the remaining characters. In addition, be aware that the term point of view carries an additional meaning. When you are asked to analyze the author's point of view, the appropriate point for you to address is the author's attitude. 34a

68 point of view 34b

69 in modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally, it grew to mean quick perception including creative fancy and a quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception. 35a

70 wit 35b

71 In sentences written in active voice, the subject performs the action expressed in the verb; the subject acts 36a

72 active voice 36b

73 inflated, pretentious language 37a

74 bombast 37b

75 the ironic minimalizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole. Example: Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub: "Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse." 38a

76 understatement 38b

77 Language that describes specific, observable things, people or places. 39a

78 Concrete Language 39b

79 Literature that emphasizes a specific geographic setting and that reproduces the speech, behavior, and attitudes of the people who live in that region. 40a

80 regionalism 40b

81 A loose sentence is complete before its end. A periodic sentence is not grammatically complete until it has reached its final phrase. (The term loose does not in any way imply that the sentences are slack or shoddy.) 41a

82 loose sentences 41b

83 a lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place 42a

84 idyll 42b

85 Main character in a story. 43a

86 protagonist 43b

87 The main idea or meaning of a text. Often, this is an insight about human life revealed in a literary work 44a

88 theme 44b

89 the movement of a literary piece from one point or one section to another 45a

90 pacing 45b

91 Observing strict adherence to formal rules or literal meaning. This can also refer to the author's tone as overly scholarly and academic. 46a

92 Pedantic 46b

93 opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments 47a

94 thesis 47b

95 Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence. It is almost considered an aside, and should be used sparingly for effect. 48a

96 Parenthetical Idea 48b

97 a personal presentation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions 49a

98 subjectivity 49b

99 Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison to emphasize a point. (For example, an author may compare the average day of a typical American with that of someone in the third world to make a point of social commentary). 50a

100 Juxtaposition 50b

101 the presentation of two contrasting ideas. The ideas are balanced by phrase, clause, or paragraphs. "To be or not to be..."; "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times..."; "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country..." 51a

102 antithesis 51b

103 the process of moving from a general rule to specific example 52a

104 deduction 52b

105 The process of reasoning from premises. It involves bringing together pieces of evidence and arriving at a conclusion. (Example: "I want to buy new shoes. I've had five pairs of Nikes and never had any foot problems. Reeboks gave me blisters, and Adidas made my ankles hurt. Therefore, I probably should buy Nikes.") 53a

106 Induction 53b

107 quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle. 54a

108 coherence; unity 54b

109 Rather than the dictionary definition, this refers to the associations suggested by a word: implied meaning rather than literal meaning. 55a

110 Connotation 55b

111 refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images 56a

112 Abstract 56b

113 refers to the total "sound" of the writer's style 57a

114 voice 57b

115 A regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. 58a

116 dialect 58b

117 repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis 59a

118 repetition 59b

119 Repetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity. Keep in mind that consonance refers to repetition AFTER the beginning of the word. 60a

120 Consonance 60b

121 Repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity 61a

122 assonance 61b

123 Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent. 62a

124 Anaphora 62b

125 Repetition of initial consonant sounds 63a

126 alliteration 63b

127 the reversal of the normal order of words 64a

128 inversion 64b

129 a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun; it may also be a paradox or difficult problem 65a

130 conundrum 65b

131 A seemingly contradictory statement which is actually true; an idea which embeds a contradiction. (Example: "You can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without getting a job"). 66a

132 Paradox 66b

133 A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. The independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect is to add emphasis and structural variety. 67a

134 periodic sentence 67b

135 a short narrative designed to teach a moral lesson 68a

136 parable 68b

137 spoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified modes of discourse are description, exposition, narration, persuasion. 69a

138 discourse 69b

139 A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed. Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." - JFK; "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy." 70a

140 chiasmus 70b

141 a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one 71a

142 allegory 71b

143 The subject of the sentence receives the action. This is often overused, making writing seem lifeless and awkward. 72a

144 Passive Voice 72b

145 a succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose; opposite of cacophony 73a

146 euphony 73b

147 A term used to describe writing that teaches a specific lesson or moral. 74a

148 Didactic 74b

149 A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point. 75a

150 Aphorism 75b

151 A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. 76a

152 symbol 76b

153 This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (often referred to as "modes of discourse") are as follows: (1) The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. (2) The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action. (3) The purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective. (4) The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. 77a

154 rhetorical modes 77b

155 This is the explicit meaning of a word; it refers to the dictionary definition. 78a

156 Denotation 78b

157 a three-part deductive argument in which a conclusion is based on a major premise and a minor premise ("All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.") 79a

158 syllogism 79b

159 A type of figurative language which attributes human qualities to non-human subjects. 80a

160 Personification 80b

161 a type of literary work, such as a novel or poem, there are also subgenres, such as science fiction or sonnet, with the larger genres 81a

162 genre 81b

163 using one part of an object to represent the entire object (for example, referring to a car simply as "wheels") 82a

164 synedoche 82b

165 usually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person, place or thing 83a

166 apostrophe 83b

167 vocabulary distinctive to a particular group of people 84a

168 jargon 84b

169 When a writer appeals to an audience's emotions to excite and involve them in the argument. 85a

170 Pathos; Emotional Appeal 85b

171 when a writer bases a claim upon an isolated example or asserts that a claim is certain rather than probable. Sweeping generalizations occur when a writer asserts that a claim applies to all instances instead of some. 86a

172 generalization 86b

173 When a writer tries to persuade the audience based on statistics, facts, and reasons. The process of reasoning 87a

174 logo; logical appeal 87b

175 when a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect his opinion based on a presentation of his image, reputation, profession, or experience; when a writer appeals to what is fair or honest 88a

176 ethos; ethical appeal 88b

177 When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something the character doesn't and would be surprised to find out. 89a

178 Dramatic irony 89b

179 When the opposite of what you expect to happen does. 90a

180 Irony 90b

181 When the writer denies the complexity of an idea. 91a

182 Oversimplification 91b

183 When two cases are not sufficiently parallel to lead readers to accept a claim of connection between them. 92a

184 False Analogy 92b

185 When you say something and mean the opposite/something different. 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. 93a

186 Verbal irony 93b

187 Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. 94a

188 Diction 94b

189 a word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation or informal writing that is often inappropriate in formal writing or speech (y'all, ain't, fixin, etc.) 95a

190 colloquialism 95b

191 a word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph. 96a

192 transition 96b

193 A word or words that are inaccurate literally but call to mind sensations or evoke reactions: "All the world's a stage..."; Metaphors and similes are examples of this. 97a

194 Figurative Language 97b

195 A worn-out idea or overused expression 98a

196 cliche 98b

197 The writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject of a story, toward a character, or toward the audience (the readers). 99a

198 tone 99b

199 writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments 100a

200 argumentatation 100b