(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
metonymy 1b
(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
litotes 2b
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
Parallelism 3b
the art of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text; usually involves close reading and special attention to figurative language. 4a
explication 4b
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
Mood 5b
Author directly describes character. 6a
direct characterization 6b
Author subtly reveals the character through actions and interactions. 7a
indirect characterization 7b
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
Anecdote 8b
A character or force in conflict with the main character. 9a
antagonist 9b
A character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work 10a
round character 10b
A character who grows, learns, or changes as a result of the story's action. 11a
dynamic character 11b
A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way 12a
analogy 12b
A comparison using like or as 13a
simile 13b
a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence 14a
inference 14b
the depiction of people, things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect. 15a
realism 15b
Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) 16a
imagery 16b
descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality 17a
caricature 17b
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
Allusion 18b
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. 19a
Invective 19b
an evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. 20a
style 20b
Events turn out the opposite of what would reasonably be expected. 21a
Situational irony 21b
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
Parody 22b
excessive pride that oftens affects tone 23a
hubris 23b
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution 24a
elements of plot 24b
figure of speech in the form of a question posed for rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer 25a
rhetorical question 25b
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
Metaphor 26b
form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly 27a
satire 27b
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
Oxymoron 28b
harsh, awkward sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose 29a
cacophony; dissonance 29b
harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule 30a
sarcasm 30b
high point, or turning point or a story or play 31a
climax 31b
the immediate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot 32a
exposition 32b
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
objectivity 33b
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
point of view 34b
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
wit 35b
In sentences written in active voice, the subject performs the action expressed in the verb; the subject acts 36a
active voice 36b
inflated, pretentious language 37a
bombast 37b
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
understatement 38b
Language that describes specific, observable things, people or places. 39a
Concrete Language 39b
Literature that emphasizes a specific geographic setting and that reproduces the speech, behavior, and attitudes of the people who live in that region. 40a
regionalism 40b
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
loose sentences 41b
a lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place 42a
idyll 42b
Main character in a story. 43a
protagonist 43b
The main idea or meaning of a text. Often, this is an insight about human life revealed in a literary work 44a
theme 44b
the movement of a literary piece from one point or one section to another 45a
pacing 45b
Observing strict adherence to formal rules or literal meaning. This can also refer to the author's tone as overly scholarly and academic. 46a
Pedantic 46b
opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments 47a
thesis 47b
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
Parenthetical Idea 48b
a personal presentation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions 49a
subjectivity 49b
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
Juxtaposition 50b
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
antithesis 51b
the process of moving from a general rule to specific example 52a
deduction 52b
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
Induction 53b
quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle. 54a
coherence; unity 54b
Rather than the dictionary definition, this refers to the associations suggested by a word: implied meaning rather than literal meaning. 55a
Connotation 55b
refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images 56a
Abstract 56b
refers to the total "sound" of the writer's style 57a
voice 57b
A regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. 58a
dialect 58b
repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis 59a
repetition 59b
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
Consonance 60b
Repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity 61a
assonance 61b
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
Anaphora 62b
Repetition of initial consonant sounds 63a
alliteration 63b
the reversal of the normal order of words 64a
inversion 64b
a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun; it may also be a paradox or difficult problem 65a
conundrum 65b
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
Paradox 66b
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
periodic sentence 67b
a short narrative designed to teach a moral lesson 68a
parable 68b
spoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified modes of discourse are description, exposition, narration, persuasion. 69a
discourse 69b
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
chiasmus 70b
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one 71a
allegory 71b
The subject of the sentence receives the action. This is often overused, making writing seem lifeless and awkward. 72a
Passive Voice 72b
a succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose; opposite of cacophony 73a
euphony 73b
A term used to describe writing that teaches a specific lesson or moral. 74a
Didactic 74b
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
Aphorism 75b
A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. 76a
symbol 76b
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
rhetorical modes 77b
This is the explicit meaning of a word; it refers to the dictionary definition. 78a
Denotation 78b
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
syllogism 79b
A type of figurative language which attributes human qualities to non-human subjects. 80a
Personification 80b
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
genre 81b
using one part of an object to represent the entire object (for example, referring to a car simply as "wheels") 82a
synedoche 82b
usually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person, place or thing 83a
apostrophe 83b
vocabulary distinctive to a particular group of people 84a
jargon 84b
When a writer appeals to an audience's emotions to excite and involve them in the argument. 85a
Pathos; Emotional Appeal 85b
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
generalization 86b
When a writer tries to persuade the audience based on statistics, facts, and reasons. The process of reasoning 87a
logo; logical appeal 87b
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
ethos; ethical appeal 88b
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something the character doesn't and would be surprised to find out. 89a
Dramatic irony 89b
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does. 90a
Irony 90b
When the writer denies the complexity of an idea. 91a
Oversimplification 91b
When two cases are not sufficiently parallel to lead readers to accept a claim of connection between them. 92a
False Analogy 92b
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
Verbal irony 93b
Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. 94a
Diction 94b
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
colloquialism 95b
a word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph. 96a
transition 96b
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
Figurative Language 97b
A worn-out idea or overused expression 98a
cliche 98b
The writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject of a story, toward a character, or toward the audience (the readers). 99a
tone 99b
writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments 100a
argumentatation 100b