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AP Literary Terms (Expanded)

Terms in this set (173)

abstract
An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research
adage
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language
allegory
A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibly an ethical meaning
alliteration
The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose
allusion
A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea
ambiguity
A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation
anachronism
A person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set
analogy
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things
annotation
A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature
antagonist
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict
antithesis
A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences: "They promised freedom but provided slavery"
aphorism
A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment
Apollonian
In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior
apostrophe
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present
archetype
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form
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