AP Lit Vocab List 5 (Contrasts)

Analogy

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Terms in this set (9)

This clarifies by comparison. Unlike simile and metaphor, it provides more explanation, often describing the comparison without naming it, and implies information rather than stating it. It tends to run longer than other forms of comparison because it goes deeper into the characteristics of something or the heart of an idea/emotion which involves the theme of the story.

Antithesis

This contrasts two elements in parallel form. It is like a statement that contains two opposite ideas and a contrast that makes logical sense.

Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"

Irony (general)

A contrast or discrepancy between what is said and what is meant or what happens and what is expected to happen in life and in literature. Essentially, it is just the opposite of what is expected.

Verbal Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant.

Situational Irony

A situation where the outcome is incongruous (inconsistent) with what is expected.

Dramatic Irony

A character speaks in ignorance of a situation or event known to the audience or to the other characters.

Juxtaposition

This places two or more dissimilar characters/themes/concepts side by side, and the profound contrast highlights their differences. Two forms of this are oxymorons and antitheses.

Oxymoron

A phrase that combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other. It's the "mini" version of a paradox because it's usually a short phrase that contains only two WORDS of opposite meaning.

Examples: "uninvited guest," "alone together," and "seriously funny"

Paradox

A statement containing two opposite ideas that make it seem impossible or unlikely, although it is probably true. It refers to a SITUATION which contains two opposite ideas.

Example: "I must be cruel to be kind" (Shakespeare)