ap lit terms glossary - Ms. Henrys Literary Terms Glossary 1 Literary Terms AP Literature & Composition ALLEGORY things or people that represent an idea

Ms. Henry’s Literary Terms Glossary1 Literary TermsAP Literature & Composition ALLEGORY–things or people that represent an idea or generalization. ALLITERATION–the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words, e.g. ―Doubting, dreaming dreamsno mortal ever dared to dream before.‖ –Poe, ―The Raven‖ ALLUSION–a reference to a person, a place, an event, or a literary work that the writer expects a reader to recognize.Allusions may be drawn from mythology, religion, history, or geography, e.g. An illusion to Greek mythology is found in this line from Oliver Wendell Holmes’ ―The Chambered Nautilus‖:―In gulfs enchanted, where the Siren sings…‖Holmes alludes to the Sirens, sea nymphs who enchanted sailors with their songs and lured them to their deaths on the rocks. ANAPEST–as in―un-der-stand‖ ANTITHESIS–An opposing or contrast of ideas. ANTAGONIST–a person or force opposing the protagonist in a drama or narrative. The word ―antagonist‖ comes from a Greek word meaning ―to struggle against.‖In Herman Melville’s novelMoby Dickthe white whale is Captain Ahab’s antagonist. APHORISM–a short terse, pointed statement expressing some wise or clever observation about life, e.g. ―He that lives upon hope will die fasting.‖ –Benjamin Franklin, e.g. ―He who would be a man must be a nonconformist.‖ –Ralph Waldo Emerson. APOSTROPHE–direct address to an absent or dead person, an abstract quality, or something inanimate or nonhuman as if it could hear and understand.e.g. ―Death, be notproud, though many have called thee/Mighty and dangerous, for thou art not so.‖ John Donne APPEARANCE–see Indirect Characterization APPROXIMATE RHYME–the words are similar but do not rhyme exactly ASSONANCE–the repetition of similar vowel sounds.e.g. ―From the molten, golden notes.‖Edgar Allan Poe, ―The Bells‖ BALLAD–narrative poem usually meant to be snug.Ballads are generally classified as folk ballads or literary ballads.Folk ballads have no known author.The author of a literary ballad is known.The most popular themes of ballads are:disappointed love, jealousy, revenge, sudden disaster, and deeds of adventure and daring.The story is told through dialogue and action.A refrain, or chorus, is a common element.

Ms. Henry’s Literary Terms Glossary2 BASIC SITUATION–(exposition) a character in a situation that leads to a problem or conflict. BLANK VERSE–iambic pentameter unrhymed. e.g. ―Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.‖ William Cullen Byant, ―Thanatopsis‖ CAESURA–a break or pause in a line of poetry, which contributes to the rhythm of the poem. e.g. ―Go forth, under the open sky, and list/To Nature’s teachings, while from all around -/Earth and her waters, and the depths of air -/Comes a still voice…‖ William Cullen Bryant, ―Thanatopsis‖ CHARACTERIZATION–the means by which a writer reveals a character’s personality.