AP Literature Vocabulary

Front

What is 'stream of consciousness'?

Back

A narrative mode or method that attempts to depict the multitudinous thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind of a narrator.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What is 'irony'?

Back

A situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

What is 'symbolism'?

Back

Something that represents something else.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

What is a 'rhapsody'?

Back

An extended, emotional piece of literature.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What does 'in media res' mean?

Back

Beginning an epic or other narrative by plunging into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

What is 'hubris'?

Back

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What is an 'oxymoron'?

Back

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A

Front

What is a 'paradox'?

Back

A statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a deeper truth.

Front

What is a 'motif'?

Back

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What is 'cacophony'?

Back

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4