AP Lit Narrative Terms

Front

To what does deus ex machina refer?

Back

Deus ex machina is a Greek phrase for "God from a machine" and refers to a contrivance used to solve the problem of a narrative.

Front

To what does in medias res refer?

Back

In medias res means "in the middle of the action." Writers often use this technique to capture their reader's attention.

Front

To what does reliability refer?

Back

Reliability refers to the trustworthiness of a narrator.

Front

To what does setting refer?

Back

Setting refers to the time and place in which a narrative takes place.

Front

To what does theme refer?

Back

Theme refers to the main idea of a literary text.

Front

What is a bildungroman?

Back

A bildungsroman is a coming-of-age novel.

Front

What is a circular narrative?

Back

A circular narrative is a narrative technique where an author gradually reveals information as the narrative is repeated.

Front

What is a digression?

Back

A digression is a temporary departure from one topic to another related topic.

Front

What is a dystopia?

Back

A dystopia is the opposite of a utopia.

Front

What is a flashback?

Back

A flashback is a scene that interrupts the present action of the narrative to depict an earlier event.