AP Literature Vocabulary

What is 'stream of consciousness'?

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

• A technique used in poetry to create rhythmic patterns.

• A style of writing that focuses solely on dialogue between characters.

• A method of storytelling that relies on chronological order.

What is an 'aphorism'?

• A lengthy explanation of a concept.

• A pithy observation that contains a general truth.

• A type of poetic verse.

• A formal definition of a word.

What is 'dramatic monologue'?

• A type of poem in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener.

• A dialogue between two characters in a play.

• A narrative poem that tells a story from multiple perspectives.

• A poem that expresses the thoughts and feelings of a group of people.

What is 'symbolism'?

• A literary device that uses exaggeration

• Something that represents something else.

• A technique for creating suspense

• A method of character development

What is 'hubris'?

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

• A type of ancient Greek pottery.

• A philosophical concept of balance.

• A form of artistic expression in literature.

What is 'cacophony'?

• A pleasant harmony of sounds.

• A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

• A type of musical instrument.

• A form of silent communication.

What is a 'rhapsody'?

• A short poem about nature.

• An extended, emotional piece of literature.

• A type of musical composition.

• A historical narrative of events.

What is an 'oxymoron'?

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

• A type of metaphor that compares two unrelated things.

• A rhetorical device that exaggerates for emphasis.

• A literary technique that uses repetition for effect.

What is 'euphemism'?

• A figure of speech that exaggerates for emphasis.

• A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.

• A term used to describe a harsh criticism.

• A type of metaphor that compares two unrelated things.

What is 'colloquialism'?

• A formal word used in academic writing.

• A word or phrase that is not formal and is used in ordinary or familiar conversation.

• A technical term used in specific fields.

• A slang term that is universally understood.