AP Lit Weeks 1-8 Literary Terms and Definitions

A brief summary of a research paper, article, or essay that outlines its main points or findings. It helps readers quickly understand the paper’s purpose and content. What is this called (in writing)?

• Abstract

• Appendix

• Bibliography

• Footnote

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

A literary and artistic philosophy that values beauty and form over deeper meaning or moral messages. “Art for art’s sake.” Fill in the blank: __________

• Aestheticism

• Existentialism

• Realism

• Surrealism

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

A poetic line of 12 syllables, typically with a caesura (pause) in the middle. Often used in classical French poetry and sometimes in English heroic couplets. What is this called?

• Alexandrine

• Iambic Pentameter

• Haiku

• Sestina

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.13

A story, poem, or play in which characters, events, and settings symbolize abstract ideas (like morality, politics, or religion). Fill in the blank: __________

• Allegory

• Simile

• Irony

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words. Fill in the blank: __________

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

• Simile

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

A brief, indirect reference to something well-known (literature, history, pop culture, etc.) to add meaning. It assumes the reader will “get it.” What is this called?

• Allusion

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Simile

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

When something (a word, phrase, or situation) has multiple possible meanings or interpretations. Often used to create complexity or mystery. Fill in the blank: __________

• Ambiguity

• Clarity

• Precision

• Literalness

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

A metrical foot with three syllables: unstressed, stressed, unstressed (da-DA-da). Fill in the blank: __________

• Amphibrach

• Dactyl

• Anapest

• Trochee

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.13

Something that’s out of its proper time period. Can be accidental or a deliberate choice. What is the correct term?

• Anachronism

• Euphemism

• Neologism

• Oxymoron

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

A moment in a tragedy when the protagonist makes a critical discovery—usually about themselves or the truth of their situation. Fill in the blank: __________

• Anagnorisis

• Catharsis

• Peripeteia

• Hamartia

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.7