List of AP Literary Terms
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
Abstract- refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images.
Ad Hominem- In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent’s ideas. It comes from the
Latin meaning “against the man.”
Allegory- a work that functions on a symbolic level.
Alliteration- the repetition of initial consonant sounds, such as “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Allusion- a reference contained in a work.
Ambiguity- the multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
Amplification- involves repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to it, in order to emphasize what
otherwise might be passed over.
Analogy- a literary device employed to serve as a basis for comparison. It is assumed that what applies to the parallel
situation also applies to the original circumstance. In other words, it is the comparison between two different items.
Anaphora- the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines.
Anastrophe- transposition of normal word order; most often found in Latin in the case of prepositions and the words
they control. (a form of hyperbaton)
Anecdote- a story or brief episode told by the writer or a character to illustrate to a point.
Antanagoge- placing a good point or benefit next to a fault criticism, or problem in order to reduce the impact or
significance of the negative point.
Antimetabole- reversing the order of repeated words or phrases (a loosely chiastic structure, AB-BA) to intensify the
final formulation, to present alternatives, or to show contrast.
Antiphrasis- one word irony, established by context.
Antistrophe- repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.
Antithesis- the presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or
paragraphs. “To be or not to be…” “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your
country…”
Aphorism- a terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle. (If the
authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable
summation of the author’s point.
Apophasis- (also called praeteritio or occupatio) asserts or emphasizes something by pointedly seeming to pass over,
ignore, or deny it.
Aporia- expression of doubt (often feigned) by which a speaker appears uncertain as to what he should think, say, or
do.
Aposiopesis- a form of ellipse by which a speaker comes to an abrupt halt, seemingly overcome by passion (fear,
excitement, etc.) or modesty.
Apostrophe- a figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such
as liberty or love. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. William Wordsworth addresses John Milton
as he writes, “Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee.”
Appositive- a noun or noun substitute placed next to (in apposition to) another noun to be described or defined by the
appositive.
Archaism- use of an older or obsolete form.
Argument- a single assertion or a series of assertions presented and defended by the writer
Assonance- repetition of the same sound in words close together.
Asyndeton- lack of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.
Atmosphere- the emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and
partly by the author’s choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as a description of the weather can
contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently, atmosphere foreshadows events.
Attitude- the relationship an author has toward his or her subject, and/or his or her audience.
Brachylogy- a general term for abbreviated or condensed expression, of which asyndeton and zeugma are types.
Cacophony- harsh and discordant sounds in a line or passage in a literary work.
Catachresis- a harsh metaphor involving the use of a word beyond its strict sphere.
Cause and effect- analyses explain why something happened or what the consequences are or will be from a
particular occurrence
Chiasmus- two corresponding pairs arranged not in parallels (a-b-a-b) but in inverted order (a-b-b-a)
Classification- a form of division, but instead of starting with a single subject as a division does, classification starts
with many items, and groups or sorts them into categories.
Cliché- an overused common expression. The term is derived from a French word for a stereotype printing block.
Just as many identical copies can be made from such a block, so clichés are typically words and phrases used so
List of AP Literary Terms
1
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
frequently that they become stale and ineffective. Everyone uses clichés in speech: “in less than no time” they “spring
to mind,” but “in the last analysis,” a writer ought to “avoid them like the plague,” even though they always seem “to
hit the nail on the head.”
Climax- arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of ascending power.
Colloquial- the use of slang in writing, often to create local color and to provide an informal tone. Huckleberry Finn
is written in a colloquial style.
Comic Relief- the inclusion of a humorous character or scene to contrast with the tragic elements of a work, thereby
intensifying the next tragic event.
Conceit- a fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly
dissimilar objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness due to the unusual comparison being made.
Concrete –words describe things that exist and can be experienced through the senses. Abstractions are rendered
understandable and specific through concrete examples.
Connotation- the interpretive level of a word based on its associated images rather than its literal meaning.
Deduction- the process of moving from a general rule to a specific example.
Definition- involves placing a word first in a general class and then adding distinguishing features that set it apart
from other members of that class: “A Dalmatian is a breed of dog (general class) with a white, short-haired coat and
dark spots (distinguishing feature).” Most college writing assignments in definition require extended definitions in
which a subject is analyzed with appropriate examples and details.
Denotation- the literal or dictionary meaning of a word.
Diacope- repetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase.
Dialect- the recreation of regional spoken language, such as a Southern dialect. Zora Neale Hurston uses this in such
works as Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Diction- is the choice of words used in speaking or writing. It is frequently divided into four levels: formal, informal,
colloquial, and slang. Formal diction is found in traditional academic writing, such as books and scholarly articles;
informal diction, generally characterized by words common in conversation contexts, by contractions, and by the use
of the first person (I), is found in articles in popular magazines. Bernard R. Berelson’s essay “The Value of Children”
(p.231) uses formal diction; Judy Brady’s “I Want a Wife” (p.441) is informal.
Didactic- From the Greek, didactic literally means “teaching.” Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or
instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.
Dirimens Copulatio- mentioning a balancing or opposing fact to prevent the argument from being one-sided or
unqualified.
Distinctio- is an explicit reference to a particular meaning or to the various meanings of a word, in order to remove or
prevent ambiguity.
Ellipsis- indicated by a series of three periods, the ellipsis indicates that some material has been omitted from a given
text. It could be a word, a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, or a whole section. Be wary of the ellipsis; it could
obscure the real meaning of the piece of writing.
Enthymeme- is an informally-stated syllogism which omits either one of the premises or the conclusion. The omitted
part must be clearly understood by the reader.
Enumeratio- detailing parts, causes, effects, or consequences to make a point more forcibly.
Epanalepsis- repeats the beginning word of a clause or sentence at the end.
Epigraph- the use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme. Hemingway begins The Sun Also
Rises with two epigraphs. One of them is “You are all a lost generation” by Gertrude Stein.
Epithet- is an adjective or adjective phrase appropriately qualifying a subject (noun) by naming a key or important
characteristic of the subject.
Epizeuxis- repetition of one word (for emphasis).
Eponym- substitutes for a particular attribute the name of a famous person recognized for that attribute.
Euphemism- a more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something that might be inappropriate or
uncomfortable. “He went to his final reward” is a common euphemism for “he died.” Euphemisms are also often used
to obscure the reality of a situation. The military uses “collateral damage” to indicate civilian deaths in a military
operation.
Euphony- the pleasant, mellifluous presentation of sounds in a literary work.
Exemplum- citing an example; using an illustrative story, either true or fictitious.
Exposition- background information presented in a literary work.
Extended Metaphor- a sustained comparison, often referred to as a conceit. The extended metaphor is developed
throughout a piece of writing
Figurative Language- the body of devices that enables the writer to operate on levels other than the literal one. It
includes metaphor, simile, symbol, motif, and hyperbole, etc.
Figures of speech- are deliberate departures from the ordinary and literal meanings of words in order to provide fresh,
insightful perspectives or emphasis. Figures of speech are most commonly used in descriptive passages and include
the following: Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole, Etc...
List of AP Literary Terms
2
66. Form- the shape or structure of a literary work.
67. Generalizations- are assertions or conclusions based on some specific instances. The value of a generalization is
determined by the quality and quantity of examples on which it is based. Bob Greene in “Cut” (p.57) formulates ma
generalization--being cut from and athletic team makes men super achievers later in life--on the basis of fiver
examples. For such a generalization to have validity, however, a proper statistical sample would be essential.
68. Hendiadys- use of two words connected by a conjunction, instead of subordinating one to the other, to express a
single complex idea.
69. Homily- this term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture
involving moral or spiritual advice.
70. Hypallage- ("exchanging") transferred epithet; grammatical agreement of a word with another word which it does not
logically qualify. More common in poetry.
71. Hyperbaton- separation of words which belong together, often to emphasize the first of the separated words or to
create a certain image.
72. Hyperbole- extreme exaggeration, often humorous, it can also be ironic; the opposite of understatement.
73. Hypophora- consists of raising one or more questions and then proceeding to answer them, usually at some length.
74. Hypotaxis- using subordination to show the relationship between clauses or phrases (and hence the opposite of
parataxis).
75. Hysteron Proteron ("later-earlier")- inversion of the natural sequence of events, often meant to stress the event
which, though later in time, is considered the more important.
76. Image- a verbal approximation of a sensory impression, concept, or emotion.
77. Imagery- the total effect of related sensory images in a work of literature.
78. Induction- the process that moves from a given series of specifics to a generalization.
79. Inference- a conclusion one can draw from the presented details.
80. Invective- a verbally abusive attack.
81. Irony-an unexpected twist or contrast between what happens and what was intended or expected to happen. It
involves dialog and situation, and can be intentional or unplanned. Dramatic irony centers around the ignorance of
those involved; whereas, the audience is aware of the circumstance.
82. Litotes- understatement, for intensification, by denying the contrary of the thing being affirmed. (Sometimes used
synonymously with meiosis.)
83. Logic- the process of reasoning
84. Logical Fallacy- a mistake in reasoning
85. Loose sentence- A type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent
grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause
would be a complete sentence. A work containing many loose sentences often seems informal, relaxed, and
conversational.
86. Metabasis-consists of a brief statement of what has been said and what will follow.
87. Metanoia- (correctio) qualifies a statement by recalling it (or part of it) and expressing it in a better, milder, or
stronger way.
88. Metaphor-a direct comparison between dissimilar things. “Your eyes are stars” is an example.
89. Metonymy- a figure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea (The pen is mightier than the
sword).
90. Monologue- a speech given by one character (Hamlet’s “To be or not to be…”).
91. Mood- this term has two distinct technical meanings in English writing. The first meaning is grammatical and deals
with verbal units and a speaker’s attitude. The indicative mood is used for only factual sentences. For example, “Joe
eats too quickly.” The subjunctive mood is used for a doubtful or conditional attitude. For example, “If I were you,
I’d get another job.” The imperative mood is used for commands. For example, “Shut the door!” the second meaning
of mood is literary, meaning the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can
affect the mood. In this usage, mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.
92. Motif- the repetition or variations of an image or idea in a work used to develop theme or characters.
93. Narrator- the speaker of a literary work.
94. Onomatopoeia- words that sound like the sound they represent (hiss, gurgle, pop).
95. Oxymoron- an image of contradictory term (bittersweet, pretty ugly, jumbo shrimp).
96. Parable- a story that operates on more than one level and usually teaches a moral lesson. (The Pearl by John
Steinbeck is a fine example.).
97. Paradox- A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection
contains some degree of truth or validity. The first scene of Macbeth, for example, closes with the witches’ cryptic
remark “Fair is foul, and foul is fair….”
98. Parallelism- also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning
“beside one another.” It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to
give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a
List of AP Literary Terms
3
preposition or verbal phrase. A famous example of parallelism begins Charles Dickens’s novel A Tale of Two Cities:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the
epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…” The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently, they act as
an organizing force to attract the reader’s attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical
rhythm.
99. Paraprosdokian- surprise or unexpected ending of a phrase or series.
100. Parataxis- writing successive independent clauses, with coordinating conjunctions, or no conjunctions.
101. Parenthesis- a final form of hyperbaton, consists of a word, phrase, or whole sentence inserted as an aside in the
middle of another sentence.
102. Parody- a comic imitation of a work that ridicules the original. It can be utterly mocking or gently humorous. It
depends on allusion and exaggerates and distorts the original style and content.
103. Paronomasia: use of similar sounding words; often etymological word-play.
104. Pathos- the aspects of a literary work that elicit pity from the audience. An appeal to emotion that can be used as a
means to persuade.
105. Pedantic- a term used to describe writing that borders on lecturing. It is scholarly and academic and often overly
difficult and distant.
106. Periodic Sentence- a sentence that places the main idea or central complete thought at the end of the sentence, after
all introductory elements. The effect of the periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety.
107. Person- is a grammatical term used to refer to a speaker, the individual being addressed, or an individual being
referred to. English has three persons: first (I or we), second (you), and third (he, she, it, or they).
108. Personification- the assigning of human qualities to inanimate objects or concepts (Wordsworth personifies “the sea
that bares her bosom to the moon” in the poem London 1802.).
109. Persuasion- a type of argument that has as its goal an action on the part of the audience.
110. Pleonasm- use of superfluous or redundant words, often enriching the thought.
111. Plot- a sequence of events in a literary work.
112. Point-of-View- the method of narration in a literary work.
113. Polysyndeton- the repetition of conjunctions in a series of coordinate words, phrases, or clauses.
114. Praeteritio (=paraleipsis)- pretended omission for rhetorical effect.
115. Premise- in logic is a proposition-a statement of a truth-that is used to support or help support a conclusion.
116. Procatalepsis- by anticipating an objection and answering it, permits an argument to continue moving forward while
taking into account points or reasons opposing either the train of thought or its final conclusions.
117. Prolepsis- the anticipation, in adjectives or nouns, of the result of the action of a verb; also, the positioning of a
relative clause before its antecedent.
118. Pun- a play on words that often has a comic effect. Associated with wit and cleverness. A writer who speaks of the
“grave topic of American funerals” maybe be employing an intentional or unintentional pun.
119. Purpose- involves intent, the reason why a writer writes. Three purposes are fundamental: to entertain, to inform, or
to persuade. These are not necessarily separate or discrete; they can be combined. An effective piece of writing has a
well-defined purpose.
120. Reduction ad Absurdum- The Latin for “to reduce to the absurd.” This is a technique useful in creating a comic
effect and is also an argumentative technique. It is considered a rhetoric fallacy, because it reduces an argument to an
either/or choice.
121. Repetition- the duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase,
clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern. When repetition is poorly done, it bores, but when it’s well done, it links
and emphasizes ideas while allowing the reader the comfort of recognizing something familiar.
122. Rhetorical Question- one that does not expect an explicit answer. It is used to pose an idea to be considered by the
speaker or audience. (Ernest Dowson asks, “Where are they now, the days of wine and roses?”)
123. Sarcasm- a comic technique that ridicules through caustic language. Tone and attitude may both be described as
sarcastic in a given text if the writer employs language, irony, and wit to mock or scorn.
124. Satire- a mode of writing based on ridicule, that criticizes the foibles and follies of society without necessarily
offering a solution.
125. Sentence structure- when an essay question asks you to analyze sentence structure, look at the type of sentences the
author uses. Remember that the basic sentence structures are simple, compound, and complex, and variations created
with sentence combining. Also consider variation or lack of it in sentence length, any unusual devices in sentence
construction, such as repetition or inverted word order, and any unusual word or phrase placement. As with all
devices, be prepared to discuss the effect of the sentence structure. For example, a series of short, simple sentences or
phrases can produce a feeling of speed and choppiness, which may suit the author’s purpose.
126. Sententia- quoting a maxim or wise saying to apply a general truth to the situation; concluding or summing foregoing
material by offering a single, pithy statement of general wisdom.
127. Setting- the time and place of a literary work.
List of AP Literary Terms
4
128. Simile- an indirect comparison that uses the words like or as to link the differing items in the comparison. (“Your eyes
are like the stars.”)
129. Slang- is common, casual, conversational language that is inappropriate in forma speaking or writing. Slang often
serves to define social groups by virtue of being a private, shared language not understood by outsiders. Slang changes
constantly and is therefore always dated. For that reason alone, it is wise to avoid using slang in serious writing.
130. Stanza- a unit of a poem, similar in rhyme, meter, and length to other units in the poem.
131. Structure- the organization and form of a work.
132. Style- the unique way an author presents his ideas. Diction, syntax, imagery, structure, and content all contribute to a
particular style.
133. Subject- is what a piece of writing is about.
134. Subjective writing- expresses an author’s feelings or opinions about a particular subject. Editorials or columns in
newspapers and personal essays tend to rely on subjective judgments.
135. Syllogism- the format of a formal argument that consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
136. Symbol- something in a literary work that stands for something else. (Plato has the light of the sun symbolize truth in
“The Allegory of the Cave.”)
137. Symploce-combining anaphora and epistrophe, so that one word or phrase is repeated at the beginning and another
word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences.
138. Synecdoche- a figure of speech that utilizes a part as representative of the whole. (“All hands on deck” is an
example.)
139. Syntax- the grammatical structure of prose and poetry.
140. Tautology- repetition of an idea in a different word, phrase, or sentence.
141. Theme- the underlying ideas the author illustrates through characterization, motifs, language, plot, etc.
142. Thesis- simply, the main idea of a piece of writing. It presents the author’s assertion or claim. The effectiveness of a
presentation is often based on how well the writer presents, develops, and supports the thesis.
143. Tone- the author’s attitude toward his subject.
144. Topic Sentence- is a single sentence in a paragraph that contains a statement of subject or thesis. The topic sentence is
to the paragraph what the thesis statement is to an essay.
145. Transition- a word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence,
paragraph to paragraph.
146. Understatement – is the opposite of hyperbole; it is a deliberate minimizing done to provide emphasis or humor. In
William Least Heat Moon’s “Nameless, Tennessee” (p. 164), Miss Ginny Watts explains how she asked her husband
to call the doctor unless he wanted to be “shut of” (rid of) her. Her husband, Thurmond, humorously uses
understatement in his reply: “I studied on it.”
147. Unity- is a oneness in which all of the individual parts of a piece of writing work together to form a cohesive and
complete whole. It is best achieved by having a clearly sated purpose and thesis against which every sentence and
paragraph can be tested for relevance.
148. Voice- can refer to two different areas of writing. One refers to the relationship between a sentence’s subject and verb
(active voice and passive voice). The second refers to the total “sound” of a writer’s style.
149. Wit- in modern usage, wit is intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is
humorous, while suggesting the speaker’s verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually
uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding. Its
meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally (in the early seventeenth century), it grew to mean
quick perception including creative fancy.
150. Zeugma- two different words linked to a verb or an adjective which is strictly appropriate to only one of them.
List of AP Literary Terms
5