AP Literary Terms 6-30 Remix

Analogy: A comparison made between two things to show the similarities between them.

Yes, they hate each other in the beginning of the movie, Wreck it Ralph, but when compared later on, they find out they aren't so different after all. :)

Analysis: A method in which a work or idea is separated into its parts, and those parts given rigorous and detailed scrutiny.

 Though not a video I could find, I chose this scene from The Nightmare Before Christmas because it focuses on Jack analyzing Christmas into smaller parts.

Anaphora: A device or repetition in which a word or words are repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

This sends chills up your spine, no? I chose this particular scene from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride because the character, Victor, uses anaphora beginning with the words "with this..." while trying to speak his vows. Minus the whole chase scene afterwards, it's a good demonstration of anaphora.

Anecdote: A very short story used to illustrate a point.

    Well, what do you know! Short stories that illustrate a point! Huh...

Antagonist: A person or force opposing the protagonist in a drama or narrative.

 Batman. Go figure. He's there to kick butt and take names. Typical antagonist.

Antithesis: A balancing of one term against another for emphasis or stylistic effectiveness.

 Hmm. This works... (Tragedy and Comedy)

Aphorism: A terse, pointed statement expressing some wise or clever observation about life.

 I feel warm and fuzzy inside when I read this...

Apologia: A defense or justification for some doctrine, piece of writing, cause, or action; also apology.

 Steven Colbert is known for defending his rights and interviewing people who argue against him. He's also a comedian, which is what most people watch him for, but overall it's an example of apologia.

Apostrophe: A figure of speech in which an absent or dead person, an abstract quality, or something inanimate or nonhuman is addressed directly.

Another classic Tim Burton film. In this movie, Beetlejuice, Lydia is talking to Beetlejuice, who happens to not be human. This represents apostrophe.

Argument(ation): The process of convincing a reader by proving either the truth or the falsity of an idea or proposition.

This video always makes me giggle. A perfect example of an argument. What better way to show it than with Monty Python? In fact, I was introduced to this in your class two years ago.

Assumption: The act of supposing, or taking granted that a thing is true.

I'm sorry, but when I saw this, I nearly peed my pants. The Assumption Song is perfect for this.

Audience: The intended listener or listeners.

 YYEAAAHHH ROCK ON! An audience I enjoy.

Characterization: The means by which a writer reveals a character's personality.

J.K Rowling is one of the best authors who uses memorable characterization in the Harry Potter series.

Chiasmus: A reversal in the order of words so that the second half of a statement balances the first have in inverted word order.

 I beg to differ... 

Circumlocution: A roundabout or evasive speech or writing, in which many words are used but a few would have served.

I bet Brian can't wait until this whole ordeal is over. Ordeal is what? Over. Yeah, I thought this is was a good example to show for circumlocution.

Classicism: Art, literature, and music reflecting the principles of Ancient Greece or Rome: tradition, reason, order, and balance.

 Yyyeah.

Cliche: A phrase or situation overused within society.

  Well, in a less demonic way. CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE? Meaning: Why so silent all of a sudden? Left speechless.

Climax: The decisive point in a narrative or drama; the pint of greatest intensity or interest at which plot question is answered or resolved.

This is one of the greatest scenes in Pixar's Toy Story. Another climax scene would've been with Sid and the talking toys, but this one holds a special place in movie climax's when their problem on how to get to the moving truck is resolved.

Colloquialism: Folksy speech, slang words or phrases usually used in informal conversation.

 This is just classic. I love this example.

Comedy: A ludicrous, farcical, or amusing event designed to provide enjoyment or produce smiles and laughter.

    Just a few examples...

Conflict: A struggle or problem in the story causing tension.

Though comedic, this obviously shows a conflict between these two nautical creatures trying to paint the inside of their bosses garage.

Connotation: Implicit meaning, going beyond dictionary definition.

 Yeah, the example would've been better...

Contrast: A rhetorical device in which one element is thrown into opposition to another for the sake of emphasis or clarity.

 The Dark Side vs. a Jedi Master contrasts each other perfectly to emphasize the two sides.

Denotation: Plain dictionary definition.

Thes·pi·an

   /ˈθɛspiən/ Show Spelled[thes-pee-uhn] Show IPA

adjective

1. ( often lowercase ) pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.

2. of or characteristic of Thespis.

3. of or pertaining to Thespiae.

noun

4. ( sometimes lowercase ) a tragedian; an actor or actress.

Denouement: Loose ends tied up in a story after the climax, closure, or conclusion.

Very sad ending, but it does represent the denouement in the movie.