AP Terminology Allusion: Brief, often direct reference to a person, place, event, work of art, literature, or music which the author assumes the reader will recognize Example: Referring to someone as a “Romeo” is alluding to Romeo and Juliet Example: You may describe someone's weakness as his/her Achilles' Heel. This alludes to Greek mythology.

Allusion The more you read (especially classic, canonical texts) the more allusions you will understand The Bible is often alluded to

Ambiguity Doubtfulness or uncertainty of intention or meaning—subject to more than one interpretation You may say that something that is vague, with few details, is ambiguous Authors sometimes use ambiguity to leave us wondering. There is often a purpose, such as having the ability to be interpreted in more than one way.

Ambiguity Poetry or literature may be ambiguous enough to let us choose our own meaning. It may also provoke curiosity. Many songs are somewhat ambiguous. They can apply to many situations.

Analogy A comparison of points of likeness between two otherwise dissimilar things, a familiar object or idea is used to explain a more abstract concept. A street light is like a star. Both provide light at night, both are in predictable locations, both are overhead, and both serve no function in the daytime. OR: Gasoline is to a car as lasagna is to a human.

Analogy "I am to dancing what Roseanne is to singing and Donald Duck to motivational speeches. I am as graceful as a refrigerator falling down a flight of stairs." (Leonard Pitts, "Curse of Rhythm Impairment." Miami Herald, Sep. 28, 2009) "Writing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo." (Don Marquis)

Analogy "Harrison Ford is like one of those sports cars that advertise acceleration from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in three or four seconds. He can go from slightly broody inaction to ferocious reaction in approximately the same time span. And he handles the tight turns and corkscrew twists of a suspense story without losing his balance or leaving skid marks on the film. But maybe the best and most interesting thing about him is that he doesn't look particularly sleek, quick, or powerful; until something or somebody causes him to gun his engine, he projects the seemly aura of the family sedan." (Richard Schickel, review of Patriot Games in Time magazine)

Analogy "MTV is to music as KFC is to chicken." (Lewis Black)

Anaphora The regular repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing rounds. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets. What impact does such repetition have?

Attitude Tone

Autobiography The story of a person's life written by that person; can vary from a chronological account to an impressionistic narrative. Many celebrities and politicians write autobiographies. You may have done an autobiography project before.

Catharsis Purging, originally from the word “vomiting”, of emotions through pity and fear. Effect on the audience through vicarious participation in the actions of the tragic hero. Process of releasing emotion May happen when a character “spills his/her guts” and puts all emotions out there

Types of Characters Developed/round character Stock/flat character Caricature Dynamic Character Static character Protagonist Antagonist