AP Lang & Comp Vocab List
Arch
(adj.) Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful, and somewhat irreverent. Example: Addies burial in As I Lay Dying is an example of irreverent humor
belle-lettres
A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general. Example: THE CANON
Humanism
A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity
Empathy
A feeling of association or identification with an object or person. EX: Vardaman has empathy for his fish, and in turn his mother.
caricature
A grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities in persons and things. Ex:
figure of speech
An expression that strives for literary effect rather than conveying a literal meaning.
Dionysian
As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses. EX: When Dewey Dell recalls being with Lafe. (pg 26)
hubris
Excessive pride that often affects tone.
Descriptive Detail
Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place, or thing. EX: "Motionless, the tall buzzards hang in soaring circles, the clouds giving them an illusion of retrograde." (pg 95)
Compound Sentence
Includes two or more independent clauses EX: The music was beautiful and Meerson felt like crying.
cynic
One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct. Ex: glass half empty kinda thing
climax
The high point, or turning point, of a story or play. Ex: climax of 1984 is when Winston has to choose between Big Brother and selling out Julia.
Rhetoric
The language of a work and its style; words, often highly emotional, used to convince or sway an audience
Rhyme
The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals, used mostly in poetry but not unheard of in prose
Retraction
The withdrawal of a previously stated idea or opinion EX:
bibliography
a list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a articular subject. Example: I hope we've all written one.
idyll
a lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place
Fable
a short tale, often with nonhuman characters, from which a useful lesson or moral may be drawn.
frame
a structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse
stream of consciousness
a style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind EX: Darl has a stream of consciousness moment on page 80, when he comes upon the realization that sleep equates death
analogy
comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things AILD example: Vardaman says his mom is a fish; Jewel says his mom is a horse Fish & horse obviously aren't the same; but what's similar is how both sons refer to the dead Addie in those animal terms; they're both having trouble coming to terms with her death
ambiguity
vagueness of meaning; conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations AILD EX: Darl's "I am is" monologue
Sarcasm
A sharp, caustic attitude conveyed in words through jibes, taunts, or other remarks; sarcasm differs from irony, which is more subtle
fantasy
A story containing unreal, imaginary features.
eponymous
A term for the title character of a work or literature.
Genre
A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay.
burlesque
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation. Example: A parody
critique
An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, limitations, and conformity to a set of standards. Ex: "No specific research question or hypothesis is noted, but the authors do address the overall context for their qualitative study."
setting
An environment that consists of time, place, historical milieu, and social, political, and even spiritual circumstances. EX: the setting for As I Lay Dying is the American South in the 1930s
classical, classicism
Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint. Ex: A symphony is classical music
Simple Sentence
Includes one subject and one verb EX: We are reading As I Lay Dying
circumlocution
Literally, "talking around" a subject; i.e., discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject. Ex: the vehicle that I use to drive to work in the mornings" is a circumlocution for "my car."
Periodic Sentence
Main independent clause follows a dependent clause EX: Brimming with ambition, she set forth.
Hyperbole
Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.
Tone
The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The tone is the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work- the spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence. EX: Darl --> contemplative
style
The manner in which an author uses and arranges words, shapes ideas, forms sentences, and creates a structure to convey ideas. EX: Faulkner's style is never mistakable, especially the way he can portray the gloomy southern setting in As I Lay Dying
Ellipsis
Three periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation. EX: "... I was standing beside his bed and he was sitting up between the sheets, clad in his underwear, with a great portfolio in his hands." - The Great Gatsby
Romance
an extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places EX: Peter Pan
cacophony
grating, inharmonious sounds Example: grand crossfire is a cacophony - 4 people speaking loudly over one another
subjective
(adj.) Of or relating to private and personal feelings and attitudes as opposed to facts and reality. EX: The idea that earning 3 dollars is more important than being with ones mother at death is subjective, as only a few people(Anse, Jewel...) agree
Muse
(n.) the imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer. (v.) to reflect deeply/ponder. Darl frequently muses about his existence in AILD.
Moral
A brief, often simplistic lesson a reader may infer from a work of literature. Ex: The moral of Tortoise and the Hare is that perseverance prevails over talent.
Dramatic Irony
A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character. EX: most horror movies
farce
A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.
exegesis
A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.
Invective
A direct verbal assault; a denunciation; casting blame on someone or something. "Donald Trump, YOU ____________!!!!"
Verbal irony
A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words. EX: "I have tried to live right in the sight of God and man, for the honor and comfort of my Christian husband and the love and respect of my Christian children." -Cora Tull
exposé
A factual piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.
Pseudonym
A false name or alias used by writers: Dr. Seuss - Theodor Seuss Geisel.
simile
A figurative comparison using the words like or as EX: She sings like a canary
Personification
A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics: The sun smiled down on them.
Tragedy
A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw or by a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish. EX: Shakespeare's Othello
Litotes
A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is use to achieve emphasis or intensity. EX: He's not hideous.
Narrative
A form of verse or prose (both fiction and nonfiction) that tells a story. Stories often contain multiple narrative devices, e.g. skipping back and forth in time, ordering events chronologically, and ordering events to lead up to a suspenseful climax. Examples in AILD: stream of consciousness, multiple subjective narrators
stylistic devices
A general term referring to diction, syntax, tone, figurative language, and all other elements that contribute to the "style" or manner of a given piece of discourse. EX: Faulkner uses the stylistic device of alliteration to convey specific moods
Rhetorical Mode
A general term that identifies discourse according to its chief purpose. Includes exposition, argumentation, description, and narration
classic
A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time. Ex: Romeo and Juliet
concrete detail
A highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract. Ex: Jewel is the older brother of Darl.
Pun
A humorous play on words, using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings: How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it
Satire
A literary style used to poke fun at, attack, or ridicule an idea, vice, or foible, often for the purpose of inducing change
Apostrophe
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present. Example: O' Romeo O' Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo???
Saga
A long, historical, episodic narrative often focusing on a single hero, family, or group EX: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.
inductive reasoning
A method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.
lampoon
A mocking satirical assault on a person or situation. EX: Boomers love to lampoon young millenials for their avocado toast habits.
comparison and contrast
A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted. Comparison often refers to similarities, contrast to differences. Ex: when we wrote a rhetorical analysis about the director's view vs Mark's view in Breathing Lessons
Irony
A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected. EX: and then the math teacher with a very dry wit invited everyone to their charity comedy show.
Motif
A phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature. In AILD, Addie's coffin is a motif.
Elegy
A poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing or death of someone or something of value. The adjective describing an elegy is elegiac. EX: "In the house the women begin to sing." (pg 91) The women's song is elegiac as the "voices quaver away with a rich and dying fall," during/after the funeral for Addie.
Bard
A poet; in olden times, a preformer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment. Example: William Shakespeare was called the Bard of Avon
Rhetorical Question
A question to which the audience already knows the answer; a question asked merely for effect with no answer expected
Montage
A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea. Ex: Breathing Lessons used montages of Berkeley to depict the area's atmosphere.
indirect quotation
A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased.
Understatement
A restrained statement that departs from what could be said; a studied avoidance of emphasis or exaggeration, often to create a particular effect. EX: Darl likes to think.
Elliptical Construction
A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. EX: "May was hot and June the same," the verb was is omitted form the second clause.
Periodic Sentence
A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end: In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.
Loose sentence
A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences, i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses.
extended metaphor
A series of comparisons between two unlike objects. Ex: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts." - Shakespeare's "As You Like It"
Proverb
A short pithy statement of the general truth that condenses common experience into memorable form: "A cat has nine lives."
clause
A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate. Ex: Independent clauses, sometimes called main clauses, may stand on their own as complete sentences; dependent clauses, which are used as nouns or modifiers, are sometimes called subordinate clauses. Dependent clauses that function as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs, are known, respectively, as adjective, noun, and adverbial clauses.
Transition
A stylistic device used to create a link between ideas. Transitions often endow discourse with continuity and coherence. EX: thus, furthermore, additionally
Verse
A synonym for poetry; also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry. EX: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" -Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18"
sentiment
A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature. EX: Vardaman bears a lot of aggressive sentiment toward Peabody, the man he thinks killed his mom
sentimental
A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish. EX: Cash is not a sentimental person, as he barely shows any signs of emotion
Naturalism
A view of experience generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic; synonym for "realism". Jake Blount and Vernon Tull harbor naturalistic ideologies.
conceit
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language. Ex: Marriage is like getting a root canal. Childbirth is like having a nail driven through your foot.
image
A word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled, or felt.
Archetype
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form. Example: The damsel in distress that is rescued by a hero
Myth
An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society. Ex: the story of Adam and Eve
fallacy, fallacious reasoning
An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, false information, or flawed logic. Ex: Attacking the person - Also regarded as "argumentum ad hominem" (argument against the man), this is a common fallacy used during debates, where an individual substitutes a rebuttal with a personal insult. "Don't believe his words, he's a nincompoop."
Whimsy
An object, device, or creation that is fanciful or rooted in unreality. EX: Darl's entire existence
Prose
Any discourse that is not poetry: Prose writing includes most of human conversation, textbooks, lectures, novels, short stories, fairy tales, newspaper articles, and essays.
Inference
Conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or some other specific data. EX: looking at Darl's use of language, I've inferred that he's an outsider.
mock serious
Feigned or deliberately artificial seriousness, often for satirical purposes. SNL skits employs mock seriousness all the time to make fun of public figures.
Didactic
Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner. EX: When Darl is describing to Vardaman that Vardman's mother is a fish, Jewel's is a horse, and his is was. (pg 101)
Apollonian
In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior Examples: the human characteristics of restraint, harmony, culture, and reason
Deus Ex Machina
In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem. EX: Flipping Addie the wrong way in the coffin to fit her with the dress.
Complex Sentence
Includes an independent clause plus one or more dependent clauses EX: The U.S experienced economic downturn during the Great Depression, increasing unemployment and reducing production.
Rhetorical Stance
Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject
carpe diem
Literally, "seize the day"; "enjoy life while you can," a common theme in life and literature.
Loose Sentence
Main independent clause precedes a dependent clause EX: She set forth, brimming with ambition.
Pedantic
Narrowly academic and excessively petty or meticulous, instead of broad and humane: A person at a party who bores everyone while talking at length about the origin and details of a particular piece of pottery.
Pulp Fiction
Novels written for mass consumption, often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots: The literary equivalent of a Quentin Tarantino film: It's not Kubrick, it's not even very realistic — but it's nevertheless necessary.
lyrical prose
Personal, reflective prose that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject.
Reiteration
Repetition of an idea using different words, often for emphasis or other effect EX: Use of alternative phrasing to convey the same message
Repetition
Reuse of the same words, phrases, or ideas for rhetorical effect, usually to emphasize a point EX: "Reuse of the same words, phrases, or ideas for rhetorical effect, usually to emphasize a point "G*dd*amn you, G*dd*mn you"
Verisimilitude
Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is or could have been. EX: AILD employs verisimilitude in the sense that its' setting is so vastly different from our reality (possible vision of life as it could have been if we lived in the rural South during that time period)
Sentence Structure
The arrangement of the parts of a sentence. A sentence may be simple, compound, complex, etc. Sentences may also contain any of these structures in combination with each other. Each variation leaves a different impression on the reader, and along with other rhetorical devices, may create a countless array of effects
Diction
The choice of words in oral and written discourse. EX: "The fans go whish. whish. whish..." (pg 87) Diction here used to describe sound, more sensory/poetic.
Realism
The depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect:
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word. EX: Soporific= tending to induce drowsiness or sleep.
Mood
The emotional tone or prevailing atmosphere in a work of literature or other discourse. Grammatically, it refers to the intent of a particular sentence: 1) INDICATIVE mood = statements of fact 2) SUBJUNCTIVE mood expresses doubt or a conditional attitude 3) IMPERATIVE mood gives commands
Trope
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image, symbol, simile, and metaphor. EX: Bundren family → trope for compulsory family
subtext
The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of an essay or other work. EX: Cora understands the subtext of Darl's behavior, like when he stops in front of his dying mother and pauses, she knows that he is hurt despite his lack of words
explication
The interpretation or analysis of a text. Ex: Our... rhetorical... analysis... essays...
Plot
The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plotline is the pattern of events: Includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Logos
The logic used by a speaker or writer to support a claim or point of view. EX: "studies show that vaping is 2X worse for you than smoking. So ditch the Juul and go buy a pack of cigarettes".
Thesis
The main idea of a piece of discourse; the statement or proposition that a speaker or writer wishes to advance, illustrate, prove, or defend. EX: Familial obligation often correlates with a disjointed relationship between outward expression and inner feelings.
Theme
The main idea or meaning, often an abstract idea upon which an essay or other form of discourse is built. EX: Compulsory family, What you say vs. how you feel
subject complement
The name of a grammatical unit that is comprised of predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives. EX: The test is easy, "easy" describes the subject that is the test
Predicate
The part of a sentence that is not the grammatical subject: A noun that provides another name for the subject is called a predicative nominative.
Rebuttal/refutation
The part of discourse wherein opposing arguments are anticipated and answered: "No, you're wrong and this is why."
Rhythm
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up speech and writing
Digression
The portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic. EX: When Tull describes that he does not mind folk falling, rather the "cotton and the corn". (pg 90)
Wit
The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene. EX: Winston Churchill was once at a party, apparently quite drunk, when he had an encounter with a high-class socialite from another political party. The woman turned her nose up at Churchill and said with disdain, "You, sir, are drunk." Churchill, not missing a beat, responded in a dry tone of voice, "You, madam, are ugly, and in the morning I shall be sober."
Voice
The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker. In grammar, active voice and passive voice refer to the use of verbs.A verb is in the active voice when it expresses an action performed by its subject. A verb is in the passive voice when it expresses an action performed upon its subject or when the subject is the result of the action. EX: The many conflicting voices (each belonging its respective character), not to mention the lack of an omniscient narrator, create a disjointed storyline
Point of view
The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to a subject of discourse: A matter discussed in the first person has an internal view, an observer uses an external view.
consonance
The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit of speech or writing. Ex: Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter. (The "t" and "r" sounds)
Assonance
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry. Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
Denouement
The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined. EX: At the end of pg 127 left without a denouement of how they manage to get across the river, leaving anticipation for future chapters.
Persona
The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader or other audience: A politician wants to come off to voters as a regular, nice guy who cares about normal people.
connotation
The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. Contrast with denotation. Ex: She's feeling blue. (Connotation of blue is negative)
symbolism
The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object EX: to Vardaman the fish symbolizes his mother Addie
Anecdote
a brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point AILD EX: the anecdote by Tull of Cash falling from a church he was working on (p. 90) shows how determined he is (worked so hard on a church that he fell; worked so hard on Addie's coffin, even in the rain)
epigram
a concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement.
Malaproprism
a confused use of words in which an appropriate word is replaced by one with similar sound but (often ludicrously) inappropriate meaning. EX: Replacing 'devoured' with 'deflowered'.
Kenning
a device in Angro-Saxon poetry that replaces the name of a thing by its function: king---'ring-giver'"
Synecdoche
a figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part EX: "suits" refers to lawyers although the word only directly references the lawyers' clothing
metaphor
a figure of speech that compares unlike objects. When several characteristics of the same objects are compared, the device is called an extended metaphor. EX: My mother is a fish.
harangue
a forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade
syllogism
a form of deductive reasoning in which given certain ideas or facts, other ideas or facts must follow EX: If Darl was Addie's favorite child, we can conclude that Jewel was not her favorite child
homily
a lecture or sermon on a religious or moral theme meant to guide human behavior
melodrama
a literary form n which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response. EX:
Euphemism
a mild or less negative usage for harsh or blunt term. Example: pass away is a euphemism for die.
epic
a narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.
Mock Epic
a parody of traditional epic form. As I Lay Dying is a mock epic because the characters embark on a quest and encounter obstacles along the way
Maxim
a saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth. (adage/aphorism). EX: "the more things change, the more they stay the same"
Aphorism
a short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment. Example: the early bird gets the worm
Ethos
a speaker's or author's authority to express opinions on a subject. The ethos of a professional wrestler, for instance, o speak credibly about, say, philosophy or metaphysics, is questionable.
Non sequitur
a statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before. ex: "[The sign says] New Hope: 3 miles. That's what they mean by the womb of time: the agony and despair..." - Dewey Dell, AILD p. 114
metaphysical
a term describing poetry that uses elaborate conceits, expresses the complexities of love and life, and is highly intellectual.
antecedent
a word to which a pronoun refers AILD EX: "Mrs. Tull comes to the edge of the porch and calls Vernon. 'How near are you done?' she says." -p. 79 (Darl) "She" refers to Mrs. Tull (Cora)
abstract
abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research; dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular or specific instance EX: don't want to read AILD? look up the abstract of it on sparknotes instead! (not sponsored by Meerson... or the english department... or the college board...)
epithet
an adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; "sun-bright topaz", "sun-lit lake", and "sun-bright lake" are examples. Can also be used to apply to vulgar or profane exclamations.
Annotation
brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature AILD EX: your AILD books! :D
antagonist
character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict AILD EX: the Bundren family in their interactions with one another; living in a dysfunctional family causes lots of tension, that they really don't address or try to fix "I told him [Jewel] not to bring that horse out of respect for his dead ma, because it wouldn't look right, him prancing along on a durn circus animal and her wanting us all to be in the wagon with her..." -p. 105 (Anse)
ad hominem
directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason AILD EX: Addie wants to be buried w/ her birth family in Jackson; many (like Cora) think that isn't sensible at all; they also think it's weird for the Bundrens to be honoring that wish
bombast
inflated, pretentious language. Example: Someone ranting about how much better they are than others.
Bathos
insincere or overdone sentimentality Example (50 shades of Grey) "His voice is warm and husky like dark melted chocolate fudge caramel... or something" - the "or something" makes everything before it insincere
Deductive Reasoning
method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles. EX: Darl's inner reasoning (pg 80) as to why he "am is".
Extended Analogy
passage that points out several similarities between two unlike things EX: Person 1: "Software pirates should campaign to change the law and not break it. I don't think it's ever valid to oppose the law by breaking it." Person 2: "Such a position is odious: it implies you would not have supported the women's suffrage movement." Person 3: "Are you suggesting piracy is as important as giving women the vote? How dare you!"
anachronism
person, scene, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era; being chronologically out of place EX: pretend Darl used an iPhone
euphony
pleasing, harmonious sounds
allusion
reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea AILD EX: "... for the last three weeks I have been coming over [to Addie]... so... she would not have to face the Great Unknown without one familiar face to give her courage" "Great Unknown" = Heaven
alliteration
repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem AILD EX: "Rusted, grease-fouled, its cracked chimney smeared on one side with a SOARING SMUDGE OF SOOT..." -p. 75 (Darl)
anthesis
rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences Barron's EX: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"; "They promised freedom but provided slavery" AILD EX: "... before you are emptied for sleep, what are you. And when you are emptied for sleep, you are not. And when you are filled with sleep, you never were. I dont know what I am. I dont know if I am or not." -p. 80 (Darl)
adage
saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language AILD EX: "When He [God] aims for something to be always a-moving, He makes it long ways, like a road or a horse or a wagon, but when He aims for something to stay put, He makes it up-and-down ways, like a tree or a man." -p. 36 (Anse) This shows how Anse believes humans weren't made for moving around; they were made for settling down where they are. (This belief definitely conflicts with the situation of moving Addie.)
allegory
story where a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface AILD EX: Vardaman's "my mother is a fish" statement is an allegory for him missing her and struggling to cope with it; both the fish and Addie are dead
Expostition
the background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.
Mode
the general form, pattern, and manner of expression of a piece of discourse. AILD's mode is characterized by its stream of consciousness writing style and gramatically imperfect English
syntax
the organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular syntax, or pattern of words EX: Darl uses syntax to play with words
canon
the works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Predjudice, 1984, The Great Gatsby etc.
Metonymy
uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it's associated. i.e. saying "Redcoats" to refer to British soldiers