AP Spanish Literature Figures of Speech

Questions and Answers

What is aliteration?

A stylistic literary device with repeated sound of the first consonant. (correct)

The repetition of a certain word at the beginning of lines.

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things.

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis.

What is the definition of hyperbole?

An extreme exaggeration used to make a point.

Define metaphor.

A figure of speech that identifies something as being the same as some unrelated thing.

What does onomatopoeia refer to?

The use of imitative and naturally suggestive words. Signup and view all the answers

What is personification?

Giving human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What does simile involve?

A comparison between one thing and another of a different kind. Signup and view all the answers

What is anaphora?

The repetition of a certain word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines. Signup and view all the answers

Define antithesis.

A proposition that contrasts with or reverses a previously mentioned proposition. Signup and view all the answers

What is an apostrophe in literature?

An exclamatory passage addressed to a person that is not present. Signup and view all the answers

Define circumlocution.

A long and complicated way of expressing something. Signup and view all the answers

What is enumeration?

A complete, ordered listing of all items in a collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a euphemism?

A mild or indirect word substituted for a harsh or blunt term. Signup and view all the answers

In a scale, we say first then .

last Signup and view all the answers

Define hyperbaton.

An inversion of the normal order of words. Signup and view all the answers

What does asíndeton mean?

The omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is cacophony?

The use of harsh, sharp sounds in language. Signup and view all the answers

What is an epithet?

An adjective expressing a quality regarded as characteristic. Signup and view all the answers

What is metonymy?

A figure of speech where a thing is referred to by something associated with it. Signup and view all the answers

Define paradox.

A statement that contradicts itself but might be true. Signup and view all the answers

What is polysyndeton?

The use of several conjunctions in close succession. Signup and view all the answers

What is synecdoche?

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole, or vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

What is synesthesia?

A technique to present ideas so that they appeal to multiple senses. Signup and view all the answers

Define retruécano.

A pun. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aliteration

A stylistic device characterized by the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.
Example: "Allen ate apples awkwardly."

Hyperbole

An intentional and extreme exaggeration used to emphasize a point.
Example: "I literally died."

Metaphor

A figure of speech that asserts that one thing is another, highlighting similarities without using "like" or "as."
Example: "Freddie is a pig when he eats."

Onomatopoeia

The use of words that phonetically imitate or suggest the sound they describe.
Example: "Boo!"

Personification

Attributing human qualities to animals, objects, or abstract ideas.
Example: "The fire ran wild."

Simile

A comparison between two different things using "like" or "as" for emphasis and vividness.
Example: "I'm as brave as a lion."

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or lines for rhetorical effect.
Example: "I have a dream that..."

Antithesis

A device that contrasts two opposing ideas for a striking effect.
Example: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Apostrophe

A literary device addressing a person or entity not present in the conversation.
Example: "Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are..."

Circumlocution (or Periphrasis)

An indirect, wordy way of expressing an idea, often used to avoid precision.
Describes elaborate imagery, as in describing a jungle or conditions of the land.

Ellipsis

The omission of a word or series of words that is understood in context, often indicated by three dots (...).

Enumeration

A complete and organized listing of items in a collection.
Example: "Get eggs, rice, cheese, butter, and milk please."

Euphemism

A milder or softer term used to replace a harsh or blunt one regarding unpleasant topics.
Example: "Passed away" instead of "died."

Gradation

A scale or sequence in which elements are arranged in order of increasing significance or intensity.

Hyperbaton

An inversion of the normal word order in a sentence for emphasis.
Example: "This I must see."

Asyndeton

The deliberate omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence to speed up the rhythm.
Example: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

Cacophony

The use of harsh, discordant sounds in language, primarily through consonants.
Example from a Lewis Carroll poem.

Epitheton

A descriptive adjective or phrase that characterizes a person or thing.
Example: "Sailing across the wine-dark sea."

Metonymy

A figure of speech where a thing is referred to by the name of an associated concept.
Example: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears."

Paradox

A statement that contradicts itself but may still hold truth.
Example: "I must be cruel to be kind."

Polysyndeton

The use of multiple conjunctions where they could be omitted, to create a sense of multiplicity.
Example: "He ran and jumped and laughed for joy."

Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part of something represents the whole, or vice versa.
Example: "She organized her life around the little yellow ball."

Synesthesia

A literary technique where writers evoke sensory experiences that appeal to multiple senses simultaneously.
Example: Descriptions of colors in relation to words and sensations.

Retruécano

A form of wordplay or pun that exploits similar-sounding words for humorous effect.
Example: "The two pianists had a good marriage. They always were in a chord."

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Description

This quiz focuses on key rhetorical figures commonly encountered in AP Spanish Literature, including aliteración, hipérbole, and metáfora. Enhance your understanding of these literary devices to excel in your analysis and interpretation of texts. Perfect for students preparing for AP exams.