Glossary
Actions
The deeds, behaviors, or choices a character makes within the narrative, which serve as primary evidence for inferring their traits, motivations, and perspectives.
Example:
When a character secretly donates their life savings to a struggling orphanage, their actions reveal a profound selflessness.
Archetypes
Universal patterns of characters, plots, or symbols that recur across different cultures and stories, representing fundamental human experiences or roles.
Example:
Gandalf from 'The Lord of the Rings' embodies the 'mentor' archetype, guiding the hero with wisdom and magical aid.
Argumentative Essays
An essay type on the AP English Language exam where students develop their own argument on a given topic, supporting their claim with evidence and logical reasoning.
Example:
A student writing an argumentative essay might advocate for the implementation of a four-day school week, citing research on student well-being and academic performance.
C.E.L.C.
A mnemonic device standing for Claim, Evidence, Logic, and Conclusion, used to remember the essential components for constructing a well-structured and persuasive line of reasoning.
Example:
When planning their essay, a student used the C.E.L.C. framework to ensure they had a clear argument, supporting facts, logical connections, and a strong ending.
Change Over Time
The evolution or transformation of a character's personality, beliefs, or perspective throughout the course of a story, often indicating character development.
Example:
Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from a miserly recluse to a generous benefactor exemplifies significant change over time in his character.
Character Descriptions
The author's initial portrayal of a character, encompassing physical, personality, and background details, which sets the foundation for understanding them.
Example:
The opening lines of 'Pride and Prejudice' introduce Elizabeth Bennet with a blend of wit and independence, immediately establishing her character description as distinct from her more conventional sisters.
Character Perspectives
A character's unique point of view, beliefs, and understanding of the world, events, and other characters, which shapes their decisions and actions.
Example:
The differing character perspectives of Romeo and Juliet's families, the Montagues and Capulets, fuel the tragic conflict of the play.
Conclusion
The final part of an argument that summarizes the main claim and key supporting evidence, providing a clear takeaway, a call to action, or a final thought for the audience.
Example:
After presenting data on the benefits of early childhood education, the researcher's conclusion might emphasize the long-term societal advantages of such investments.
Counterarguments
Opposing viewpoints or objections that an author acknowledges and often refutes or addresses to strengthen their own argument and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue.
Example:
While arguing for stricter environmental regulations, a writer might address the counterargument that such regulations could harm economic growth.
Evidence
Specific facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, or anecdotes used by an author to support and validate their main claim.
Example:
To support a claim about the effectiveness of a new teaching method, a teacher might present evidence such as improved student test scores and higher engagement rates.
Expectations
The preconceived notions or predictions a reader forms about a character's behavior or development based on their initial description or established traits.
Example:
When a character is introduced as a 'benevolent old man,' the reader forms expectations that he will act kindly and offer guidance throughout the story.
Historical Context
The social, political, cultural, and economic conditions of the time period in which a literary work was created or is set, influencing character behavior and thematic meaning.
Example:
Understanding the historical context of the American Civil War helps explain the motivations and struggles of characters in 'The Red Badge of Courage'.
Inferring Character Traits
The process of deducing a character's qualities, personality, or motivations from their actions, dialogue, thoughts, or descriptive language rather than explicit statements.
Example:
From a character who consistently volunteers at a soup kitchen and speaks kindly to strangers, one can infer character traits of compassion and generosity.
Line of Reasoning
The logical progression of ideas an author uses to build and support their argument, guiding the audience step-by-step to a conclusion.
Example:
In a persuasive speech about renewable energy, the speaker's line of reasoning might move from the problem of fossil fuels to the benefits of solar power, and finally to a call for policy change.
Logical Connections
The explicit or implicit links between ideas, claims, and evidence that demonstrate how one point leads to or supports another, often signaled by transition words.
Example:
An essay might use logical connections like 'therefore,' 'consequently,' or 'in addition' to show the relationship between different pieces of information.
Main Claim
The central argument, thesis, or assertion that an author puts forth, serving as the foundational idea their entire argument aims to prove.
Example:
The main claim of an editorial might be that public libraries are more vital than ever in the digital age.
Metaphors & Similes
Figurative language used by the author to compare a character or their qualities to something else, providing insight into their nature or impact.
Example:
Describing a character's laugh as 'a rusty gate creaking open' uses metaphors & similes to suggest an unpleasant or strained demeanor.
Motives
The underlying reasons, desires, or impulses that drive a character's actions, decisions, and overall behavior within the story.
Example:
The protagonist's relentless pursuit of justice is driven by the motive of avenging a past wrong, shaping every choice they make.
Narrator's Role
The function of the storyteller in conveying the narrative, including their point of view (e.g., first-person, omniscient) and how it influences the reader's understanding of characters and events.
Example:
An omniscient narrator's role allows the reader to know the secret thoughts of all characters, providing a comprehensive view of their inner lives.
Rhetorical Analysis
An essay type on the AP English Language exam that requires students to analyze how an author uses rhetorical strategies and appeals to achieve a specific purpose and persuade an audience.
Example:
For a rhetorical analysis essay, a student might examine how a commencement speaker uses an extended metaphor to inspire graduates.
Subverted Expectations
Occurs when a character's actions or development contradict the initial impressions or predictions a reader had, often leading to deeper thematic analysis.
Example:
A knight described as valiant and honorable might later flee from battle, subverting expectations and forcing the reader to question the nature of courage.
Synthesis Essays
An essay type on the AP English Language exam that requires students to integrate information from multiple provided sources to develop and support their own argument on a specific topic.
Example:
For a synthesis essay, a student might combine insights from articles, graphs, and interviews to argue for or against the expansion of public transportation in a city.
Unreliable Narrator
A narrator whose credibility is compromised, either intentionally or unintentionally, leading the reader to question the truthfulness of the story or character descriptions.
Example:
In 'The Catcher in the Rye,' Holden Caulfield's cynical and often exaggerated observations make him an unreliable narrator, coloring the reader's perception of other characters.
Values Dissonance
A clash between a character's values and those of the reader, the author's time, or modern societal norms, which can explain unexpected character actions.
Example:
A character in a 19th-century novel who believes women should not pursue education might exhibit values dissonance when viewed through a contemporary lens.