AP Lit Terms
AP Lit Terms
For each of your eight terms, provide 1) the term, 2) the category of literature it concerns, 3) a formal definition, 4) a vernacular definition, 5) an original created example 6) a literary example with excerpt from a text.
For example:
1. tragic flaw (also called hamartia)
2. character description
3. the character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall
4. a mistake which leads to destruction – often vanity, arrogance, ignorance
5. The student’s desire to always be correct and know the total truth eliminated the ability to embrace the unknown which surrounds daily life. Rather than celebrating the spontaneity of life, the student became obsessive compulsive trying to control it.
6. From The Turn of the Screw by Henry James: “I dare say I fancied myself in short a remarkable young woman and took comfort in the faith that this would more publicly appear. Well, I needed to be remarkable. . .” (19). The Governess’ irrational pressure upon herself to be a heroine (as in the novels she voraciously consumed) stopped from her seeking additional help from outside sources. This hero complex character flaw leads her into a situation which leads to her downfall as governess (though apparently she was able to obtain other employment later).
Additional example: Oedipus strove for knowledge, although this quest led to his own downfall as the truth revealed his own guilt at killing his father and sleeping with his mother. He couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Timeline:
March 19: Distribute assignment
April 7: Present in class – goal is to instruct.
April 8: Due on blog apeg.blogspot.com
posted by erdecker @ 9:07 AM
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