Abstract: Used as a noun, the term refers to a short summary or
outline of a longer work. As an adjective applied to writing or
literary works, abstract refers to words or phrases that name
things not knowable through the five senses. Examples of
abstracts include the Cliffs Notes summaries of major literary
works. Examples of abstract terms or concepts include "idea,"
"guilt" "honesty," and "loyalty." (Compare with Concrete.)
Absurd, Theater of the: See Theater of the Absurd Absurdism: See
Theater of the Absurd Accent: The emphasis or stress placed on a
syllable in poetry. Traditional poetry commonly uses patterns of
accented and unaccented syllables (known as feet) that create
distinct rhythms. Much modern poetry uses less formal
arrangements that create a sense of freedom and spontaneity. The
following line from William Shakespeare's Hamlet: "To be or not
to be: that is the question" has five accents, on the words
"be," "not," "be," and "that," and the first syllable of
"question." (See also Cadence, Foot,