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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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  • Match each statement with the correct term.
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This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






2. Grating - inharmonious sounds






3. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






4. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






5. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






6. A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






7. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






8. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation






9. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry.






10. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






11. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






12. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






13. Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity - and restraint






14. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






15. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






16. A brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature






17. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






18. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






19. Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.






20. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






21. An extended narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero that is generally larger than life and is often considered a legendary figure - i.e. Odysseus - Beowulf - Homer's Iliad - Vergil's Aeneid.






22. A work of fiction of roughly 20 -000 to 50 -000 words--longer than a short story - but shorter than a novel






23. A term used to describe literary forms - such as novel - play - and essay






24. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






25. A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative






26. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.






27. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






28. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






29. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






30. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






31. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots






32. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence 'May was hot and June the same -' the verb 'was' is omitted from the second clause






33. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






34. A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






35. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






36. 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.






37. A novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group






38. Literally - 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can - a common theme in literature






39. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






40. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






41. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






42. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






43. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: 'The White House says...'






44. The dictionary definition of a word






45. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






46. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time - place - historical milieu - and social - political - and even spiritual circumstances






47. A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






48. A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited






49. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






50. In contrast to Dionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior







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