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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.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

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. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






2. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.






3. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






4. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






5. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






6. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






7. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






8. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






9. 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.






10. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






12. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






13. The structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. For example: monometer = 1foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet - and so forth






14. The depiction of people - things - and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.






15. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






16. A synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






17. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






19. A word or phrase representing that which can be seen - touched - tasted - smelled - or felt






20. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






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






22. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






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






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






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






26. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action - and resolution.






27. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ('fifty masts' for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ('days' for life - as in 'He lived his days in Canada'). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ('pigskin'






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






29. 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.






30. A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea






31. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






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






33. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






34. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character - ex. Oedipus Rex






35. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






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






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






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






39. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






40. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






41. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






42. 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.






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






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






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






46. Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject






47. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






48. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful - and exalted feeling towards the subject






49. A humorous play on words - using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






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