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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. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






3. 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.






4. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






5. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






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






10. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






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






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






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






14. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






17. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack - or ridicule an idea - vice - or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






18. 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.






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






20. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






21. A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation






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






23. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






24. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme - or some other plan






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






26. 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






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






28. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






29. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






30. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject






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






32. A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy






33. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.






34. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






35. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






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






37. A phrase - idea - or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature






38. 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






39. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






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






42. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






44. A person - scene - event - or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set






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






46. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






47. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






48. One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






49. A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences - i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






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







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