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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots






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






3. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






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






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






6. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict






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






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






9. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






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






11. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






14. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






15. The main character in a work of literature






16. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






17. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background - and all other elements of the story






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






19. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. 'pass away' instead of 'die'






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






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






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






23. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






24. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm - or fixed metrical feet






25. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






26. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






27. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






30. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






31. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.






32. A narrative told by a character involved in the story - using first-person pronouns such as I and we.






33. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






36. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






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






38. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often (but not always) marked by punctuation






39. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






42. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






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






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






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






46. A popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.






47. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






48. 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






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






50. 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.