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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. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






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






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






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






5. 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






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






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






8. A reference to a person - place - or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea






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






10. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing - ex. sun-bright topaz - sun-lit lake - sun-bright lake






11. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






13. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






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






15. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






17. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






27. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






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






31. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






34. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






35. 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...'






36. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






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






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






39. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






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






41. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






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






43. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






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






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






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






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






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






49. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






50. A poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value