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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 witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






2. 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






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






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






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






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






7. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






10. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






11. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






12. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






13. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






25. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






27. 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.






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






29. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






43. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose






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






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






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






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






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






49. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






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