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






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






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






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






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






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






7. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






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






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






10. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






12. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






18. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






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






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






23. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






25. Grating - inharmonious sounds






26. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






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






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






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






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






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






32. 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






33. A verse with five poetic feet per line






34. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






35. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






36. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






37. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






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






39. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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






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






42. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






43. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






44. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






46. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






47. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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