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






2. The main character in a work of literature






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






4. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






5. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






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






8. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






20. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






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






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






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






24. 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.






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






26. French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






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






28. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






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






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






33. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






35. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.






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






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






38. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






39. A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






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






41. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.






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






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






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






45. A term for the title character of a work of literature






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






47. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






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






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






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