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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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  • Match each statement with the correct term.
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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. 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






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






3. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






4. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence 'May was hot and June the same -' the verb 'was' is omitted from the second clause






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






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






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






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






9. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words -






10. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






11. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






12. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






14. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






15. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






18. The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose






19. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






20. A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior






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






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






23. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






29. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






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






31. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






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






33. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






34. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






35. A work of literature dealing with rural life






36. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






38. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






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






41. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.






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






43. '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.






44. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time - place - historical milieu - and social - political - and even spiritual circumstances






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






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






47. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






48. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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