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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. 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






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






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






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






5. Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.






6. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






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






8. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






10. Also called 'pen name' or 'nom de plume'; a false name or alias used by writers. Ex: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)






11. 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.






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






13. A work of literature dealing with rural life






14. 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






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






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






17. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






18. The main character in a work of literature






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






20. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






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






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






25. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






26. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






28. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






31. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






32. A synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






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






34. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






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






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






37. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






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






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






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