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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 discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






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






3. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words






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






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






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






7. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






8. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






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






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






11. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






12. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






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






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






15. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






17. 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






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






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






20. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






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






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






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






24. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action - and resolution.






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






26. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






30. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






32. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






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






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






35. 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.






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






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






38. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: 'The White House says...'






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






40. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






41. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






42. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






44. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






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






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






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






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






50. A work of literature dealing with rural life