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






2. 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






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






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






5. 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






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






7. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






9. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack - or ridicule an idea - vice - or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






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






11. 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.






12. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






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






14. The dictionary definition of a word






15. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






19. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






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






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






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






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






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






25. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






26. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






28. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






29. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






30. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






32. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






34. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






39. 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






40. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






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






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






50. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject