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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 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






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






3. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






8. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






10. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ('fifty masts' for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ('days' for life - as in 'He lived his days in Canada'). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ('pigskin'






11. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






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






13. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






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






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






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






17. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






21. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote - Moll Flanders






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






29. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background - and all other elements of the story






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






31. Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity - and restraint






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






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






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






35. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






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






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






38. A novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group






39. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






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






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






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






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






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






45. A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences - i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






46. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






47. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






50. 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