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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 brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature






2. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






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






6. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






9. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






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






11. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






16. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






18. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






19. 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






20. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






21. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






26. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






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






28. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






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






30. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






32. 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.






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






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






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






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






37. 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






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






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






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






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






42. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character - ex. Oedipus Rex






43. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






44. A work of fiction of roughly 20 -000 to 50 -000 words--longer than a short story - but shorter than a novel






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






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






47. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






48. The dictionary definition of a word






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






50. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment