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






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






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






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






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






6. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






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






9. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.






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






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






12. 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






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






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






15. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






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






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






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 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'






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






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






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






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






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






26. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






27. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






31. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






32. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






33. A work of literature dealing with rural life






34. 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






35. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






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






37. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






44. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






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






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






49. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






50. A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy