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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. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






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






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






4. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






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






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






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






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






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






10. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






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






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






14. 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...'






15. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






16. 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






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






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






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






20. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






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






24. Also called 'pen name' or 'nom de plume'; a false name or alias used by writers. Ex: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)






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






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






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






28. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






31. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






32. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time - place - historical milieu - and social - political - and even spiritual circumstances






33. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






34. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






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






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






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






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






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






41. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






42. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






44. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






46. 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






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






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






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






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