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






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






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






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






5. 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






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






7. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






9. '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.






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






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






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






13. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






14. Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.






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






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






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






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






19. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm - or fixed metrical feet






20. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






23. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






32. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






34. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






35. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






37. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. 'pass away' instead of 'die'






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






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






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






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






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






44. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






45. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






47. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action - and resolution.






48. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






49. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose






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







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