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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. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. 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






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






11. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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






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






16. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






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






21. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






22. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






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






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






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






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






28. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






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






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






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






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






33. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






36. 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






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






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






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






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






41. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






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






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






44. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






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






47. A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






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






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






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