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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. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






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






3. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






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






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






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






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






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






9. 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.






10. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






13. 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






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






15. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






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






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






18. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






21. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






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






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






25. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






28. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






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






30. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






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






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






33. 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.






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






35. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






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






40. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






44. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






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






46. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






47. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






48. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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