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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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 high point - or turning point - of a story or play






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






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






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






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 work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation






7. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.






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






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






10. The main character in a work of literature






11. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






13. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






14. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






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






18. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack - or ridicule an idea - vice - or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






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






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






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






22. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






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






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






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






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






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






28. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful - and exalted feeling towards the subject






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






30. 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.






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






32. '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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






39. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






44. 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






45. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






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






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






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