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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. The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose






2. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






3. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






6. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






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






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






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






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






11. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






12. 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...'






13. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






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






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






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






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






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






19. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






22. 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






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






24. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words -






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






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






27. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






28. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






30. 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






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






32. 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






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






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






35. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






36. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character - ex. Oedipus Rex






37. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






38. Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject






39. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






41. 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.






42. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.






43. 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






44. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






45. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






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






47. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






48. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






49. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






50. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem