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






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






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






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






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






6. 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






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






8. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






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






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






12. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






14. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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






16. A humorous play on words - using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






17. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






18. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






20. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






24. 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






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






26. The dictionary definition of a word






27. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






28. 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.






29. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






30. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






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






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






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






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






35. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background - and all other elements of the story






36. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






37. A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






38. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






39. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






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






42. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






47. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






48. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






49. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






50. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation