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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 one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose






2. 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.






3. 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






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






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






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






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






8. A term used to describe literary forms - such as novel - play - and essay






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






10. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






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






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






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






14. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






22. Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.






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






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






25. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict






26. 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






27. 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.






28. 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






29. 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






30. The structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. For example: monometer = 1foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet - and so forth






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






40. 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






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






42. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






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






46. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






49. 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...'






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