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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. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






3. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






7. 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.






8. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






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






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






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






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






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






14. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






15. 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






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






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






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






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






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






21. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






22. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






23. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






36. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






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






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






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






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






41. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






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






48. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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