Test your basic knowledge |

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 pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






2. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






3. 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






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






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






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






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






8. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






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






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






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






15. The dictionary definition of a word






16. 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.






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






18. A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






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






20. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






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






25. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






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






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






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






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






30. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






31. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






32. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






33. 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






34. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






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






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






37. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






40. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






42. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






43. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






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






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






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






47. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






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






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






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