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






2. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






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






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






5. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






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






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






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






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






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






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






12. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






13. A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited






14. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






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






19. 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






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






21. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry.






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






23. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






24. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






31. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






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






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






34. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.






35. A person - scene - event - or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set






36. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.






37. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.






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






39. 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






40. 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






41. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






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






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






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






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






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






47. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






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






49. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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