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






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






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






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






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






6. The dictionary definition of a word






7. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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






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






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






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






14. A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior






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






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






17. A work of literature dealing with rural life






18. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






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






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






22. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






23. The main character in a work of literature






24. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






25. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






26. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






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






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






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






30. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






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






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






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






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






37. 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






38. 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






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






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






41. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






44. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






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






46. 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






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






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






49. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful - and exalted feeling towards the subject






50. A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy