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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. A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences - i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






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






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






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






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






6. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. 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.






14. The main character in a work of literature






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






16. 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






17. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack - or ridicule an idea - vice - or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






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






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






20. 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






21. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






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






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






26. 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






27. 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






28. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






29. The dictionary definition of a word






30. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






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






33. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






35. The emotional tone in a work of literature






36. A humorous play on words - using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






37. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






38. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






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






44. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






47. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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






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






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