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






2. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






3. 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






4. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






8. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






11. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






12. 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






13. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






16. The depiction of people - things - and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.






17. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






19. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






20. 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






21. 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.






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






23. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






24. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






26. A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






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






28. The dictionary definition of a word






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






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






31. A narrative told by a character involved in the story - using first-person pronouns such as I and we.






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






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






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






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






36. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.






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






38. The emotional tone in a work of literature






39. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






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






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






42. 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






43. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






46. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






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






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






49. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time - place - historical milieu - and social - political - and even spiritual circumstances






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