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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 device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






2. 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






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






4. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






5. One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






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






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






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






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






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






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






12. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ('fifty masts' for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ('days' for life - as in 'He lived his days in Canada'). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ('pigskin'






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






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






16. A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation






17. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






18. 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






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






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






21. Literally - 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can - a common theme in literature






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






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






24. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






25. 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






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






27. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






29. 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






30. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






33. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose






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






35. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






36. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote - Moll Flanders






37. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






38. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






39. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






41. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






42. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






45. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






46. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






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






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






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






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