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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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 concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






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






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






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






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






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






7. 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






8. The dictionary definition of a word






9. 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






10. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






11. '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.






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






13. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






15. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character - ex. Oedipus Rex






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






25. The main character in a work of literature






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






27. 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






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






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






30. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






31. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






32. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






33. A verse with five poetic feet per line






34. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






35. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing - ex. sun-bright topaz - sun-lit lake - sun-bright lake






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






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






38. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






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






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






41. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






44. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






47. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






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






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






50. 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