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






2. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






6. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






8. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






9. 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






10. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






13. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






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






15. A popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.






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






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






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






19. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






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






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






22. 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.






23. A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






24. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






26. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






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






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






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






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






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






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






33. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






35. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






37. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.






38. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






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






41. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






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






45. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme - or some other plan






46. Grating - inharmonious sounds






47. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






49. The main character in a work of literature






50. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.