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






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






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






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






5. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






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






8. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






10. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






11. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






13. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






14. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






22. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






24. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






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






29. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






30. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






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






32. A word or phrase representing that which can be seen - touched - tasted - smelled - or felt






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






34. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






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






36. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






37. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






40. 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'






41. 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.






42. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






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






46. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






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






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






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






50. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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