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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 form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






2. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






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






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






5. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






6. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






7. 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






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






9. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






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






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






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






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






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






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






16. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






24. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






25. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






27. 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






28. 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.






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






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






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






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






33. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






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






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






36. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






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






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






39. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






40. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






43. The main character in a work of literature






44. French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






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






46. 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






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






48. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






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






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